Transparent Conductive Films Market Continues to Expand with Growing Smartphone and Tablet Users across U.S. and Robust Growth of Photovoltaic Industry

 

Transparent conductive films are very thin, transparent films composed of a liquid solution sandwiched between two sheets of electrically insulating material. They are an essential element in many modern electronic devices such as flat-screen displays, electric touch screens, liquid-crystal display displays, and photovoltaic cells. Their amazing transparency, however, has made them vulnerable to physical damage, wear, and tear that causes them to deteriorate over time. A layer of plastic, for instance, can easily scratch or distort the transistors and connectors that form the heart of the electronic device. Thus, it is important to protect such devices from physical damage in order to extend their life span and prevent them from wearing out prematurely.

Increasing demand for smartphones, tablets, and other devices is expected to drive growth of the global transparent conductive films market. According to the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), the Indian appliance and consumer electronics market was valued at US$ 10.93 billion in 2019 and is expected to reach US$ 21.18 billion in 2025. According to the Pew Research Center, in 2019, around 81% of people in the U.S. had smartphones, increasing from 68% in 2015. According to the same source, tablet users in the U.S. increased from 34% in 2013 to 52% in 2019. Such rising adoption of these devices has increased the demand for transparent conductive films. These films are widely used in smartphones and tablets for touch screens and flexible screens. Hence, such factors are expected to drive growth of the global transparent conductive films market. Furthermore, rapid growth of photovoltaic industry is expected to propel the global transparent conductive films market growth in the near future.

High cost related to Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) combined with low acceptance of Graphene material is expected to hamper the global transparent conductive films market growth in the near future. However, continuous development of application products and robust growth of ITO alternatives can present lucrative growth opportunities for key competitors in the near future. Among regions, Asia Pacific is expected to witness significant growth in the global transparent conductive films market. This is owing to the robust growth of the electronics sector in emerging economies such as India and China. Furthermore, China is the hub of the electronics sector in the Asia Pacific, which is expected to boost the regional market growth. North America is expected to register a lucrative growth rate, owing to increasing demand for smartphones across the region.

Key players involved in the global transparent conductive films market are Abrisa Technologies, Toyobo Co., Ltd, C3Nano, Toray Advanced Film Co. Ltd, Cambrios Technologies Corp., Teijin Limited, Canatu OY, Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd, Eastman Kodak Company, OIKE & Co. Ltd, Fujifilm Corporation, and Hitachi Chemical Co. Ltd.

Viscosity Reducing Agents Market are Gaining Significant Traction with Transneft Inaugurating a New Production Plant of Viscosity Reducing Agents in the Alabuga Special Economic Zone, the Republic of Tatarstan

 

Viscosity reducing agents can be defined as substances that make the oil more viscous. Viscous means "water-like" in chemistry, so the more viscous a material is the more it would have to be processed for industrial usage, and the less valuable it would be in everyday life. These Viscose reducing agents have the properties of creating a fine film of water on the surface of oil droplets. They also promote the separation of water molecules from the surface of the oil droplets, thus preventing them from being stuck together and sinking back into the oil. This greatly improves the lubricity of the lubricating movement between two parts and allows for smoother, more efficient movements.

Increasing demand from the chemicals industry is expected to drive growth of the global viscosity reducing agents market. The chemicals sector has witnessed robust growth over the years in both developed and emerging economies. According to the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), the Indian chemical industry was valued at US$ 178 billion in 2019 and is expected to reach US$ 304 billion by 2025, registering a CAGR of 9.3%. Furthermore, according to the SelectUSA Investment Summit, in 2017, the U.S. chemical industry had sales of US$ 765 billion with foreign direct investment (FDI) across US$ 700 billion. Viscosity reducing agents are typically used as additives in pipelines that reduce the turbulence in a pipe and subsequently increasing the flow of fluids. Hence, these factors are expected to drive growth of the global viscosity reducing agents market. Furthermore, increasing demand from the food and beverage industry as stabilizers, release agents, and wetting agents is expected to hinder the global viscosity reducing agents market growth in the near future.

