Showing posts with label Chemical & Materials. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chemical & Materials. Show all posts

Monday, 8 August 2016

Conducive Properties of Superhydrophobic Coatings to Drive Innovation for Advanced Applications

The global superhydrophobic coatings market is characterized by high capital investment and immense competition amongst the players constituting the market. These factors limit the scope of new companies entering the market. However, varied product solutions and technologies make the global superhydrophobic coatings market opportunity-laden market for new entrants. Another factor fuelling innovation in the superhydrophobic coatings is the thriving prospects in various end-use industries such construction, consumer electronics, and automotive industries.

Increasing Demand for Waterproof Electronics to Promote Adoption of Superhydrophobic Coatings

Large-scale deployment of the superhydrophobic coatings in the waterproof electronics owing to rising demand from the consumers has fuelled the growth of the global superhydrophobic coatings market. Their properties such as water repellency, easy application on the surface, and thermal stability ensure protection to the sensitive electronic products, thereby making them a popular choice for vendors in the global superhydrophobic coatings market.


Augmentation of Global Construction Industry to Propel Demand for Superhydrophobic Coatings

Other than electronics and telecommunication, superhydrophobic coatings are used in industries such as building and construction, textile and leather, healthcare and medical, optical, automotive, and power generation. The expansion in the global construction sector is likely to benefit the growth of the global superhydrophobic coatings market. The high usage of composite materials in the construction industry will prove to be lucrative for players in the superhydrophobic coatings market. These coatings find applications in the building and construction sector due to their high-temperature resistivity and effective barrier capacity against water and microbes. They are also highly compatible with ceramics, concrete, composite substrates, and masonry.

Also, the superhydrophobic coatings have extensive application in the textile and leather industry. The rising need for self-cleaning clothes for daily use and dirt-resistant protective clothing in the military sector will potentially boost the demand for superhydrophobic coatings in the textile and leather sector.

Increasing Infrastructure Activities in APAC to Present Opportunities for Superhydrophobic Coatings Market

Asia Pacific will exhibit substantial growth owing to rapid industrialization in various sectors such as consumer electronics, healthcare, and automotive. Also, rising residential construction and infrastructure activities in the emerging nations such as India, China, Thailand, South Korea, and Singapore.

Friday, 5 August 2016

Reinforced Plastics Becoming the Norm in Automotive, Aviation, Wind Energy Industries

Reinforced plastics are plastic resins bonded with various types of fibers to improve their mechanical strength and numerous physical properties. These compounds are becoming standard in the construction, automotive, aerospace, and electronics industries, among others, due to their superior physical properties in comparison to conventional materials.

According to Transparency Market Research, the global reinforced plastics market was valued at US$8.4 bn in 2012. Exhibiting a robust 7.60% CAGR from 2013 to 2019, the market’s valuation is expected to rise to US$15.8 bn.

The leading driver for the reinforced plastics market is the steady technological development around the world, which has allowed easy incorporation of reinforced plastics in several industries, and the rapid economic development of emerging countries, which has resulted in an increasing demand for products using reinforced plastics despite their higher prices.

Which is the leading application of reinforced plastics?

The automotive industry is the leading consumer of reinforced plastics, with the high mechanical strength and low weight of reinforced plastics proving to be the perfect combination for automotive design. Reinforced plastics are stronger than conventional car-building materials such as steel and aluminum, and also weigh less, which results in reduced emissions. This is a key factor responsible for the automotive industry’s increasing use of reinforced plastics, as environmental regulations across the world have incentivized low-emission vehicles to variable degrees. The increasingly informed urban consumers also prefer to buy cars that cause minimal damage to the environment.

Ford recently announced a research initiative into the possible use of agave wood in its automotive plastics. Agave fibers are a remainder from the process used to produce tequila from the agave plant, and are currently only used as mulch, compost, or in local art. While glass-reinforced plastics are common in Ford’s product range, the use of plant-based reinforcing material will allow the carmaker to significantly cut down its carbon footprint.


The use of reinforced plastics to reduce emissions is also becoming notable in the aviation and aerospace industry. Commercial airliners, which need to comply with the stringent per-flying-hour emission limits set by various governments, are making use of reinforced plastics to increase their fuel efficiency, while space exploration vehicles also benefit from the use of lightweight and strong compounds.

The lightweight yet strong reinforced plastics are also being used to produce wind turbine blades. Turbine blades made from reinforced plastics can be operated at lower wind speeds due to their low weight and yet are significantly more durable than conventional turbine blades.

Where is the reinforced plastics market growing the quickest?

North America was the leading contributor to the reinforced plastics market in 2012. Its dominant 35% market share can be attributed to the increasing demand from the region’s established automotive sector and the presence of many technological pioneers in the U.S.

However, the booming automotive and construction industries in Asia Pacific are expected to ensure steady demand for reinforced plastics from the region in the coming years. China and India are the key contributors to the Asia Pacific reinforced plastics market, with both countries exhibiting dynamic urbanization and increasing use of high-end automobiles.

Saturday, 23 July 2016

Demand for Water Treatment Chemicals to Surge as Developing Nations Step Up Efforts to Check Water Pollution

The demand for water treatment chemicals and technologies is anticipated to rise significantly with the rise in acute water scarcity across the globe. Industrial effluents released into water bodies have resulted to the lack of potable water. The global water treatment chemicals and technology market is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 3.8% during the period between 2013 and 2018. The overall market stood at a valuation of US$115.80 bn in 2012 and is projected to be worth US$149.89 bn by the end of 2018.

What are the key factors impacting the growth of the global water treatment chemicals market?

Depletion in fresh water reserves worldwide has led to increasing regulatory pressure for industrial and domestic wastewater effluent treatment. The growing demand for water treatment from the emerging economies facing rapid industrialization has significantly supported the growth of the global water treatment chemicals and technology market. The market is anticipated to expand further in the coming years with governments across nations launching new initiatives for cleaning rivers and restricting the release of untreated waste water.

Which are the key product segments reaping benefits for the players in the global water treatment chemicals and technology market?

