Global Markets for Nanocomposites, Nanoparticles, Nanoclays, and Nanotubes -- Focus on the U.S.

Additional Information

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.