High dependence of viscosity reducing agents on other industries are expected to hinder the global viscosity reducing agents market growth in the near future. Among regions, North America is expected to witness significant growth in the global viscosity reducing agents market. This is owing to increasing demand from plastic additives manufacturers in the region. Furthermore, Asia Pacific is expected to register a robust growth rate, owing to rapid growth chemical industry in emerging economies such as India and China.

Key competitors involved in the global viscosity reducing agents market are Halliburton, Oil Flux Americas, NuGenTec, Lubrizol Specialty Products, Inc., Flowlift, Ciranda, NALCO, Concophilips, Flow-Chem Technologies LLC, PartowIdeh Pars, and Thomas Swan & Co. Ltd.

For instance, in September 2019, Transneft inaugurated a new production plant of viscosity-reducing agents in the Alabuga Special Economic Zone, the Republic of Tatarstan.

Automotive Interior Materials Market Continues to Witness Massive Growth as Sage Automotive Interiors Completes acquisition of Adient’s automotive fabric business for US$ 175 million

 

The various applications of Automotive Interior Materials in the current-day commercial sector can be explained as follows. Thermoplastic and leather are the top two categories in the automobile interior materials industry, as they produce the highest sales across all areas. Leather is used for seats, dashboards, upholstery, headliners, instrument covers, carpets, etc. while Automotive Thermoplastic is used for cabinetry, floor covers, seat covers, etc. There are specialized subcategories which include printed vinyl, soft textile vinyl, synthetic fiber vinyl, leather-covered wood, synthetic leather, fiber-covered wooden boards, etc. which are used to manufacture various types of Automotive Interior Materials according to client requirements.

Technological advancements in the automotive interior are expected to drive growth of the global automotive interior materials market. Key players in the market are laying major emphasis on product development and technological advancements, in order to gain a competitive advantage. Since these companies are launching innovative products, the market for automotive interior materials is expected to gain significant traction in the near future. As a matter of fact, these companies are launching lightweight seats that are significantly thinner and more comfortable than their predecessors. For instance, in December 2019, Xiaomi, a Chinese smartphone marker, launched QBORN 360° Rotating Baby Car Seat on its crowdfunding platform. Furthermore, in October 2017, Dorel Juvenile, a subsidiary of Dorel Industries, launched the world’s first child seat named Maxi-Cosi AxissFix Air with integrated airbags. Thus, such factors are expected to drive growth of the global automotive interior materials market. Furthermore, increasing demand for hybrid and electric vehicles is expected to propel the global automotive interior materials market growth in the near future.

However, the decline in automobile production globally and increasing adoption of inferior and low-cost alternative is expected to hinder the global automotive interior materials market growth. Growing integration of green technology, as well as continuous R&D activities, can offer significant growth opportunities in the global automotive interior materials market. Among regions, Asia Pacific is expected to witness significant growth in the global automotive interior materials market. This is owing to rising government support in terms of ease in regulations to attract automakers across the globe. Furthermore, Europe is expected to register a robust growth rate, owing to growing importance of automotive interiors in the European region.

Key companies involved in the global automotive interior materials market are Yanfeng Automotive Trim Systems Co., Ltd., Faurecia S.A., Toyota Boshoku Corporation, D.K Leather Corporation, Seiren Co., Ltd., Lear Corporation, Sage Automotive Interiors, GST AutoLeather Inc., Johnson Controls, Inc., Grupo Antolin-Irausa, S.A., and Grupo Antolin-Irausa, S.A.

For instance, in October 2020, Sage Automotive Interiors, a subsidiary of Asahi Kasei, acquired Adient’s automotive fabric business for US$ 175 million.

Global Shotcrete Market is Witness Significant Development with Sika AG Expanding its production of shotcrete admixtures at its main plant at Gournay-en-Bray, France

 

Shotcrete is also referred to as sprayed concrete is concrete conveyed through a hose and pneumatically projected at high velocity onto a surface. The most popular application of shotcrete is in commercial and industrial buildings, especially where building walls are being required to be stronger and more durable to withstand the harsh conditions of the environment. As evidence of its strength, shotcrete is commonly used in the floors of buildings and other structures due to its resilience to weathering and further environmental abuse. 

