PVC compounds provide cost benefit and per pound of PVC in small diameter pressure water pipes and fittings, over other materials, such as copper, steel or high-performance cross-linked polyethylene (PEX). Other than being cost-intensive, copper, steel or PEX are also expensive to install than PVC pipes. In these systems, the cost of installation can be as much as ten times the cost of the pipe itself, so even small differences in the ease of installation can result in large differences in the total cost of using a substitute material instead of PVC. PVC pipe holds a commanding share in large diameter pressure water and sanitary sewer pipe because of its low cost, ease of installation, long and reliable service life, and its low replacement and maintenance cost. Ductile iron and concrete are the major substitutes in these applications, and their installation costs are higher, particularly for concrete since many more pipe joints are required. Replacement and repair costs are much higher for concrete than for PVC pipe. Additional costs are also imposed by the loss of water, due to main breaks and pumping costs, which may be higher for these surrogate materials. The higher installation cost for concrete pipe also contributes to the substitution cost for PVC in storm sewers. Therefore, PVC offers a much better cost-saving option for the aforementioned applications, both in terms of material and installation.

Increase in investments and construction activities in the residential and infrastructure sector is the primary driver for the growth of the Indonesian construction sector. Foreign direct investments in the country are expected to drive the growth of the Indonesian real estate sector. The country has eased the regulations by amending the law on public-private partnerships and passing a new land acquisition law, to make the infrastructure sector more investor-friendly. The Indonesian Ministry of Communication and Information Technology is encouraging the 100 Smart City Movement. This, in turn, is expected to propel many innovative real estate developments in the coming years. New real estate projects in the country have driven the Indonesian property sector in the past few years. The architectural layout of the capital city, Jakarta, has attracted various investors from around the world.

Historically, there have been instances of men and women using hair wigs and extensions for several purposes including trying out different hairstyles, using colored hair to change their appearance, and covering bald patches of the head. Currently, hair loss is a serious health issue. Hectic lifestyles and improper consumption of essential nutrients have adverse effects on the human body. From invisible effects such as general weakness, reduced stamina, sleep problems, and hectic lifestyles can cause several hair problems. Alopecia, receding hairline, and pattern baldness are more common in men while hair thinning is more common among women.

Superabsorbent polymers are used as an absorbent, as they can absorb up to 300 times of their weight in aqueous fluids. Owing to characteristics, such as protecting the skin against drying, irritation, and infections, the largest use of superabsorbent polymers is in personal hygiene products, which include feminine hygiene products, diapers, and adult incontinence products. The governments in different countries are continuously collaborating with various NGOs, media center, and various companies, to educate people about personal hygiene management. The motive behind these initiatives is to keep the environment cleaner and safer and to avoid the spread of various diseases. According to the World Health Organization, every year, around 15 million babies are born in the world and this number is increasing. With the rising infant born rate and increasing awareness toward hygiene of a baby, the demand for superabsorbent polymers is increasing.

Cold chain is a temperature-controlled supply chain with uninterrupted storage and distribution activities. Cold chains maintain a given temperature range. The cold chain market operations that are meant to ensure and extend the shelf life of fresh agricultural produce, seafood, frozen food, photographic film, chemicals, and pharmaceutical drugs are expected to rapidly increase. This rapid increase is due to the growing demand from the consumers resulting from the changing lifestyles and growing advanced technologies.  For instance, the global demand for frozen food has continued to increase, driven by the convenience for consumers. The meat segment has accounted for the largest share of the frozen food market, followed by frozen fruits, vegetables, etc.  With the increasing demand for frozen food products and the presence of highly competitive market with low margins, most of the food processors, distributors, and retailers are shifting from the manually operated obsolete facilities to the high bay deep-freeze warehouses where refrigerants are widely employed.  Moreover, the expansion of food retail chains by the multinational companies and the growth in international trade (due to trade liberalization) have led to an increase in the demand for the cold chain processes, which in turn, increase the demand for refrigerants worldwide.

Drug-delivery devices contribute significantly to the medical device market. From infusion catheter delivery systems to more complex connected products that have been making their way on to the market in the recent years, the market is expanding continuously. Manufacturers of drug-delivery devices are developing complex new products utilizing high-performance materials to meet the specified design criteria that include physical and mechanical attributes, functionality, reliability, aesthetics and ergonomics, compliance with applicable regulatory standards, and meeting cost objectives.  Drug-delivery devices are becoming increasingly complex. Functional components within these products are integral to ensuring that a device works in a consistent and reliable manner (whether on day one or after a two-year shelf life). By catering to these demands, polyoxymethylene (POM) has become critical to commercial success of the drug-delivery devices.

Perfluoroalkoxy (PFA) comes in high purity (HP) versions that are SEMI F-57 certified for ultrapure water and liquid chemical distribution systems. PFA can be extruded in convoluted tubing forms to provide a highly flexible conduit. This fluoropolymer possesses the ability to withstand temperature environments of up to 260 °C/500 °F and can be extruded in convoluted tubing forms that provide a highly flexible conduit. This tubing aids a wide range of applications including laboratory plumbing, adhesive transfer systems, food processing, fuel, paint, and hydraulic lines. The major qualities of PFA include excellent lubricity, clarity, flexibility, and chemical resistance. The unique molecular structure of PFA HP resin reduces the metallic extractables, protects against ionic contamination, and is nonreactive with virtually all commonly encountered chemicals. Thus, high purity PFA tubing lends itself well to critical fluid transport applications that demand very low level of chemical extractables. High purity PFA possesses low gas permeability and retains its mechanical strength at high temperatures even when exposed to caustic chemicals.

1 月8 日，北京理工大学能源与环境政策研究中心在北京举行2020 年度能源经济预测与展望研究报告发布会，对外发布了《经济承压背景下中国能源经济发展与展望》《2020 年光伏及风电产业前景预测与展望》《2020 年国际原油价格分析与趋势预测》等6 份研究报告。

新材料是重要的基础性、先导性产业，发展我国新材料产业是建设制造强国的迫切需要。推动新材料产业快速健康发展需要“抓大放小”落实重点工作，更需要做好顶层设计和政策引导。面临新一轮的科技革命和产业变革，抢占新材料产业的制高点，就是抢占未来发展先机。

新材料是国民经济发展的基础产业，也是保障国家产业安全的重点领域，然而，我国关键基础材料受制于人的状况依然令人担忧，新材料产业技术创新机制不畅、工程化周期长等问题仍然存在。赛迪智库规划研究所通过分析发达国家培育新材料产业的经验做法，总结出新材料产业技术创新的五大模式，即产学研合作型、企业联盟型、政府主导型、军民结合型、平台共享型，并对我国新材料产业技术创新提出建议。