Sol-Gel Products Market - Forecast(2023 - 2028)

Sol-Gel Products Market Overview

The sol-gel products market is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 10.4% during 2021-2026. The sol-gel process is a wet-chemical technique, also known as chemical solution deposition, that involves the formation of an inorganic colloidal suspension (sol) and gelation of the sol in a continuous liquid phase (gel) to form a three-dimensional network structure. Sol-gel is a fabrication technique used to make materials that can be in the form of powders, coatings, bulk monoliths, or fibers. This process allows for the synthesis of high-strength ceramics material of high purity and homogeneity by means of preparation techniques different from the traditional process of fusion of oxides. Sol-gel technology is being increasingly used for the development of optical sensors and biosensors, due to its simplicity and versatility. Other applications for sol-gel technology include protective coatings, catalysts, piezoelectric devices, waveguides, lenses, superconductors, and the synthesis of nanoparticles. The growing demand from the medical and healthcare industry is also expected to drive the Sol-gel products industry substantially during the forecast period.

COVID-19 Impact

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, end-use industries such as aerospace and automotive, industries are highly impacted. Due to social distancing policy, most of the manufacturing plants of aircraft and automobiles were shut down, which declined the production of commercial aircraft and vehicles. For instance, according to the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA), the total production of vehicles declined by 16% in 2020. 77.62 million vehicles were produced in 2020 whereas 91.79 million vehicles were produced in 2019. Supply chain disruptions, raw material delays, delays in the availability of models, deferred launches, and shrinkage in consumer demand have also added to the woes. This resulted in lower demand and consumption for Sol-gel products in 2020.

Report Coverage

The report: “Sol-Gel Products Market – Forecast (2021-2026)”, by IndustryARC, covers an in-depth analysis of the following segments of the Sol-gel products Market.

By Product Type: Ceramic, Glass, and Others.
By Form: Powder, Fiber, Monoliths, Thin Films, and Others.
By Application: Coatings, Piezoelectric Devices, Catalysts, Superconductors, Nanoparticles, High Strength Ceramics, and Others.
By End-Use Industry: Aerospace (Coatings- Protective Coatings, Camouflage Coatings, Abrasion Resistant Coatings, Fuel Tank Coatings, and Others; Adhesive Bonding; Solvent Cleaner, and Others), Automotive (Anti-reflective Coatings, Corrosion Protection Coatings, Self-Cleaning Mirrors, Primers and Others), Electronics (Diodes, Lenses, LEDs, Batteries, Capacitors, Touch Panels, Optics and Others), Energy (Wind Energy, Solar Energy, and Others), Construction (Anti-Graffiti Coatings, Architectural Coatings, Smart Windows and Others) Medical and Healthcare (Wound Dressing, Biosensors, Transdermal Patches, Metal Implants, Bone Grafting Medium, Biomedical Devices, Drug Delivery, Biomolecules and Others), Consumer Goods and Others.
By Geography: North America (USA, Canada, and Mexico), Europe (UK, Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Russia, Belgium, and Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand, Indonesia, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Rest of APAC), South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, and Rest of South America), Rest of the World (Middle East, and Africa).

Key Takeaways

• North America dominates the sol-gel product market, owing to the increasing demand for sol-gel coatings in the region.
• The most widespread commercial use of sol-gel is in the fabrication and deposition of coatings. The role of the coating may be to provide one or more of a number of functions: protective coatings (for example, corrosion protection and abrasion resistance), anti-reflective coatings, hybrid coatings (for decoration of glassware), architectural coatings, and so on.
• Sol-gel products have a wide range of applications. These materials are environmentally friendly and can be an effective alternative to harmful methods of obtaining protection materials. These products have advantages such as high mechanical, chemical, and thermal stability, biological inertness, high transparency, and photostability.
• The major opportunity for this market is high research spending and growing awareness in society.

Figure: North America Sol-gel products Market Revenue, 2020-2026 (US$ Billion)

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Sol-gel products Market Segment Analysis – By Product Type

The ceramics segment held a significant share in the market of the Sol-gel product in 2020. Sol-gel is a method for preparing specialty metal oxide glasses and ceramics, for example, silica (SiO₂), alumina (Al₂O₃), titania (TiO₂), and indium tin oxide. Combinations of these ceramics (such as silica-titania) can also be produced. This is done by hydrolyzing a chemical precursor or mixture of precursors that pass sequentially through a solution state and a gel state before being dehydrated to glass or ceramic. The sol-gel process is beneficial in the formation of ceramic and glass films for many reasons. It is a simple reaction that does not require exotic materials, catalysts, or expensive deposition equipment. Sol-gel reactions do not employ extreme reaction conditions. The reactions take place at room temperature and require only moderate temperatures to cure the gel by removing the water/alcohol that the reaction generates. The properties of the materials prepared using sol-gel approaches are easy to modify by utilizing an organically modified alkoxide. Sol-gel processing is commonly used to modify S2 glass fibers (a type of high-performance fiberglass) used in composites. Coating glass surfaces with a sol-gel film helps the glass gain strength and resists shattering. Also, sol-gel materials have been used in composites to reinforce existing polymeric structures, such as polyesters. The advantage of sol-gel is that high-strength ceramics with a higher level of purity can be achieved compared to normal ceramic processing methods. This is because the raw materials used in sol-gel (very fine, ~25nm diameter powders or chemical compounds) are manufactured from highly purified components. This is, due to, specialized applications including displays, semiconductors, and sensor's requirement of low levels of impurities.