On the basis of chemicals, the global water treatment chemicals and technology market has been segmented into anti-foamants and defoamers, corrosion and scale inhibitors, biocides, coagulants and flocculants, activated carbon, and other chemicals. Corrosion and scale inhibitors drive the demand from the market. In terms of membrane systems, the market has been broadly categorized into electrodialysis, reverse osmosis, ultrafiltration, microfiltration, gas separation, and other systems. The market players are focusing on membrane systems as the demand for microfiltration and reverse osmosis is anticipated to surge in the near future. 


Which are the key regions holding potential for the growth of the global water treatment chemicals and technology market?

Asia Pacific is one of the major regions holding immense opportunities for the growth of the global water treatment chemicals and technology market. The region is anticipated to register the fastest growth during the period between 2013 and 2018. The rapid growth of this region can be attributed to the increase in water pollution across the emerging economies such as India and China. Industrialization and urbanization have led to environmental pollution across these countries, thereby resulting to shortage of drinking water. 

In India, wastewater from industries is released into river bodies such as the Ganges. The Indian government has launched an ambitious US$3 bn plan to rejuvenate the 2,500 kilometres long Ganges. This has created ample opportunities for the key players in the global water treatment chemicals and technology market. In China too, the government is stressing on water treatment with about 60% of underground water being unfit for human consumption.

In 2011, North America was the leading market for water treatment chemicals. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, about 16.4 mn pounds of toxic chemicals were released by 280 federally regulated facilities in 2014. Stringent environmental regulations in the region are expected to aid the growth of the water treatment chemicals market.

Sunday, 3 July 2016

Global Physical Vapor Deposition Market to Exhibit 9.5% CAGR by 2019

Physical vapor deposition is a widely used and highly effective coating technique involving the evaporation of a coating material and its transport to the surface to be coated. Protective coatings applied by the method of physical vapor deposition display a strong adherence and much higher durability compared to coatings achieved through traditional coating mechanisms such a electroplating.

Increasing Demand for Microelectronics Drives Global PVD Market

The key drivers for the global physical vapor deposition market are the growing demand for microelectronics and the growing need for durable and safe protective coatings in the medical devices industry. Microelectronics are gaining consistent demand from the booming computers and defense industries, and the durability of coatings obtained by physical vapor deposition is the major driver for the demand for the latter in the manufacture of microelectronics. The microelectronics sector accounted for a whopping 45.7% of the revenue of the global physical vapor deposition market in 2012.

The increasing use of physical vapor deposition in the production of medical devices is another key driver for the global PVD industry. The global medical devices industry has been driven by the steady increase in government expenditure on upgradation efforts in the healthcare sector. Emerging economies have exhibited a growing demand for medical devices due to their expanding healthcare sectors. The hassle-free nature and environmental viability of physical vapor deposition are the key drivers for the global PVD market in the coming years.


PVD Equipment Leads Global Market by Type, APAC by Region

By product, the global physical vapor deposition market is divided into services, materials, and equipment. PVD equipment took up the largest share in the global physical vapor deposition market in 2012, with 65%. The increasing demand for relatively nascent application sectors such as microelectronics and solar energy has been the major driver for the global PVD equipment market in recent years.

By geography, Asia Pacific emerged as the largest market for physical vapor deposition in 2012. The increasing demand for physical vapor deposition from the medical devices and microelectronics industries in countries such as India and China is a major aspect of the growing Asia Pacific PVD market. The APAC physical vapor deposition market is expected to exhibit a strong 9.50% CAGR from 2013 to 2019.

Superhydrophobic Coatings Market Driven by Increasing Demand from Consumer Electronics Industry

Superhydrophobic coatings are a naturally occurring phenomenon in which the topography of a surface contains projections to minimize its contact with water. This keeps the surface free from water and the various complications that can arise as a result of that. This includes the growth of molds and several other microorganisms, and the risk of degenerative chemical reactions such as oxidation.

Multiple plants use naturally occurring versions of superhydrophobic coatings to keep their leaves free from moisture; the lotus plant is the most famous example of the phenomenon. Human efforts to mimic this phenomenon have picked up speed mainly after the development and establishment of nanotechnology, which has allowed us to construct superhydrophobic coatings at the nano scale.

Increasing Demand from Consumer Electronics Industry Drives Superhydrophobic Coatings Industry

In recent years, the global consumer electronics industry has been driven at a robust rate by the increasing disposable income of consumers in developing regions and the improvement in the services offered by consumer electronics, which has served to expand the industry’s target customer base. Waterproof consumer electronics are becoming a standard in the industry, particularly regarding portable devices such as smartphones and tablets. This is a major driver for the demand from the global superhydrophobic coatings market, as the consumer electronics industry is expected to expand steadily in developing economies in Asia Pacific and Latin America in the coming years.


Superhydrophobic Coatings could Revolutionize Solar Power Industry

Solar power is a crucial part of the global alternative energy scenario and is becoming popular around the world. However, a major restraint on the solar power market is the drop in efficiency brought about by the presence of even thin layers of dirt, which can significantly reduce the solar energy reaching the cell. Regular washes are the most commonly used solution against this, but allocating that much water to solar power is not feasible in regions such as the Middle East, which receives high amounts of sunlight but lacks fresh water. As a result, superhydrophobic coatings are being considered for use on solar cells, where they would actively prevent dirt particles from settling on the cell. This is a major opportunity for the global superhydrophobic coatings market in the coming years.

Wednesday, 22 June 2016

Silica Flour Market Driven by Expanding Glass, Fiberglass Industries

Silica flour is a finely ground powder of silica particles. Silica flour has a diverse set of applications due to its small particle size, which increases the total surface area of a given volume of silica flour, and its high purity. The production of glass, cultured marble, and fiberglass is one of the most important applications of silica flour and is expected to exhibit increasing demand for silica flour in the coming years.

According to a report published recently by Transparency Market Research, the global silica flour market was valued at US$338.1 mn in 2014. Exhibiting a robust 7% CAGR from 2015 to 2023, the global silica flour market is expected to rise to a valuation of US$618 mn.