Rapid developments in shotcrete technology and raw materials are expected to drive growth of the global shotcrete market. Shotcrete technology has witnessed massive adoption in the construction and infrastructure due to its numerous advantages. Over the years, shotcrete technology has improved with continuous research and development activities by key players in the industry. For instance, in November 2018, Putzmeister, a German manufacturer of concrete pumps, introduced new mechanized shotcrete equipment Wetkret 4 concrete sprayer, which is suitable for the construction of narrow galleries in underground mining. Furthermore, in February 2020, Putzmeister Underground introduced Geokret 2.0 smart shotcrete solution with 3D high-resolution scanning of the underground galleries before and after each shotcrete application, allowing to compare results and optimize the applications. Thus, these factors are expected to drive growth of the global shotcrete market during the forecast period. Furthermore, the economic and technical efficiency of shotcrete is expected to propel growth of the global shotcrete market in the near future.

However, challenges associated with the transport of concrete mix and limited availability of skilled personnel are expected to restrain the growth of the global shotcrete market. Besides, increasing demand for low-cost housing can pose major business opportunities for key industry players in the near future. Among regions, Europe is expected to witness significant growth in the global shotcrete market. This is owing to increasing underground construction activities across Europe. Besides, rising investment in infrastructural development is expected to boost the regional market growth. Furthermore, Asia Pacific is expected to register a robust growth rate, owing to increasing demand from emerging economies such as India, China, Australia, and Japan.

Key companies operating in the global shotcrete market are BASF SE, Normet, Heidelberg Cement, Mapei, Grupo ACS, U.S. Concrete, Lafargeholcim, GCP Applied Technologies, Lafargeholcim, Sika AG, and Cemex.

For instance, in November 2020, Sika AG, a Swiss chemical company, expanded its production of shotcrete admixtures at its main plant at Gournay-en-Bray, France.

Metal and Ceramic Injection Molding Market Growing Rapidly as Consumers in the Developed Countries Are Increasingly Adopting Minimally Invasive Cosmetic Surgeries

 

Injection molding technology has emerged as a promising technological advancement in the auto industry. Rapid advancements in the guns industry is further boosting the market demand for metal and ceramic injection molding especially those parts that are extremely complex and heavy. Metal injection molding is now widely adopted by the guns industry for creating various kinds of automatic heavy-duty shaped parts. This technology can also be used for making parts that are extremely hard-wearing and are designed to meet the demands of extreme weather conditions. High-velocity metal and ceramic injection molding processes are the most popular ways to manufacture heavy-duty parts. These types of process are essential for the manufacturing of complex-shaped metal items

Increasing demand for minimally invasive cosmetic surgery in developed regions is expected to drive the growth of the global Metal and Ceramic Injection Molding market during the forecast period. Rapid demand for advanced technology in the medical industry has led to increased demand for metal and ceramic injection molding. This technology is typically used to develop various medical equipment including tubes, catheter tips, sensors, micro-optics, and implants. Minimally invasive cosmetic surgeries require miniature components for the production of medical macro parts. The healthcare and medical industry is rapidly growing in both developed and emerging economies. According to the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), the Indian healthcare industry reached US$ 19.83 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach US$ 372 billion in 2022. Thus, these factors are expected to drive growth of the global metal and ceramic injection molding market during the forecast period. Moreover, the rapid growth of the firearm industry is expected to boost the global metal and ceramic injection molding market growth over the forecast period.

However, limitations on the manufacturing of 3-D products and challenges associated with the weight and size of molded parts are expected to hamper the global metal and ceramic injection molding market growth over the forecast period. Among regions, North America is expected to witness significant growth in the global metal and ceramic injection molding market during the forecast. This is owing to high demand from the healthcare sector in the region. Furthermore, Europe is expected to register a robust growth rate over the forecast period, owing to increasing demand from Italy and Germany-based automobile manufacturers.

