Skip navigation
Reports & Analysis Custom Research Research Subscriptions
Sign In / Create Account Cart
Sign In / Create Account Cart
  • Reports & Analysis
  • Custom Research
  • Research Subscriptions

Resources

  • Analyst Buzz
  • Press Releases
  • Blog
  • Resources & Downloads
  • Impact Tracker

The Freedonia Group

  • Contact
  • About
  • Our Staff
  • Help Center
  • Career Opportunities
Freedonia Market Research Blog Lighter, Stronger, Greener: 3 Trends in Silicones

Lighter, Stronger, Greener: 3 Trends in Silicones

by Zoe Biller

June 20, 2017

Global trends are shaping the future of most materials, and silicones are certainly no exception. Silicones -- which are fluids, rubbers, and resins with the properties of glass -- have unique characteristics that lend themselves to an array of applications.  According to the new study by the Freedonia Group, Global Silicones Market, 4th Edition, several applications will drive growth for silicones, including:

  • Green Energy: Solar panels are currently the hottest prospect in electricity generation, per the US Energy Information Administration. Silicones are key components of solar panels due to their transparency, durability, and heat resistance. This is driving growth for silicones in China, where solar panel production is currently concentrated, and in sunny climates that are ideally suited for solar energy generation.
  • Energy-efficient LEDs are also taking over in all lighting applications: both in indoor and exterior lighting, as well as in motor vehicles. This trend is fueling tremendous growth for silicones, which are used as protective encapsulants for sensitive LED components.
  • Customized Medical Devices: Wacker Chemie expects that medical device manufacturers will be a growth opportunity for its new ACEO silicone 3D Printing services brand. Silicone-based 3D printing can produce custom medical devices and prosthetics, a key advantage in an industry where customization is an integral part of the manufacturing process.
  • Fuel-Efficient Motor Vehicles: Carbon emission and fuel efficiency requirements for cars are growing stricter with each passing year, all over the world. At the same time, consumer appetites for larger vehicles is expanding apace. To keep both regulators and consumers happy, automakers must reduce vehicle weight as much as possible, while also increasing performance, durability, and passenger comfort. Silicones help them achieve their goals when used in such vehicle components as LED headlights, gaskets, and other items.

Conventional Silicones Applications Will Remain Important

Although new and exciting applications for silicones are seeing rapid growth, it’s important to remember that the everyday uses for silicones are still big revenue drivers for suppliers. Window joints still need to be sealed; people still want their shampoo to leave their hair feeling soft and shiny; polyurethane foams still require silicone surfactants--and it’s going to stay that way for quite some time to come.

Where to Find Out More

To find out more about this and other trends in the worldwide silicones industry, check out the new Global Silicones Market report, from The Freedonia Group. This study offers analysis on:

 Markets (construction, electrical & electronics, transportation, health & personal care, chemicals, and others)

  • Products (elastomers, fluids, resins, gels, and others)
  • 6 world regions and 15 major country markets
  • Industry composition and market share

About the Author:

Zoe Biller is an Industry Analyst at the Freedonia Group where she develops and writes reports on the global chemicals, capital goods and polymers & materials markets.

Have unique research needs?

Freedonia Custom Research listens intently to your needs and objectives. Then we work diligently to define and deliver a service to meet them.
Learn About Our Custom Research Services

Subscribe to Our Blog

Stay up to date with the latest information about new market research and news in areas relevant to your business from our analysts and team members.

Freedonia Group Blog Subscription

Provide the following details to subscribe.

  • Contact
  • About
  • Help Center
  • Career Opportunities
  • Press
  • User Agreement
  • Privacy Policy
  • Site Map
Facebook Linkedin Twitter

Additional Resources

  • Market Size Resources
  • Lawn Mowers Research
  • Global Motor Vehicle Research
  • Global Paint & Coatings Research
  • Global Industrial Valves Research
  • Global Agricultural Equipment Research
  • Indoor Air Quality Equipment Research
  • Global Adhesives & Sealants Research
  • Hardscaping Products Research
  • Residential Landscaping Research
  • Food Packaging Research
  • Global Carpets & Rugs Research
  • Global Residential HVAC Research
Copyright © 2023 MarketResearch.com, Inc. All rights reserved.