Global Markets for Nanocomposites, Nanoparticles, Nanoclays, and Nanotubes

Global consumption of nanocomposites was an estimated 118,768 metric tons 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 20.9% in value terms.

• Global consumption of nanocomposites was an estimated 67,685 metric tons with a value of nearly $467 million in 2008.  These figures declined to 64,567 metric tons and $460 million in 2009.  By 2014, the market should exceed 214,081 metric tons and $1.38 billion, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27.1%.
  
• Global consumption of clay-based nanocomposites was 46,044 metric tons with a value of $232.5 million in 2008.  Consumption fell to approximately 44,931 metric tons and $226.9 million in 2009 but will increase to 181,094 metric tons and $692.3 million by 2014, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 32.2%.
  
• The total world market for ceramic-containing nanocomposites was approximately 10,662 metric tons with a value of $49.8 million in 2008.  The market fell to 9,633 metric tons and $48.2 million in 2009 and is expected to grow to 17,388 metric tons and $145.2 million in 2014, a compound annual growth rate ( CAGR) of 12.5%.

• Clay nanocomposites accounted for nearly one-quarter (24%) of total nanocomposite consumption by value in 2005, followed by metal and metal oxide nanocomposites (19%) and carbon nanotube composites (15%). By 2011, clay nanocomposites are projected to increase their market share to 44%. Between 2005 and 2011, other market share gainers include metal/metal oxide nanocomposites and ceramic nanocomposites which are projected to attain market shares of 20% and 11.5% respectively. Carbon nanotube composites, meanwhile, are expected to lose market share, down to 7.5%.
• Automotive parts, energy, and packaging were the main nanocomposite applications in 2005, with 29%, 28%, and 19% market shares respectively. Other major applications in 2005 were coatings (14%) and ESD (8%).
• By 2011, packaging is expected to become the leading nanocomposite application, with over 28% of the market. Energy applications remain in second place in 2011, with more than 26% of the market. Automotive applications will be the third-largest application in 2011, with over 15% of the market, followed by coatings with 14%.

• The total worldwide market for polymer nanocomposites reached $90.8 million in 2003. Rising at an AAGR (average annual growth rate) of 18.4%, this market will exceed $210 million in 2008. .
• The dollar value of thermoplastics is larger, because these are higher valued added goods and are used in high-dollar niche applications.
• Growth will exceed an AAGR of 20% with sales reaching nearly $180 million.
• Thermosets will rise at an AAGR of 9.9% from $20 million in 2003 to $32.2 million in 2008.
• Current volumes of thermoplastic and thermoset nanocomposites produced are roughly equal. By 2008, thermoplastics will constitute 77% of the volume market.

• While available today in only pilot amounts, the production of nanocomposite materials will exceed 55 million pounds in 2004.
• The value of market in 2004 will approach $200 million.
• Greater understanding of the chemistry driving the formation of nanocomposites has enabled researchers to discover practical methods of production for these materials.
• Replacement of thermoplastic by nanocomposites will not come on a wholesale basis, but will take place in applications where the improved performance of the nanocomposite justifies an increase in cost.