INTRODUCTION
This business opportunity report analyzes the market, materials, and recent developments in advanced structural ceramics. An overview of the advanced ceramic materials and their production technologies is presented and fitted into a matrix of the new applications. There are business issues that both drive entrance into the arena of advanced structural ceramics and there are some barriers to entry into this business and its applications. The ceramic composites and the competition of companies are identified. Markets and projections for advanced structural ceramics for the next 5 years are presented.
Within the advanced ceramics category, structural ceramics are wear-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and lightweight materials, and are superior to many materials in regard to stability in high-temperature environments. Because of this combination of properties, advanced structural ceramics have an especially high potential to resolve a wide number of today’s material challenges in process industries, power generation, aerospace, transportation, and military applications. Such applications are vital to maintaining global competitiveness, decreasing energy consumption, and minimizing pollution. Breakthroughs in advanced ceramics have enabled significant new technology capabilities that are now having far-reaching impacts on the North American economy and society.
This report is directed to the various strata of companies that are interested in the developments of this field. These companies include the following:
- Companies involved in developing, manufacturing, and supplying advanced materials
- Manufacturers, suppliers, and users of advanced ceramic raw materials
- Manufacturers, suppliers, and users of advanced ceramic powders
- Companies involved in the development and manufacture of advanced ceramic components
- Engine component manufacturers
- Cutting tool insert manufacturers
- Manufacturers of wear parts and OEM suppliers
- Manufacturers and suppliers of dental crowns, ceramic posterior materials, and ceramic hip implants
- Manufacturers and suppliers of armors
- Manufacturers and suppliers of ceramic kiln furniture, recuperators, heat exchangers
- Chemical companies interested in diversification
- Venture capital companies, angel investors, and financial institutions interested in new, attractive investments and acquisitions.
SCOPE OF REPORT
For each structural ceramic application area, the report provides an analysis of material types in that category, processing technologies, materials properties, prices, and North American markets, according to different applications in that category as well as according to the materials used. The qualitative and quantitative judgments embodied in this report are a valuable contribution to the current knowledge of advanced structural ceramics, their processing techniques, applications, and markets.
INFORMATION SOURCES AND METHODOLOGY
The findings of this report are based on information derived from interviews with many developers, producers and potential producers of advanced structural ceramic components, producers of ceramic powders, industry experts, and those conducting research and development in monolithic ceramic and ceramic matrix composites. End users were contacted to evaluate the projected future demand for technical and structural ceramic components.
Secondary data were obtained from trade publications, technical journals, government statistics, and BCC databases. All dollar amounts are in terms of constant dollars. Historical dollar values are for the year given.
ANALYST CREDENTIALS
RICHARD HILTON, ANALYST
Mr. Hilton has a broad business background, which includes many years as an analyst, project manager, product manager, and director of marketing for a major industrial firm. He has managed business planning, marketing research and communications, and product development.
He has experience as an editor of newsletters exploring emerging technologies and also has taught mathematics. Mr. Hilton has a Bachelor of Science in Business Logistics from Pennsylvania State University and a Master of Business Administration from Southern Illinois University. Of special interest to this study is his work on rare earths, catalysts, and ultrapure materials.
ANNA CRULL, CONSULTANT
Ms. Crull has more than 30 years experience as a research scientist in both government and private industry and as a business and technical analyst. She has a Bachelor of Science from the School of Engineering, University of Mississippi, and a Master of Science in chemistry from the University of Missouri. Her industry experience includes working as a rocket/missile systems specialist for the U.S. Army Redstone Arsenal and on the development of recycled water systems for the Gemini spacecraft and ceramics used in tactile missiles. In addition to her extensive industry experience, she holds patents in the areas of polyurethane and polyester polymer formulation and their uses. She continues to work on projects related to protective gear and armor for both military and civilian applications.
Key areas of experience as a business and technical consultant have been in the advanced technology areas with an emphasis on reliability, market forecasting, and utilization of intelligence and advanced materials technology. Her clients in both industry and government include DuPont, Fluor Corp., Corning, Inc., Coca-Cola, Bethlehem Steel, Chevron Research, Mobil Chemical, Sime Darby Group, Toray Industries America, Asahi Kasei, U.S. Dept. of State, U.S. Army, and the U.S. Navy.
Projects have included membrane and separation technologies, flame retardant chemicals, commercial fluorine compounds, biopesticides, fillers and extenders for plastics, catalysts and specialty chemicals for enhanced oil recovery, photovoltaic cells, proton exchange membranes, and battery separators. Analyses have also included monitors and sensors for air pollution and utilization of natural and synthetic zeolites.
Ms. Crull’s professional memberships include the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, Society of Petroleum Engineers, American Chemical Society, Sigma Xi, European Membrane Society, and the North American Membrane Society.
Report Code: AVM011C, Published: September 2008, Analyst: Dick Hilton