Sol-gel products Market Segment Analysis – By Form 

The powder segment held the largest share of more than 25% in the market of the Sol-gel products in 2020. Sol-gel can be cast in various forms including monoliths, thin films, fibers, and powders. This allows various configurations of sensing elements for different applications. Fibers prepared by sol-gel can be used for reinforcement, superconducting, electrolytic, or optical applications, as well as for improving chemical durability. Monoliths have various potential optical applications including optical filters, optical sensors, passive and nonlinear active waveguides, and lasers. Thin films are used for piezoelectric devices & capacitors. The first significant industrial products of sol-gel technology were mixed oxide powders of radioactive elements such as uranium and thorium. Being a solution-based technique sol-gel produces no dust during fabrication, eliminating problems with the management of radioactive dust and decontamination of the preparation areas. Another example of sol-gel-derived powder being used industrially is that of alumina for abrasive applications. Fabrication of these powders using sol-gel methods gives a much better yield because the grain size can be controlled. Powders of single- and multi-component compositions can be made with submicron particle size for structural, electronic, dental, and biomedical applications. Hence, the powder form is set to dominate the market during the forecast period.

Sol-gel products Market Segment Analysis – By Application 

The coatings segment held the largest share of more than 30% in the Sol-gel products market in 2020 as sol-gel coatings provide a simple and cost-efficient approach to functionalize different surfaces to improve their bioactivity, corrosion, and wear resistance, mechanical properties, reliability, and performance. The sol-gel process is used to produce compositions that cannot be created using conventional methods. Another benefit is that the mixing level of the solution is retained in the final product, even on the molecular scale. The applications for sol-gel-derived products are numerous. Sol-gel coatings are used in every sector of engineering application, such as aerospace, electronics, automotive, building & construction, etc. Antireflection coatings are used for automotive and architectural applications. Protective coatings have been developed as well for glass, metal, and other types of substrates. A well-known example of this is the European Patent House in Frankfurt, which has a sol-gel coating on the windows. The coating controls the transmission and adsorption of different wavelengths of light to give a uniform reflective appearance that is aesthetically pleasing, while also minimizing the greenhouse effect in the building and reducing cooling costs during the summer. Using sol-gel methods, protective coatings can be made at temperatures less than 150°C. These coatings can be tailored for specific applications including mechanical protection for soft substrates (such as plastics and metals), chemical protection for reactive substrates, and environmental protection for exposed surfaces. Sol-gel coatings have the potential to fulfill each and every expectation of the end-user in terms of cost-effectiveness, environmental friendliness and unique functional properties. The cost is the most important driving force behind the growth of sol-gel coatings. Sol-gel coatings can be prepared by simple, non-vacuum processes with only a small capital investment. Hence, the coatings segment is set to fuel the market growth for the sol-gel products industry.

Sol-gel products Market Segment Analysis – By End-Use Industry 

The medical and health segment held the largest share and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.2% in the Sol-gel products market during the forecast period. One reason for this is based on an ever-increasing demand for regenerative or replacement tissues. Degenerative diseases and injuries have driven the need for more successful and cost-effective treatments and this has spurred the development of versatile methods to produce bioactive matrices and interfaces with improved functionality. Materials used in medical devices should have appropriate structural and mechanical properties and promote a healing response without causing adverse immune reactions. Medical device designers use various surface treatments such as coating that enhance or modify properties such as lubricity, the degree of hydrophobicity, functionalization, and biocompatibility. Sol–gel technology offers an alternative technique for producing bioactive surfaces for these applications. Calcium phosphate-based ceramics are widely used in medicine as bone substitutes, implants, and coatings on dental and orthopaedic prostheses. Because of their chemical and structural similarities to the inorganic phase of human bone, hydroxyapatite and other calcium phosphates such as alpha- or beta-tricalcium phosphate show excellent biocompatibility. More recently, biotechnology applications have been developed in which biomolecules (such as proteins, enzymes, antibodies, etc.) are incorporated into sol-gel matrices. Applications include monitoring of biochemical processes, environmental testing, and drug delivery for medicine. Other biomedical applications include coatings for metal implants and bone grafting materials. Owing to the expanding list of applications in the medical and healthcare industry, this sector dominates the market for sol-gel products.