Increasing Fiberglass Production Drives Global Silica Flour Market

Fiberglass is the largest application segment of the global silica flour market and took up 25% of the globally produced silica flour in 2014. The share of the fiberglass production application segment in the silica flour is expected to remain dominant in the coming years, with a robust 6% CAGR projected for the segment in the 2015-2023 forecast period.

Fiberglass is one of the best insulating agents available at affordable rates and has thus become popular in the construction industry. The expansion of the construction industry in developing regions is thus likely to drive the silica flour market in the coming years. 


Expanding Glass Market to Propel Global Silica Flour Market

The demand for glass is also driven by the construction industry boom in Asia Pacific and the Middle East, as glass is crucial in any new construction. Like fiberglass, glass production is a major application segment of the global silica flour market. The increasing demand for consumer electronics such as television sets and smartphones and tablets has also been crucial in increasing the global demand for glass, thus indirectly driving the silica flour market.

The Asia Pacific market for silica flour is expected to remain dominant in the coming years due to the rapid expansion of the construction and consumer electronics markets in the region. The APAC silica flour market held a 40% share in the global market in 2014.

Monday, 20 June 2016

China, India to Shape Future of Global Mica Market

Mica is a term given to a group of minerals distinguished by their hexagonal atomic structure. This structure means that the minerals can be made into extremely thin sheets without any loss in their mechanical, physical, and electrical properties. Mica remains an extremely poor conductor of heat and electricity even in the form of sheets with a thickness of less than 1 millimeter and can thus be used as an insulator. This property of mica minerals has been vital to driving the global mica market.

Mica is extracted from all three types of rocks as a byproduct of feldspar mining. The major product types in the global mica market are ground mica, sheet mica, block mica, and built up mica. These products are used in different applications and are also produced in different parts of the world.

Global Mica Market Driven by Rising Demand from Paints and Coatings Industry

One of the main uses of mica is as an additive in paints and coatings to improve their luster. Paints including mica not only appear brighter and more vivid than other formulations, but also remain so for longer periods. The high resistance mica shows against heat and humidity also means that paints and coatings including mica have a longer shelf life, as mica protects them from harmful environmental actors to some extent.


The global paints and coatings market is experiencing a steady rise at present due to the global construction industry boom. As a result, the demand for mica is growing steadily. Developing economies such as China and India have a flourishing construction industry and are thus crucial to the global mica market’s progress in the coming years. These two countries are also among the largest producers of mica in the world, and India has been shown to contain some of the world’s largest mica reserves. The dynamic economies of these two countries are thus crucial for the global mica market.

Use in Consumer Electronics Propels Global Mica Market

The increasing demand for consumer electronics in emerging economies also spells good news for the global mica industry. Mica is increasingly being used as an insulating agent in consumer electronics due to its light weight and high mechanical strength. This is another key factor expected to affect the growth of the mica market in the coming years.

Tuesday, 7 June 2016

Wood Activated Carbon Market Driven by Increasing Demand in Water Purification

Wood activated carbon is formed from the remainder of wood processing, including wood chips and sawdust. The wood matter remaining after the processing is crushed to form a homogenous powder and treated with steam at high temperatures. This leads to the formation of a highly porous and amorphous carbon type known. The high porosity and high surface area of wood activated carbon particles are highly useful in several purification applications, since the carbon particles attach to hazardous contaminants such as mercury and lead, which can then be separated easily.

According to a new report from Transparency Market Research, the global wood activated carbon was valued at US$206.5 mn in 2015. Exhibiting a solid 9.2% CAGR from 2016 to 2024, the market is expected to rise to a valuation of US$456 mn by 2024.

Rising Use in Water Purification Boosts Wood Activated Carbon Market in Emerging Regions

The two major applications of wood activated carbon are in the removal of mercury from gaseous industrial emissions and the removal of lead and other contaminants from the public water supply. The latter is the dominant application segment of the wood activated carbon market in developing regions such as Asia Pacific. 


Due to the rapid urbanization observed in emerging economies such as India, the demand for clean water is growing. The use of wood activated carbon is highly efficacious in this application, as well as costing less than alternative methods. Due to this, the demand for wood activated carbon for water purification is rising.

North America Wood Activated Carbon Market Driven by Increasing Use to Purify Industrial Emissions

In North America, the strict regulatory mandates to remove mercury from airborne industrial emissions have seen wood activated carbon receive increasing demand. China is also a notable example of a country that has enforced stringent laws regarding the purification of airborne industrial emissions. Application in mercury removal is expected to remain a significant part of the global wood activated carbon market in the coming years.

Tuesday, 31 May 2016

Growth in Paint and Coatings Industry to Bode Well for Global Pigments Market

Pigments are insoluble compounds that have a coloring effect on different substrates. Pigments offer tinting strength, heat stability, and opacity. They are used extensively in paints and coatings, construction materials, printing inks, and plastics industries. According to a research report by Transparency Market Research (TMR), the global pigments market was valued at US$22.86 bn in 2014, and is expected to reach US$31.98 bn by 2023, expanding at a CAGR of 3.8% between 2015 and 2023.

In this blog post, TMR answers three critical questions about the pigments market:

What are the factors impacting the performance of the global pigments market?

The growth in the paints and coatings industry is one of the major drivers for the pigments market. A rise in infrastructural development and various other construction activities will have a positive impact on the pigments industry. The growth in the automotive industry is also benefitting the global pigments market. The use of pigments in the consumer goods sector is encouraging the growth of the market across the globe. Furthermore, the rising consumption and production of plastic, and subsequently the rising demand for pigments, is expected to boost the global pigments market. 

Factors that may impede the growth of the market include the enactment of stringent rules owing to the environmental and health risks associated with the unregulated use of pigments.

The introduction of nanotechnology, however, is expected to create profitable growth opportunities in the pigments market for the coming years.

Are there any new notable developments in the pigments industry?

