Global Markets for Nanocomposites, Nanoparticles, Nanoclays, and Nanotubes -- Focus on Europe

Report Highlights

• Global consumption of nanocomposites was an estimated 118,768 metric tons (MT) with a value of over $800 million in 2010. In 2011, the market should reach 138,389 metric tons and $920 million. By 2016, the market should amount to 333,043 metric tons and $2.4 billion, a five year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.2% in unit terms and of 20.9% in value terms.
• European consumption of nanocomposites was an estimated 34,886 MT with a value of nearly $256 million in 2010.  BCC projects that these figures will grow to 40,958 MT and $298 million in 2011 and 104,742 MT and $789 million in 2016, a CAGR of 20.7% in unit terms and 21.7% in value terms over the next 5 years.
• Packaging, automotive parts, and coatings were the main European nanocomposite applications in 2010, with 35%, 30%, and 5% of the market, respectively. By 2016, packaging’s share is expected to increase to 48%, while automotive parts should drop to 13% and coatings to 3%.

INTRODUCTION

STUDY BACKGROUND

Nanocomposites have been used commercially since Toyota introduced the first polymer/clay nanocomposite auto parts in the 1980s.  Recently, advances in the ability to characterize, produce, and manipulate nanometer-scale materials have led to their increased use as fillers in new types of nanocomposites.

Manufacturers now mix nanoparticulate metals, oxides, and other materials with polymers and other matrix materials to optimize the composite’s properties with respect to color/transparency, conductivity, flame retardancy, barrier properties, magnetic properties, and anticorrosive properties, as well as tensile strength, modulus, and heat distortion temperature.  These composites offer users significantly enhanced properties compared to conventional composite and noncomposite materials.

Global consumption of nanocomposites has increased significantly since BCC published its last market analysis in 2009, reaching 118,768 metric tons (MT), with an estimated value of over $800 million in 2010.  Nanocomposite consumption is growing rapidly, and is expected to reach 333,044 MT, or $2.4 billion in value, by 2016.

STUDY GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

Such rapid growth has raised expectations regarding nanocomposites’ commercial potential.  The overall goal of this updated report is to provide suppliers of advanced materials, entrepreneurs, investors, and others with information concerning emerging nanocomposite technologies and applications, along with a realistic assessment of their commercial potential.

Specific objectives include identifying segments of the nanocomposite market with the greatest commercial potential in the near to mid-term (i.e., 2011 to 2016), projecting future demand in these segments, and evaluating the challenges that must be overcome for each segment to realize its potential in order to estimate the probability of successful commercialization.

INTENDED AUDIENCE

This report is intended especially for nanocomposite and nanomaterials marketing executives, entrepreneurs, investors, venture capitalists, and other readers with a need to know the direction in which the nanocomposite market is headed in the next 5 years.  Other readers who should find the report particularly useful include officials of government programs, such as the U.S. National Nanotechnology Initiative, which promote the development of the nanotechnology industry.  The report’s findings and conclusions should also be of interest to the broader nanotechnology community.

SCOPE AND FORMAT

The report addresses the global market for nanocomposites.  Nanocomposites are a class of composites that have at least one component with nanoscale dimensions or structural features.  This study, however, excludes certain materials (e.g., rubber to which carbon black nanoparticles have been added) that technically fit the definition of nanocomposites but have been in commercial use for decades.

The study format includes the following major elements:

• Executive summary
• Definitions
• Milestones in the development of nanocomposites
• Nanocomposites that are in commercial use or under development, associated technologies, and applications
• Nanocomposites with the greatest commercial potential through 2016
• Global nanocomposite market trends from 2010 to 2016
• Factors that will influence the long-term development of the nanocomposites market
• Nanocomposites industry structure and market shares

METHODOLOGY AND INFORMATION SOURCES

Projecting the market for emerging technologies such as nanocomposites, many with commercial potential that has not yet been fully proven, is a challenging task.  This report uses a multiphase approach that includes both primary and secondary research methodologies to identify the nanocomposites with the greatest commercial potential and to quantify their market.

In the first phase of the analysis, BCC Research identified a long list of nanocomposites, including those that are still under development.  BCC then undertook a literature review to identify those nanocomposites that are unlikely to make it into commercial production before 2016, resulting in a short list of nanocomposites that have near- to mid-term commercial potential.

In phase two, BCC mapped these nanocomposites against potential end-user industries and applications, such as the automotive and food packaging industries, to identify the nanocomposites with the greatest commercial potential in the time frame covered by this report.  Selection criteria included size of the market, characteristics of competing materials, and similar considerations.

In the third phase, BCC focused on quantifying the potential market for these high-potential nanocomposites and identifying the main prerequisites for commercial success.  Various methodologies and data sources were used to develop the projections, including trend-line projections, input-output analysis, and estimates of future demand from industry sources.

The report includes detailed descriptions of the data sources, assumptions, and methodologies that were used in developing the market projections.  BCC Research’s intent is to let readers judge the validity of its projections for themselves, thus enabling them to develop alternative market scenarios as they see fit.

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DISCLAIMER

This publication provides informative material of a professional nature.  It does not constitute managerial, legal, or accounting advice, nor should it serve as a corporate policy guide or an endorsement of any given product or company.  This information is intended to be as accurate as possible at the time it was written and was undertaken on a best-effort basis.  The views expressed are those of the author and do not make any warranty, express or implied, for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of the information, or for the interpretation of data or its use by others.  Projections involve risks and uncertainties that include but are not limited to technical risks associated with technology development, government regulatory approvals, and access to capital.  The author assumes no responsibility for any losses or damages that may result from one’s reliance on this material.

Analyst Credentials

Andrew McWilliams spent more than 25 years as a consultant with Ernst & Young, McKinsey & Company and A.T. Kearny focused on manufacturing before segueing into research analysis. He has been covering myriad technology categories for BCC Research for more than 15 years. McWilliams has a BA from Princeton University and an MA from Harvard University. He has worked in more than 40 countries and he resides in the greater Boston area.