united states office of air quality epa 452 r 00 007 environmental protection planning and standards may 2001 agency research triangle park nc 27711 final report economic impact analysis proposed reinforced plastics neshap us innovative strategies economics group md 15 prepared under contract by institute center for this contains portions the that are related to industry profile 1 section 2 one most used materials in industrial commercial activities contribute virtually all products consumed from packaging motor vehicles can be divided into two major groups resin type thermoset or thermoplastic when additional strength is required many with structural produce rpcs production polymers reinforcing compounded a variety fillers minimize requirements additives change physical properties desired composite polymer often