PicOnyx, a materials technology company, has developed a black pigment by the name of M-tone, to be used across various industries such as plastics, paint and coatings, and adhesives. In comparison to carbon black pigments, this black pigment excels in various aspects, such as improved heat resistance and microwave transparency. M-tone is derived from polymer and is made of oxygen, carbon, and silicon. It improves the hardness and thermal resistance in thermoplastics, along with offering electrical properties, which are currently unattainable with other pigments. M-tone comes in a matte, glossy, and iridescent appearance, and is claimed to have no environmental contaminants.

Huntsman Corporation was recently in the news for having invested over US$172 mn for the development of their new production plant. The new plant is expected to have the capacity to produce 30,000 metric tons of red, yellow, and black iron oxide pigments each year. The pigments developed will be utilized to transform an array of everyday items such as inks, paints, plastics, concrete, cosmetics, food, and pharmaceuticals.


Which region is expected to lead in the pigments market?

Asia Pacific is expected to lead in the pigments market. The region not only dominated the global pigments market in 2014 in terms of volume, but is also expected to grow at the fastest rate in the coming years. The growth in the region is due to the rising population as well as the increasing income of people in the developing countries. A rise in incomes is leading to a higher demand for paints and coatings from the building and construction as well as the automotive industry. Asia Pacific is also expected to be the major producer of plastic, which will increase the demand for pigments in the region from the plastic industry.

Wednesday, 25 May 2016

Restrictions on VOC Emissions Keep Demand for Conventional High Performance Anti-Corrosion Coatings in Check, Drive Innovations

The market for high performance anti-corrosion coatings comprises a vast array of materials that are used on concrete, metals and other structures to protect their surfaces from the damage that corrosive environments can cause. These enhanced protective coatings are also sometimes called heavy-duty coatings owing to their features such as excellent resistance to moisture and heat, durability, high adhesion on substrates, and good gloss retention. The use of high performance anti-corrosion coatings is indispensable for protecting surfaces that are vulnerable to the effects of corrosion and rust and are prone to deterioration in harsh environments.

High-performance anticorrosion coatings find applications across chemical plants, paper and pulp mills, oil refineries, the marine industry, and many other industries for protection or industrial maintenance of structures such as pipes, tanks, and processing equipment. A recent market research report published by Transparency Market Research examines the global high-performance anticorrosion coatings market and analyzes the factors that are influencing the development of the market. The report states that the market will exhibit a moderate 4.8% CAGR from 2015 through 2023.

Despite the high applicability of these coatings, the key factors holding back the market and how they are changing the market’s growth dynamics are addressed by TMR analysts in this blog post.

Q. What are the major restraints to the market’s growth?

Strict government regulations pertaining to volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions is one of the chief factors restraining the expansion of the global high performance anti-corrosion coatings market. A majority of the conventional high performance anti-corrosion coatings are made from petrochemical-derived raw materials. Historically, all resin types used in high performance anti-corrosion coatings used petroleum solvents. These solvent-borne coatings have high VOC content and are being scrutinized for the harm they cause to human and environmental health. To comply with the strict emission control guidelines, high performance anti-corrosion coatings manufacturers are focusing on the development of bio-based raw materials and waterborne coatings.

Q. What are the other major trends in the global high performance anti-corrosion coatings market?

The high performance anti-corrosion coatings market is also becoming more resistant to the use of heavy metal-based corrosion inhibitors in their products. Until a few years back, heavy metal-based corrosion inhibitors were widely accepted owing to the excellent corrosion protection capability granted by a variety of heavy metal pigments to high performance anti-corrosion coatings. Regulations pertaining to occupational safety of employees are increasingly putting pressure on companies to replace barium, chromium, zinc, and many other heavy metals with eco-friendly alternatives. This has led to a significant rise in research aimed at the development of effective anti-corrosion elements in the high performance anti-corrosion coatings market.


Q. What developments have been observed on the front of bio-based coatings? 

The segment of epoxy resins-based coatings, which currently have a share of nearly 55% of the global high performance anti-corrosion coatings market, is expected to drive shift of the market to bio-based products. Researchers have formulated efficient ways of manufacturing epoxy resins with the help of bio-based raw materials such as natural oils, natural phenol compounds such as lignin and tannin, and carbohydrates. Though most commercially available bio-based resins have only up to a maximum of 50% biodegradable substances, further research will lead to a significant rise in this percentage in the coming years.

Global Nanoparticle Titanium Dioxide Market Driven by Growing Use in Cosmetics, Paints and Coatings

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is commonly used in several substances used all over the world, such as paints and coatings, paper, ceramics, and skincare products. Sunscreens are a major user of nanoscale titanium dioxide. The use of titanium dioxide nanoparticles is fairly recent and supplanted the use of titanium dioxide microparticles. The increased surface area of nanoscale titanium dioxide has boosted the demand for the same massively.

How is the use of titanium dioxide nanoparticles as a UV shield affecting the global market?

Ultraviolet light has several highly beneficial applications, but it is a threat to human health, as constant exposure to UV light has the potential to cause skin cancer. This has led to ultraviolet light blockers/filters being used on a large scale in sunscreens and other cosmetics. Nanoscale titanium dioxide has emerged as the perfect material to be used for the purpose due to the following reasons:

Nanoscale Titanium Dioxide is Harmless to Humans:

Unlike many chemicals used liberally in skincare and other cosmetic products, titanium dioxide nanoparticles do not constitute a health threat to users of the cosmetic products. Their biocompatibility has been of massive help to producers of cosmetic products, who have faced an increasing demand for chemical-free formulations. The usage of nanoscale titanium dioxide has also been boosted by the regulatory approval granted to it in several countries.


Improved Transparence:

The property of titanium dioxide to block UV light has been known to man for a few decades before nanotechnology was conceived. However, using microparticles of titanium dioxide instead of nanoparticles presented several drawbacks. Micro-scale titanium dioxide is fairly opaque, which led to creams and lotions containing the same leaving conspicuous marks on the skin of the user. Moreover, the larger size of titanium dioxide microparticles also led to cosmetic products adopting a sticky formulation. The high transparence of nanoscale titanium dioxide not only allows for a clear and smooth formulation of cosmetic products, but also prevents the formation of visible marks on the skin.