Sol-gel products Market Segment Analysis – By Geography 

North America held the largest share in the Sol-gel products market in 2020 up to 35%, owing to the accelerating demand for sol-gel coatings from aerospace industries in the region. The aviation industry in North America is matured and has the presence of several aircraft OEMs. Another factor contributing to the growth of the sol-gel market in this area is the strong growth of biomedical applications in the medical & healthcare sector. Aluminium alloy used in the aircraft industry has a low resistance to corrosion when exposed to chloride and other ions present in the atmosphere. Corrosion, induced by these ions, can damage the structural parts of the aircraft, causing mechanical failure. Hence, corrosion protection is of utmost importance in the aerospace industry. Chromates are the best corrosion protectors for aluminium parts, but it is a carcinogenic hazard. Organic-inorganic hybrid sol-gel coatings have been recognized as prospective candidates for the substitution of chromate-based coatings. Sol-gel has been widely used in the aerospace industry for the surface treatment process in preparation of adhesive bonded repair to aircraft. It plays a crucial role in the process of bonded repair of aircraft as a chemical linkage between adhesive-bonded repair and damaged metallic structure of aircraft. As a chemical linkage, it produces a strong and durable bond between metal and organic adhesive (thermoplastics) which improves the overall strength in adhesive-bonded repair to aircraft. The United States is one of the largest domestic aviation markets in the world. Before the advent of the pandemic, airlines based in the United States and Canada had placed orders for several hundred aircraft, which are scheduled to be delivered during the forecast period. American and United Airlines have started taking deliveries of the previously ordered aircraft from the OEMs. United Airlines also plans to expand its fleet on a large scale. As part of the post-pandemic growth plans, United Airlines Holdings Inc. plans to purchase 200 Boeing 737 Max and 70 Airbus SE A321neo a deal valued at US$30 billion. Thus, with the recovering aerospace industry, there will be an upsurge in the demand for aerospace components, which is anticipated to drive the Sol-gel products market in North America.

Sol-gel products Market Drivers

Rising Demand from Medical & Healthcare Industry

The sol-gel products market is expected to witness a high growth rate during the forecast period, primarily driven by the rising demand from the medical & healthcare industry. Sol-gel technology is widely used for the construction of biosensors, laser materials, and for delayed drug delivery. The sol-gel technology-based biosensors are employed for detecting gases, toxic materials, humidity, acidity, and biologically active agents. The introduction of the sol-gel technique for preparing implants improves the mechanical strength, biocompatibility, and bioactivity of scaffolds and also prevents the corrosion of metallic implants. The increase in chronic diseases and novel technological advancements to deliver drugs is likely to create more opportunities for the growth of the sol-gel products market. Thus, increasing medical & healthcare applications act as a driver for the Sol-gel products market during the forecast period.

Increase in Demand for Sol-Gel Coatings

Sol-gel coating is a type of process of creating solid products and materials using small and nano-molecules. This process involves the conversion of monomers to a colloidal solution. In essence, a solution is transformed and condensed for the formulation of a gel. The resulting gel is therefore applied on the various substrate surface and subsequently dried off for the formulation of a protective glossy coating. Coatings deposition represents the oldest and largest commercial application of sol-gel technology. Silica-based sol-gel coatings are implemented in electronic, like optical sensors and LEDs. Sol-gel coatings have increasing demand in various end-use industries owing to its numerous properties such as self-cleaning, corrosion-resistant and IR & UV energy resistant coatings. A recent development is a water-based sol-gel coating has been formulated as an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional aerospace finishing materials and processes. The sol-gel hybrid network is based on a reactive mixture of an organo-functionalized silane with a stabilized zirconium complex. This coating, as a surface pretreatment for the exterior of commercial aircraft, has enabled environmental, health, and safety benefits due to the elimination of hexavalent chromium. Hence, there will be an upsurge in the demand for sol-gel coatings, which will subsequently drive the Sol-gel products market growth during the forecast period.

Sol-gel products Market Challenges

Fluctuating Price of Raw Materials

The sol-gel process is used commercially in many applications, such as protective coatings, catalysts, electronic and biomedical applications. It is also used for forming powders and fibers. The process confers excellent control of product purity and composition as it uses pure materials. It allows for the deposition of films and coatings on a range of different surfaces, enabling flexibility that is not present in many vapor-phase methods. Owing to the purity it gives, the cost of the raw materials may be high. For example, MgO powder with a purity of 98% is available in small quantities for $30/kg. Magnesium ethoxide, a chemical source for making MgO, costs about $200/kg. Such factors have become the major challenge of Sol-gel products in terms of consumption, which constrains the growth of the market.

Sol-gel products Market Landscape

Technology launches, acquisitions, and R&D activities are key strategies adopted by players in the Sol-gel products market. Sol-gel products market top companies are:

1. Schott AG
2. Mitsubishi Materials Corporation
3. BASF SE
4. 3M
5. Axalta Coating Systems
6. Fuji Silysia Chemical Ltd.
7. Dow
8. Premium Coatings and Chemicals Pvt Ltd.
9. Akzo Nobel
10. Socomore
11.  PPG Industries
12. CMR Coatings GmbH
13. Nanovations Pvt. Ltd.
14. Chase Corporation

Acquisitions/Technology Launches

• In April 2020, Mitsubishi Materials Corporation announced that its subsidiary Mitsubishi Chemical America, Inc. entered into a definitive agreement to acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of Gelest Intermediate Holdings, Inc., the parent of Gelest. Gelest makes and supplies silicones, organosilanes, metal-organics, and specialty monomers for advanced technology end markets including medical devices, life sciences, microelectronics and personal care. 

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