by Fumed silica, also known as pyrogenic silica, is a white, fluffy powder produced by hydrolysis of silicon tetrachloride in a hydrogen-oxygen flame. It has a wide range of applications across various end-use industries such as paints & coatings, adhesives & sealants, pharmaceutical, food & beverages, and personal care. Fumed silica provides properties like thixotropy, thickening viscosity, suspension and stabilization of formulations. It is widely used as a reinforcing filler in silicone rubber, as a thickening agent in pyrotechnic compositions, and as a polishing agent in toothpastes.
The global Fumed Silica Market is estimated to be valued at US$ 2.5 Billion in 2023 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR Of 10% over the forecast period 2024 To 2031, as highlighted in a new report published by Coherent Market Insights.
Market Dynamics:
Growing demand from adhesives and sealants industry: Fumed silica works as a reinforcement to provide stiffness and abrasion-resistance properties to adhesives and sealants. It also provides rheological control and acts as a thickening agent. The global adhesives & sealants market is growing due to increasing consumption in construction, automotive and packaging industries. Increasing usage of adhesives & sealants will drive the demand for fumed silica over the forecast period.
Growing demand from personal care products: Fumed silica is widely used as a thickening agent, suspension stabilizer and anti-caking agent in cosmetic and personal care products such as toothpastes, face creams, sunscreens, shampoos and liquid soaps. The global personal care industry is growing due to rising consciousness regarding hygiene and changing lifestyles. Increasing use of personal care products will augment the fumed silica market in the coming years.
Segment Analysis
The global fumed silica market is dominated by pyrogenic fumed silica segment which holds around 90% of the total market share. Pyrogenic fumed silica also known as pyrogenic silica is produced by hydrolysis of chlorosilanes in a flame pyrolysis process which results in nanometer sized, highly branched, chainlike three-dimensional agglomerates. It has properties such as high purity, large surface area and narrow particle size distribution. These properties make it suitable for applications requiring reinforced hardness, effective rheology control and reinforcement.
PEST Analysis
Political: The governments across regions are supporting growth of end use industries such as automotive, construction etc. which will boost demand for fumed silica. Various trade agreements have also ensured steady supply of raw materials.
Economic: Strong economic growth especially in Asia Pacific region has resulted in increased spending capabilities. This will drive demand from applications such as personal care products. However, rising raw material prices can impact production costs.
Social: Rapid urbanization and growing consumerism are fuelling demand for applications such as automotive coatings, construction chemicals etc. Awareness about health benefits of fumed silica consumption in food supplements is also increasing its acceptance.
Technological: Continuous focus on new production techniques help manufacturers reduce wastage and increase yields. Advanced purification methods ensure availability of high purity grades of fumed silica required for newer applications in lithium-ion batteries and pharmaceuticals.
Key Takeaways
The Global Fumed Silica Market Demand is expected to witness high growth over the forecast period of 2024 to 2031 supported by growing applications in industries such as automotive, construction, pharmaceuticals among others.
Regional analysis:
Asia Pacific accounts for around 45% of the global fumed silica demand led by China, India and other emerging economies. Low manufacturing costs and growing domestic demand from industries like automotive and construction in Asia Pacific economies are driving the regional market. The region is expected to witness fastest gains during the forecast period.
Key players:
Key players operating in the fumed silica market are Evonik, Cabot, Wacker, Tokuyama, OCI Corporation, Orisil, Zhejiang Fuji Silysia Chemicals, Kemitura. Evonik and Cabot are the market leaders due to their technical expertise and strong global distribution networks.
Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
