The Global Market for Conductive Polymers is Projected to Reach US$3.1 Billion by 2020

The Coming Age of Flexible Circuitry to Spur Future Gains in the Conductive Polymers Market, According to a New Report by Global Industry Analysts, Inc.

GIA launches comprehensive analysis of industry segments, trends, growth drivers, market share, size and demand forecasts on the global Conductive Polymers market. The global market for Conductive Polymers is projected to exceed US$3.1 billion by 2020, driven by the promised benefits offered by the electrical conductivity, thermal stability and electroactive features of these polymers in diverse application areas ranging from electronics, automobiles, electrical industrial equipment, solar energy to medical devices.

Continuous technology developments and breakthrough understanding in the electronics of conjugated polymers, over the decades have helped Conductive Polymers (CPs) reach mainstream and today are indispensable in a wide range of applications. A key characteristic feature of CPs is that the material possesses electrical properties of metal and physical attributes of polymers such as lightweight, corrosion and chemical resistance, superior malleability and low costs. All of these benefits have helped proliferation of CPs across low cost applications in consumer products to expensive and sophisticated use in electronics, non-linear optics, aeronautics and space engineering. Few of the special features of CPs which make them valuable in the field of electronics and microelectronics include electrostatic discharge protection (ESD), and electromagnetic interference shielding (EMI). The growth in the CP market will continue to benefit from healthy production trends in electronics, automobiles, electrical industrial equipment, and healthcare equipment and implants.

Of special importance in the CP market is the coming age of flexible circuitry. CPs represent the silent “behind the scenes” enabler of electronics by playing a vital role in semiconductor manufacturing and chip packaging. Flexible printed circuit boards, also known as flexi-circuits, integrate insulated conductive polymer films that insulate and protect the conductor circuits. Defined as electronics that are bendable, flexible electronics are witnessing massive investments with electronics manufacturers focusing on the next generation development of flexible digital displays, flexible photo-voltaic panels, flexible batteries, flexible sensors, flexible memories, and flexible radio-frequency identification devices (RFID). The growing trend towards polymer thick film (PTF) flexible circuits is spurring demand for new polymer thick film materials. The environmental benefit offered in the form of reduced hazardous waste is a key factor spurring the popularity of PTF flexible circuits in addition to factors such as cost effectiveness, ease of manufacturing, design flexibility, requires less space as compared to rigid PCBs, and aesthetic appeal and diversity in form factors i.e. tapes, coils, bent shapes etc.

Other major factors poised to fuel growth in the market include promised evolution of Polytronics in the era of pervasive intelligence and connectivity; growing demand for disposable microchips against the backdrop of the growing IoT ecosystem; strong growth potential for shape-shifting electronics; growing demand for smart biomaterials in the healthcare sector; and increasing focus on the use of CPs in thermal management of high power LED lighting systems.

As stated by the new market research report on Conductive Polymers, the United States represents the largest market worldwide, supported by strong R&D activities associated with conductive polymers technologies. Asia-Pacific is poised to emerge as the fastest growing region with a CAGR of 8.3% over the analysis period. The growth in the region is led by robust use of CPs in coatings for actuators, textiles, batteries, capacitors, solar cells and sensors; rapid industrialization and the ensuing expansion of the manufacturing base; steady automobile production trends and robust production of electronics against the backdrop of strong appetite for electronic devices. Also with Asian manufacturers leading the low priced lighting revolution, Polymer OLEDs (P-OLEDs) in the region will witness robust demand in a broad range of downstream backlight and lighting markets.

Major players covered in the report include Agfa-Gevaert N.V., Celanese Corporation, Crosslink Technology Inc., Enthone Electronics Solutions, Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, Heraeus Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG, Kenner Material & System Co., Ltd., KEMET Corporation, Lubrizol Advanced Materials, Inc., Parker Hannifin Corporation, The Dow Chemical Company and Voltaic Coatings among others.

The research report titled “Conductive Polymers (CPs): A Global Strategic Business Report” announced by Global Industry Analysts Inc., provides a comprehensive review of market trends, issues, drivers, and other strategic industry activities of global companies. The report provides market estimates and projections of manufacturer’s level revenues in US$ Thousands for all major geographic markets such as the US, Canada, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of World.

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