What are some of the other major application segments of the nanoparticle titanium dioxide market?

Due to the increasing preference for leisure tourism, sales of high-SPF sunscreen lotions have increased in the last few decades. International as well as domestic travel to seaside locations has, in particular, increased massively, leading to a corresponding increase in the demand for effective sun protection products. This will remain an influential factor in the trajectory of the global titanium dioxide nanoparticles market in the near future.

Paints and coatings are another major application segment of the global titanium dioxide nanoparticles market. Paints and coatings are also degraded by constant exposure to UV light, which has made the inclusion of anti-UV particles in paint formulations common. Due to the increasing use in paints and coatings applications, the ongoing construction industry boom in the developing world has benefitted the nanoparticle titanium dioxide market.

What are some of the threats to the nanoparticle titanium dioxide market?

The results of an independent analysis by Friends of the Earth, which found that nanoparticles of titanium dioxide, hydroxyapatite, and silicon dioxide are present in some baby formula brands sold in the U.S., could result in negative PR for the nanoscale titanium dioxide industry. Criticism of this occurrence is backed by the scientific consensus that nanoparticles can cause significant damage in the human body due to their high surface area. Though this wouldn’t affect the demand for nanoscale titanium dioxide from paints and coatings and other industrial applications, the use of titanium dioxide in cosmetics could take a minor hit.

Tuesday, 17 May 2016

Concerns over Environmental Pollution to Limit Global Textile Chemical Market’s Growth

The global textile chemicals market has been witnessing sluggish expansion since the last few years. The rise in concerns over the harmful impact of textile chemicals on the environment has limited the growth of this market significantly. Even the future prospects of this market do not indicate much of an improvement in this situation. The declining application of synthetic textile chemicals is likely to create more troubles for the market in the coming years.

A research report by Transparency Market Research (TMR) estimates the global market for textile chemicals to register a moderate CAGR of 3.70% during the period from 2016 to 2024, reporting a modest rise from US$21.0 bn in 2015 to US$29.2 bn by the end 2024.

Although the current performance of this market shows a shaky future, the increasing need for clothes, propelled by the growing population is likely to fuel the demand for textile chemicals significantly in the global arena. Apart from this, some of the current trends in the apparel industry are also expected to aid the market’s growth in the near future.

What are the trends that can boost the global textile chemicals market?

The rise in disposable income has propelled the trend of designer apparels across the world, which has emerged as a prominent driver for the worldwide market for textile chemicals. The increasing trend of smart apparel, stimulating the production of smart textile, is also providing ample opportunities for the growth of this market.

In addition to these, the soaring demand for eco-friendly fabrics for apparel and other merchandises is anticipated to promote the trend of bio-based textile chemicals, boosting this market in the coming years.

What are the factors fueling demand for textile chemicals in Asia Pacific?

Asia Pacific has emerged as the leading consumer of textile chemicals. The high demand for coating and sizing chemicals in India and China has added significantly to the growth of this market in Asia Pacific.

Along with this, the growing demand for functional finishes such as anti-bacterial finish, water repellents, and soil release finish is also driving the demand for textile chemicals in this region.

What are the key strategies adopted by players for business expansion?

Mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships are the key strategies adopted by major market players for the expansion of their businesses. Recently, DyStar, one of the leading textile chemical manufacturers, acquired five specialty chemical units of Emerald Performance Materials, a U.S.-based manufacturer and marketer of specialty chemicals. The company is highly optimistic about the growth the acquisition is likely to foster. Experts project this alliance to strengthen the company’s position in the specialty chemicals industry.


Other prominent companies functional in the global textile chemicals market are OMNOVA Solutions Inc., The Dow Chemical Co., Lonsen Inc., The Lubrizol Corp., Solvay SA, Archroma, Kiri Industries Ltd., Covestro AG, Huntsman International LLC, and Pulcra Chemicals GmbH.

Wednesday, 11 May 2016

Metalworking Fluids Market Propelled by Demand from Booming APAC Automotive Industry

The Asia Pacific automotive industry has really come into its own in the last decade, after being comprehensively overshadowed by North America and Europe for decades. Adding to the strong performance of the Japan automotive industry, China, India, and South Korea have also made significant inroads in the global automotive market in the last decade and have now emerged as major players in the global market. The flourishing automotive industry in this region has given rise to a rising demand for, among other materials, metalworking fluids.

Fabricated metal parts are a requisite in the automotive industry. This requires metalworking fluids in liberal amounts. Metalworking fluids help enhance the lubrication in metalworking processes and also perform the crucial task of cooling down metalworking assemblies. This factor is expected to be crucial for the metalworking fluids market’s development in the coming years. Research into developing innovative new metalworking fluids is also expected to be a major factor in the metalworking fluids industry in the coming years.

Safety, Environmental Viability of Metalworking Fluids under the Scanner

While metalworking fluids are an irreplaceable component of metalworking processes, they have two major drawbacks. First of all, modern metalworking fluids can lead to several health conditions among those regularly exposed to them. This has led to a rising demand for metalworking fluids that don’t affect the human body.

Secondly, the environmental impact of dumping used metalworking fluids is not something that can be ignored. The synthetic nature of metalworking fluids means that they can cause severe problems in the ecology of the area in which they are dumped. This has led to environmental viability becoming a major factor in the ongoing research into new metalworking fluids.

Global Metalworking Fluids Market to be Valued at US$14.8 bn by 2024

According to Transparency Market Research, the global metalworking fluids market was worth US$9.9 bn in 2015 and is expected to rise to US$14.8 bn by 2024, exhibiting a 4.6% CAGR in the 2016-2024 forecast period.

Monday, 9 May 2016

Ballistic Protection Market Rising due to Increasing Government Support

Ballistic protection has always been ranked as one of the most crucial and influential aspects of the technological background of the defense forces. Modern warfare, which is predominantly focused around ballistics and projectiles, has turned ballistic protection systems into something vitally important for defense forces to make a mark. Ballistic protection repel non-direct gunshots, resulting in less wounds and, as a result, more endurance of the soldiers. With recent upgrades in firearms, modern defense forces use deadly high-impact weapons. This has made the use of advanced ballistic protection practically mandatory.