Key companies involved in the global metal and ceramic injection molding market are Advanced Materials Technologies Pte Ltd., Nippon Piston Ring Co Ltd, ARC Group Worldwide Inc., PSM Industries, CMG Technologies Ltd, Plansee Holding AG, Epson Atmix Corporation, Kinetics Climax Inc., and Indo-US MIM Tec Pvt. Ltd.

For instance, in November 2020, Graham Partners Inc., an investment firm, acquired Teamadvantage, a manufacturer of cleanroom injection molding.

Expansion of the real estate industry is propelling the demand for wood coatings

 

Wood coatings, also known as wood treatments, have extensive use both in residential and commercial applications. With many new advances in wood coating technology, the demand and growth of low VOC coatings are sure to create many new growth possibilities. Other coatings such as stain and finish also have similar benefits that wood coatings do. Many chemicals are used in the process of creating wood coatings. A chemical process is necessary to convert organic material to a usable state. During this conversion process, additional chemicals are introduced into the wood products creating further coatings. One of the most common and popular types of chemical coatings is polyurethane foam.

Improving living standards due to growing disposable income is a prime factor driving the market growth of wood coatings. Expansion of the furniture industry due to increasing population which is driving demand for residential building. This in turn is augmenting the market growth of the wood coatings. Thus, a rise in the real estate industry is projected to foster the market growth of wood coatings. According to the United Nation, The world population is projected to reach 8.5 billion in 2030, and to increase further to 9.7 billion in 2050 and 11.2 billion by 2100. On the other hand, strict regulation due to the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOC) in the coatings is projected to hinder the market growth of the wood coatings.

The Asia Pacific is expected to gain significant growth over the forecast period and this is attributed to the robust growth in the real estate sector due to the growing population in the region. According to the India Brand Equity Foundation, the real estate sector in India is expected to reach US$ 1 trillion by 2030. By 2025, it will contribute 13% to the country’s GDP. Real estate attracted around Rs. 43,780 crore (US$ 6.26 billion) in investment in 2019.

Key Developments:

1.      In April 2019, Jotun launched Ultra One, Ultra Lite, and Primax Excel, which allow engineered wood to be protectively coated in powder – and for the first time, these products can be applied to natural wood too.

2.      In November 2019, AkzoNobel digs in to launch €50 million investment in US wood coatings site

3.      In July 2020, Nippon Paint India, part of the NIPSEA Group, has launched a new range of industrial paints under the Protec brand

4.      In September 2019, Sirca Paints launched Fresco Matt Finish paint in the Indian market

5.      In April 2018, HMG Paints, Manchester, UK, has launched a specialist range of decorative coatings, including a new color collection

6.      In August 2020, Costron has teamed up with DSM to launch innovative wood coating solutions

7.      In June 2020, ICL AND SPECIALCHEM PARTNER TO LAUNCH HALOX® SCRATCH-X™

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High demand for consumer electronic products to open new doors of opportunity for Silicon Anode Battery market

 

The silicon anode battery is the ultimate energy storage solution as it store current in an electrochemical way. It can be used for various purpose like automotive, medical, and other electrical appliances. In these batteries the silicon dioxide anodes are replaced by silicon nitride anodes. These silicon anodes are also called the 'super silicon' as it gives you high efficiency and power. One of the main benefits of these types of batteries is that they provide great power for a long period of time. They have better performance than other types of batteries. In general these types of batteries are used in automobiles and they work in such a way that they do not allow the carbon to deposit on their surface. So this type of anode has low toxicity as well as high strength.

The growing use of consumer electronic products as they are highly dependent on portable power sources is driving the market growth of silicon anode battery. Moreover, increasing strategic partnership in the market among key manufacturer business expansion is further projected to foster the market growth. For instance, in October 2019, Airbus Defense and Space has enter into partnership with U.S.-based Amprius Inc’s current equity funding for the development of new generation batteries based on Silicon Nanowire Anode technology.

The Asia Pacific is projected to gain significant growth over the forecast period and this is attributed to the increasing use of consumer electronic products. According to the India Brand Equity Foundation, the Indian appliance and consumer electronics (ACE) market reached US$ 10.93 billion in 2019 and is expected to reach US$ 21.18 billion by 2025. Moreover, the electronics hardware production in the country increased from Rs 1.90 trillion (US$ 31.13 billion) in FY14 to Rs 4.58 trillion (US$ 65.53 billion) in 2019.

