Large-Scale Production Heralds Spectacular Growth in CNT Markets as Unit Costs Fall

July 10, 2015

Wellesley, Mass., July 10, 2015 – Until quite recently, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were available in very limited quantities at exorbitant prices that catered primarily to the research community. BCC Research reveals in its new report this dynamic material is now becoming available in large-scale quantities at annual production capacities. Correspondingly, unit costs have plummeted, promising market breakthroughs and further lower costs during the forecast period.

The global market for various CNT grades—commodity multiwall nanotubes (MWNT), specialty single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) and few-wall carbon nanotubes (FWNTs)—is estimated to reach about $158.6 million in 2014. Projected to grow at a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 33.4%, the market should total about $670.6 million in 2019. MWNT revenues in 2019, stunted by slow commercial adoption and oversupply, should be eclipsed by SWNT and FWNT revenues. This projected forecast represents a conservative estimate tempered by several important factors detailed in the report.

Among the numerous categories in the evolving field of newly synthesized nanomaterials, CNTs are perhaps among the most dynamic and undergoing the most rapid pace of development. The past 15 years have witnessed relentless growth in the research, development, and technological understanding of these remarkable materials. As a result, the list of product applications is expanding considerably and is projected to do so well into the future.

“The CNT-polymer composites market is by far the largest product consumer of commodity-grade multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs). It is has the potential to expand significantly,” says BCC research analyst John Oliver. ”This is spurred by the promise of increased lightweight-strength and exceptional electrically conductive characteristics of CNTs used for example in automobiles, sports equipment, and wind turbines. For these applications, uniform dispersion of MWNTs in the host matrix material will be especially critical. Eventually, further impetus is expected from the looming possibility of penetrating the aerospace and military sectors.”

Global Markets and Technologies for Carbon Nanotubes (NAN024F) analyzes the emerging CNT industry based on data from 2013, estimates for 2014, and projections of CAGRs through 2019. Market drivers, restraints, and opportunities, along with global market trends and technical readiness of CNTs also are discussed.

Editors and reporters who wish to speak with the analyst should contact Steven Cumming at steven.cumming@bccresearch.com.

Global Markets and Technologies for Carbon Nanotubes( NAN024F )
Publish Date: Jun 2015    

Data and analysis extracted from this press release must be accompanied by a statement identifying BCC Research LLC as the source and publisher. For media inquiries, email press@bccresearch.com or visit www.bccresearch.com/media to request access to our library of market research.