Police forces and homeland security officials also need significant ballistic protection, since criminals and terrorists now commonly use advanced firearms. The increasing availability of advanced firearms is thus the major factor propelling the global ballistic protection market.

Weight and Wearing Comfort Emerge as Major Research Avenues

Several important innovations in ballistic protection equipment in the last few decades have been centered on the wearability of the ballistic protection equipment and the effect had by its weight on the wearer. Ballistic protection needs to be tough enough to endure firearms, which means it has to be made from heavy-duty materials. However, this can make ballistic protection equipment heavy and slow the wearer down, increasing their risk of getting shot at. As a result, development of lightweight protective materials is firmly established as the dominant research avenue in the ballistic protection industry.

Extensive research into developing lightweight materials, which resulted in the conception of Kevlar, for instance, has also reduced the prices of ballistic protection equipment. This has made it much easier for countries across the world to purchase ballistic protection equipment in bulk.

Several governments across the world have now made it mandatory to wear ballistic protection equipment for a variety of first-response units. This has boosted the demand from the global market for ballistic protection. Paramedic units and firefighting teams are just two of the many groups now given ballistic protection. Surplus defense vehicles are also increasingly being used by homeland security teams in countries such as the U.S., which has also driven the demand from the global ballistic protection market.

Friday, 6 May 2016

New Semi-synthetic Metalworking Fluids to Deliver High Performance for Automotive, Grinding, and General Machining Applications

Metalworking fluids or cutting fluids are popularly used as lubricants and coolants in metalworking procedures such as fabrications and machining. Neat oil, semisynthetic fluids, soluble oil, and synthetic fluids are some of the types of metalworking fluids available in the global market. Different processes and raw materials such as animal fat, air, water, plant oil, and petroleum distillates are used to manufacture metalworking fluids. Over the past few years, there has been an increase in the demand for metalworking fluids. Moreover, the demand for removal fluids is expected to be the highest in the years to come. With many companies introducing new metalworking fluids, the global metalworking fluids market is expected to expand at a rapid pace in the next few years.
 
Recently in Pennsylvania, Houghton International launched a new semi-synthetic metalworking fluid, useful for grinding, general machining, and automotive applications. The new HOCUT 4440 is meant to deliver high performance in the water-miscible metal-removal fluids criteria.  Also, Lubrizol introduced a similar metalworking fluid, VEG-ESTER GY-300 to its product line. VEG-ESTER GY-300 is derived from a renewable resource and is a potential petroleum oil replacement in the emulsifiable metalworking fluids. The global metalworking fluids market features many leading manufacturers of metalworking fluids. Once such key player, Total Lubricants, recently added a few products, Total Valona MS/ST and Total Valona GR, to their portfolio.
 
In 2015, Removal Fluids Application Segment Accounted for 50% of Global Metalworking Fluids Market
 
The global metalworking fluids market stood at US$9.91 bn in 2015 and is expected to reach US$14.79 bn by 2024, progressing at a 4.60% CAGR from 2016 to 2024. The global metalworking fluids market is segmented on the basis of application and region. By application, the global metalworking fluids market is classified into removal fluids, treating fluids, protecting fluids, and forming fluids. In 2015, the removal fluids application segment accounted for a dominant share of 50% in the global metalworking fluids market.

Based on region, the global metalworking fluids market is divided into Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, and Rest of the World. In 2014, Asia Pacific dominated the global metalworking fluids market and is expected to maintain its dominance in the years to come. The growth in economy of nations such as India and China is expected to propel the Asia Pacific metalworking fluids market.
 
Growing End-user Industries to Drive Global Metalworking Fluids Market
 
Stamping, drawing, and rolling oil fluids are some of the types of foaming fluids used in many end-user industries. The global demand for metalworking fluids is expected to increase in the years to come due to the growth in various end-user industries such as steel and metal and automation.
 
However, health risks to workers and environmental issues are predicted to hamper the growth of the global metalworking fluids market in the next few years. The introduction of bio-based metalworking fluids by leading players is expected to provide many growth opportunities in the global metalworking fluids market in the next few years. Some of the leading players in the global metalworking fluids market are Castrol Limited, Chem Arrow Corporation, FUCHS, LUKOIL Lubricants Company, Total, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company, ExxonMobil Corporation, Houghton, and The Lubrizol Corporation.

Global Paints and Coatings Market Witnesses Strongest Demand in Asia Pacific Owing to Rising Construction Activities in the Region

Driven by the surging demand in the construction industry, the global market for paints and coatings is anticipated to grow exponentially between 2013 and 2019. In 2012, the market reported a valuation of US$100.3 bn, as per a recent analysis by Transparency Market Research. According to the report, the market is likely to reach US$143.9 bn by the end of 2019. If these valuations hold true, the global paints and coatings market will exhibit a CAGR of 5.4% between 2013 and 2019.

Over the years, the paints and coatings market has been exhibiting a steady rate of growth. This rate of advancement is propelled by the rising opportunities witnessed by the markets in the emerging economies of Asia Pacific, particularly in countries such as India and China.

Asia Pacific Dominates Global Paints and Coatings Market

Regionally, Asia Pacific led the global paints and coatings market in 2012, accounting for a share of 39%. The rapid expansion of manufacturing and construction activities will aid the growth of the paints and coatings market in the region. The market will also gain from the increasing application scope of nanocoatings and green coatings in North Africa and the Middle East in the coming years. 

The enterprises operating in the paints and coatings market will also witness lucrative opportunities in Europe due to the increasing demand from the automotive and aviation end users. However, in the forthcoming years, Rest of the World is anticipated to exhibit the fastest CAGR. The rising demand for paints and coatings for diverse applications in the Middle East, South America, and Latin America will aid the expansion of the market in the region. 

Research: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/Paints-coatings-market.html

Prominent Enterprises in Market Endeavoring to Gain from Product Innovation

The most prominent names in the global paints and coatings industry are focusing on product innovation to gain a competitive edge in the market. Since the majority of these multinational companies such as Akzo Nobel, PPG, Kansai Paint, Chugoku Marine Paint, and Sherwin-Williams have production in developing regions, introducing novel technologies is touted as the most potent medium of increasing their consumer base.

For instance, Akzo Nobel in January 2014, launched new and improved architectural warranty systems for AAMA compliant category of architectural coatings. PPG had also introduced ELECTROCOLOR 3500 coatings around the same time. ELECTROCOLOR 3500 is a lightly-tinted clear coating designed specifically for application on metal surfaces of notebooks, smartphones, tablets, and other similar consumer electronics devices. Product innovation is therefore considered as key to staying ahead amidst cut-throat competition in the market.

Nanotechnology has also emerged as a new area of interest in the industry, with tens of thousands of patents already issued in favor of the prominent enterprises. Companies are promoting futuristic applications, such as nanotubes for electrically conductive coatings, and increasing the pace of thermosetting resins reaction and metals for conductive coatings in inks to expand their product offering.

In the forthcoming years, the implementation of more stringent air pollution regulations will encourage these companies to adopt new paints and coatings technologies to enjoy sustainable growth in the market.

Friday, 29 April 2016

Aesthetics Matter, as the Burgeoning Metallic Pigments Market Shows

Visual appeal is playing a bigger role in sales of and demand for products in current times than ever before. Better aesthetics not only create a greater appeal in the eyes of the consumer, but also allow the product to be sold at higher rates. Better visual appeal can also symbolize product quality, although the final verdict will always be done after the product is used. Nonetheless, visuals are what affect the consumer first, and therefore an effective visual or even packaging can lead to a greater number of sales. This applies to all markets associated directly with the common consumer, especially in the case of industries such as paints and automobiles. An increasingly important field in this regard is the global metallic pigments market.

The Scope for Growth of the Global Metallic Pigments Market

The global metallic pigments market is predicted to cross US$1.2 bn before the end of 2023. It was already recorded at US$736.20 mn in 2014, which puts it at a CAGR of 6.40% between 2015 and 2023. This sturdy growth rate has been possible due to the recent boom in the global automotive industry. As car sales around the world increase, so does the demand for metallic pigments. In fact, in terms of end users, the automotive industry was the largest segment of the global metallic pigments market in 2014.

The key players that have moved ahead with this market are ALTANA AG, BASF AG, Carl Schlenk AG, Silberline Manufacturing Co., Asahi Kasei Corporation, Sun Chemical Corporation, Umicore N.V., Coprabel, Metaflake Ltd., and Geotech International B.V.

Automobile Paints are Serious Business

Paints and the other visual characteristics of a car mean the world when it comes of the kind of consumer a car company is trying to attract. From the consumer’s side, the right paint job can become the difference between a good-looking car and a great car that he or she is compelled to buy. Therefore, the amount of research and development that goes into studying and innovating car paint pigments, especially metallic pigments, is exceptionally high. The engineers behind high-quality metallic pigments use several characteristics to define various qualities of the paint, such as fluctuations in lightness, the level of noise, flake orientation, and the scaling properties of the paint. These properties help them define and innovate the next big color or paint texture.

Metallic Pigments in Architecture

Apart from the visual appeal, metallic pigments also impart other major utility-based qualities to the product. These include resistance to corrosion, which is a key reason why metallic pigments also finds major usage in architecture and marine coatings.

One of the key players in the global metallic pigments market, Axalta Coatings Systems, is trying to step into the anodized paint applications with its AR400 Anodic Natura Powder Coating, meant for both architecture and automotive industries. The company’s idea was to create a pigment that would not only make a surface look like anodized aluminum, but actually outperform it. Similar innovations are keeping the global metallic pigments market in tune with the current demand patterns, thus creating a more sustainable market for the coming years.

Thursday, 28 April 2016

Global 3D Printing Materials Gains from Growing Consumer Preference for Products with Attractive Packaging

The global 3D printing materials market has been witnessing a substantial rise over the past few years. The rapid rise in the demand for 3D printing, propelled by the shifting interest of consumers toward products with attractive packaging, has boosted the 3D printing materials market significantly in the recent times.

A research report published by Transparency Market Research (TMR) states that in 2013, the worldwide market for 3D printing materials stood at US$450 mn. Experts project this market to rise at a CAGR of 18.0% during the period from 2014 to 2020 and attain a value of US$1.4 bn by the end of 2020.

Asia Pacific 3D Printing Materials Market to Exhibit Fastest Growth in Coming Years
In 2013, North America emerged as the largest regional market for 3D printing materials across the world with a share of more than 37% in the overall demand reported for these materials. However, in the coming years, Asia Pacific is likely to experience the fastest growth among all the regional markets for 3D printing materials on account of the rising uptake of 3D printing technology in various Asian economies such as China and Japan.

In terms of volume, Europe, North America, and Asia Pacific are expected to exhibit significant growth over the next few years. However, the market in the Rest of the World is anticipated to experience sluggish growth in the nearing future, owing to the limited scope of 3D printing technology in this region.

Plastics Enjoy Highest Demand in Global 3D Printing Materials Market

Metals, ceramics, plastics, lay wood and wax are the main materials used for 3D printing in the global arena. In 2013, the demand for plastics was the highest among these materials. The segment occupied a share of 48% in the overall demand reported for 3D printing materials that year.

The increasing demand for plastics for the 3D printing of electronics and other products is likely to maintain this trend in the near future. The flexibility and the durability, plastics provide, are the key factors behind its soaring demand in 3D printing.

The industrial, aerospace, education, architecture, automotive, electronics and consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, and military sectors are the prime application areas for 3D printing materials market. Here is a snapshot of the demand scenario for 3D printing materials in various segments.
  • The electronics and consumer goods segment exhibited the highest demand for 3D printing materials in 2013 with a share of 23% while the automotive segment occupied the second position.
  • During the period from 2014 to 2020, the demand for 3D printing materials in the electronics and consumer goods segment is likely to rise at a CAGR of 17.0%.
  • Other application segments are also projected to report a significant demand for 3D printing materials over the next few years.
Some of the major producers of 3D printing materials in the global market are Voxeljet AG, SLM Solutions GmbH, Stratasys Ltd., Optomec, ExOne GmbH, Solidscape Inc., EOS - Electro Optical Systems, Arcam AB, Concept Laser GmbH, and 3D Systems Inc.