Key Developments:

In February 2019, CLB Americas Inc. and its affiliates have announced that they are conducting R&D work optimizing their proprietary silicon-carbon anode material (SiCAM) to enhance lithium-ion battery performance.

In May 2020, LPN, which specializes in electronic materials, announced that it has developed a new production method for a nano silicon-based high-capacity anode that can improve the performances of lithium-ion batteries dramatically

In July 2019, NanoGraf Technologies was awarded $7.5 Million for the commercialization of high-energy anode materials for lower-cost batteries, from the United States Advanced Battery Consortium LLC (USABC).

In September 2018, SC Technologies and its global affiliates have been ramping up the commercial-scale production of new high capacity Silicon Composite Anode Material (Si-C) for next-generation Lithium-Ion Batteries (LIBs).

The growing need for improving the aesthetic and touch of the device is projected to bring bright opportunities for the soft-touch polyurethane coating market

 

Soft-Touch polyurethane coating provides high-quality products due to their unique and effective technology, as well as their dedication to continuously improve their coatings so that they can be found in the best possible coatings that provide the highest level of performance and function. These coatings are designed to offer a high level of hardness, durability, and reliability. They are designed to perform well in both wet and dry applications and are known for their ability to repel water and moisture, which prevents stains and corrosion. They also offer the most durable protection against oil, gas, and solvents.

The growing demand for soft-touch polyurethane coatings from the electronic industry for improving aesthetics and touch of devices is again contributing to the market growth. Moreover, increasing adoption of plastic in automobile interiors is fueling demand for soft-touch polyurethane coatings which in turn augmenting the market growth. On the other hand, the availability of cheap substitutes such as master batches as it is an advanced technology and is widely gaining adoption across furniture and also interior parts of an automobile is projected to hamper the market growth. Whereas, the development of innovative matting agents for the soft-touch coatings is again expected to accelerate the market growth of soft feel PU coatings. For instance, in February 2019, Evonik Resource Efficiency GmbH has introduced ACEMATT® 3400 a new matting agent for high-transparency clear coatings and soft-touch coatings with smooth surfaces.

North America is projected to gain significant growth over the forecast period and this is attributed to the strong presence of the furniture industry in the region. According to the woodworking network, North America is the largest market for office furniture, with sales recorded at $16.53 billion in 2018.

Key Developments:

In January 2020, BASF announced a single-digit million-euro investment in the capacity expansion of water-based polyurethane dispersions at its Castellbisbal site in Spain. The expansion enables BASF to increase its production capacity by 30 percent.

In October 2018, Electrolube, the global manufacturer of specialist electro-chemicals for the automotive, electronics, LED and industrial manufacturing industries, announced the launch of a series of innovative new polyurethane and silicone conformal coating products

In February 2018, API, an Italian company specialized in the production of thermoplastic elastomeric compounds and bio plastics introduced its newest lightweight footwear solutions, APILONTM 52 EXP and APILONTM 52 LIGHT. The newest expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) materials, offeres an outstanding combination of soft-touch, aesthetics, and especially lightness.

In June 2020, BASF launched 10 variations of Haptex 2.0 – a new and improved series of its innovative polyurethane (PU) solution for the production of synthetic leather.

Optical Coatings Market: A Lucrative Industry Full of Opportunities

 

An optical coating is made of a combination of thin layers of materials such as metals, oxides, or rare earth materials. The performance of an optical coating depends on the number of layers, their thickness, and the refractive index difference between them. Optical coatings are deposited using specific deposition techniques. In simple terms, an optical coating is a combination of one or more thin layers of material that affect how light interacts with a certain optical component. Optical coatings are being used in many applications, such as military and defense, telecommunication, medical, automotive, architecture solar panels, and consumer electronics.