Tuesday, 19 April 2016

Sherwin-Williams’ Mega-acquisition of Valspar Could Have Major Repercussions in Coil Coatings Market

Metal coils are an important component in many undertakings, including construction and automotive design. Due to the crucial role coils play in various applications in the aforementioned industries, their longevity needs to be ensured. Coil coatings are used for just this purpose. Coil coatings, which can be of various types and are used according to the application, are primarily applied over metal coils to enhance their corrosion resistance. Corrosion of metal coils can endanger the structural integrity of the design, which illustrates the importance of coil coatings.

The rising demand from the construction and automotive industries around the world has propelled the global coil coatings market at a rapid pace in the last few years. The market was valued at more than US$4 bn in 2014 and is expected to rise to a valuation of US$6.3 bn in 2023. This projected expansion translates into a CAGR of 5.2% from 2015 to 2023.

Sherwin Williams’ Acquisition of Valspar Set to Shake Up the Competitive Landscape?

Competitively, the global coil coatings market is relatively consolidated, with the top four companies accounting for a 55% share in the global market in 2014. However, the competitive scales of the market may have been unsettled in a big way when, last month, Sherwin-Williams Co. announced its plans to acquire paints and coating giant The Valspar Corporation in a massive US$11.3-bn deal. The all-cash deal – the largest in Sherwin-Williams’ history – works out at US$113 per share. The global reach of Valspar Corporation is a crucial reason why the deal could work out immensely well for Sherwin-Williams and alter the global coil coatings market, as it could open up lucrative sales channels in the dynamic economies of Asia Pacific and the Middle East for Sherwin-Williams Co.

The construction and automotive industries in these two regions have experienced massive growth over the last decade. These two industries, being the two major application segments of the coil coatings market, will play a crucial role in the development of the coil coatings market in these two dynamic regions. Sherwin-Williams’ activities in these two industries in the coming years could go a long way in determining the global coil coatings market’s future.

Polyester Coatings to Dominate Global Coil Coatings Market

There are several types of coil coatings available in the global market, polyester, silicone modified polyester, plastisol, polyurethane, and polyvinylidene fluoride being the major ones. Of these, polyester coil coatings took up a dominant volume share of 60% in the global coil coatings market in 2014. Even though the polyester coil coatings segment is expected to remain dominant in the global coil coatings market, the polyvinylidene fluoride segment is expected to exhibit a faster growth rate in the aforementioned forecast period.

Construction Industry to Remain Dominant Application Segment of Coil Coatings Market

The construction industry accounted for two-thirds of the global coil coatings market in 2014. The rising nonresidential construction in Asia Pacific and the Middle East, with the latter benefitting massively from the 2022 FIFA World Cup being held in Qatar, will keep the share of the construction industry dominant in the coming years, though the application of coil coatings in appliances will increase at a higher rate.

Monday, 18 April 2016

Global Synthetic Diamond Market Makes Great Strides due to Rising Economic Value of Synthetic Diamonds

Synthetic diamonds, also known as cultured or cultivated diamonds, are created in highly regulated laboratory environments employing advanced technological processes replicating the conditions under which diamonds develop naturally beneath the Earth’s crust. After they are grown, cut and polished, the appearance of these diamonds is identical to natural diamonds and they have the same chemical composition as diamonds obtained through mining.

It was discovered in the late 1700s that diamonds are an allotrope of carbon, but diamonds were only synthesized in a laboratory environment more than 150 years after this finding. Artificial creation of diamonds was pursued by many scientists, however, it was not understood until the 1950s, when diamonds were created almost at the same time by American and Swedish researchers. The process required pressures as high as 55,000 atm and temperatures of over 1400°C.

Synthetic Diamonds to Find Newer Applications, says Gemological Institute of America

Over the last few decades, the soaring use of diamonds and advances in synthetic production has unleashed the floodgates for even newer applications of the commodity. A recent research publication by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has made projections for a substantially large number of high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) cultivated diamonds to be available in the market. These projections were based on a visit to a diamond factory in China.

Following the visit, researchers from the GIA obtained 50 crystals in the range of 0.5 carats to 1.2 carats. These crystals were examined employing the same instrumentation and procedures as those applied to natural diamonds submitted to the organization for grading. These crystals exhibited typical features of HPHT growth and were asserted as synthetic. On the basis of this, the GIA reiterated that the increasing production capacity of synthetic diamonds is expected to be crucial in the coming years.

Favorable Physical, Chemical Properties of Synthetic Diamonds Benefit Market

The synthetic diamond market will display a significant compounded annual growth rate, says a market study published by Transparency Market Research. It is projected that the revenue of the market will rise from US$15.7 bn in 2014 to US$28.8 bn by 2023. The ever-increasing demand for synthetic diamonds in several end-use industries such as jewelry, electronics, construction and mining, and healthcare holds promise for the synthetic diamond market. Synthetic diamonds exhibit characteristics similar to natural diamonds, but with a significant cost advantage over their natural counterparts.

Polished synthetic diamonds held the majority of the revenue of the synthetic diamond market in 2014. However, rough diamonds led the market in terms of volume in the same year due to their widespread industrial applications. This is expected to continue in the near future. Stones are the most used product type of synthetic diamonds owing to their varied applications in several end-use industries. Other product segments such as synthetic diamond powder and grit are utilized in machine tools such as saws, impregnated bits, and grinding wheels. Diamond bort is largely used for polishing and in drill bits.

In 2014, Asia Pacific stood as the largest market for synthetic diamonds, accounting for a share of more than 50% in the global market; the large number of end-use applications of synthetic diamonds in the region is the reason for this. The rapid upsurge in mining activities in India, China, and ASEAN countries is driving the global synthetic diamond market.