The evolution of the display and electronics industries and the ever-growing need for advanced and cutting-edge coatings are key factors driving advancements in many optical coating technologies. Where some industries require clear coatings, other industries require specialized optical coatings that can efficiently transfer energy. While a few companies have developed coating systems which can reduce the need for surface roughness, others have succeeded at increasing the amount of light which travels through an applied coating. This increased light transmission ability has led to the development of a wide variety of coatings, which offer a range of capabilities.

Recent technological advances in the field of optical deposition techniques, along with the increasing demand for efficient optical devices in end-use applications, are expected to drive the optical coatings market. The increased use of reflective coatings in green buildings to maintain heat and reduce energy consumption is also expected to increase demand for optical coatings. Moreover, the increasing demand for consumer electronic products, such as personal computers, video games console, high-resolution displays, cameras, tablets, and mobiles is augmenting the optical coatings market growth. For instance, in November 2019, ZEISS unveiled the Supreme Prime Radiance lenses, a new set of high-end cinematography lenses.

North America is a major manufacturing hub for medical equipment companies, which is expected to increase the demand for optical coatings. The ever-increasing patient population due to the COVID-19 pandemic at the community level is expected to increase the demand for medical components, boosting the demand for optical coatings in the United States. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Abrisa Technologies remained operational to provide critical glass fabrication & optical coating requirements. Asia Pacific is also expected to a witness substantial growth due to the increasing demand for consumer electronic products, which is expected to drive the market growth. Moreover, increased use of optical coatings in many automobile components, such as headlight lenses, windshields, car windows, and gear knob top, is also expected to propel the growth of the optical coatings market.

R&D in Bioplastics Production to Augment Growth of the Global Market

 

Bioplastics are plastic materials produced from renewable biomass sources, such as vegetable fats and oils, corn starch, straw, woodchips, sawdust, recycled food waste. Biodegradable bioplastics could significantly reduce the carbon emissions of the chemicals industry.

Market Insights

R&D in processes for producing bioplastics is expected to propel growth of the global bioplastics market over the forecast period. For instance, in October 2020, The EU-funded REFUCOAT project reported development of a new set of processes for producing bioplastics for food packaging. The team used bioplastics that include, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) and polyglycolic acid (PGA) to develop three different bio-based active packaging systems. Moreover, development of specialty bioplastics is also expected to aid in growth of the global bioplastics market. For instance, in October 2020, researchers from JAIST and U-Tokyo University reported development of white biotechnological conversion of cellulosic biomass to aromatic polymers with highest thermal degradation of all plastics.

Government intervention is necessary to boost adoption of bioplastics. Moreover, improvements in the polymerisation process technologies and biorefinery integration is also expected to offer lucrative growth opportunities for players in the global bioplastics market. R&D in bacteria for decomposition of bioplastics is also expected to aid in growth of the global bioplastics market. For instance, in September 2020, researchers at Siberian Federal University reported identifying bacterial strains of Bacillus pumilus, Pseudomonas, Variovorax, and Rhodococcus in one of the regions of the Krasnoyarsk Region that are able to "digest" biopolymers.

Recent studies have reported presence of toxic chemicals, which is expected to hinder growth of the global bioplastics market. For instance, researchers from Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Department of Aquatic Ecotoxicology, reported that most bioplastics and plant-based materials contain toxic chemicals as 67% of the samples induced baseline toxicity, 42% oxidative stress, 23% antiandrogenicity and one sample estrogenicity.

Competitive Analysis

Major players operating in the global bioplastics market include, Teijin Ltd., Toray Industries, Toyota Tsusho, M & G Chemicals, PTT Global Chemical Public Company Ltd., Danimer Scientific, Showa Denko K.K., NatureWorks LLC, SABIC, BASF SE, Futerro SA, E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Braskem, Corbion N.V., Galactic, and Solvay SA

Major players operating in the global bioplastics market are focused on going public to enhance their market share. For instance, in October 2020, Danimer Scientific, a leading maker of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) bioplastics, signed an agreement with Live Oak Acquisition Corp., which is expected to result in the company’s listing on the New York Stock Exchange.

In-depth report on global bioplastics market by Coherent Market Insights: