Nanocomposites, Nanoparticles, Nanoclays, and Nanotubes

Report Highlights

• Clay nanocomposites accounted for nearly one-quarter (24%) of total nanocomposite consumption by value in 2005, followed by metal and metal oxide nanocomposites (19%) and carbon nanotube composites (15%). By 2011, clay nanocomposites are projected to increase their market share to 44%. Between 2005 and 2011, other market share gainers include metal/metal oxide nanocomposites and ceramic nanocomposites which are projected to attain market shares of 20% and 11.5% respectively. Carbon nanotube composites, meanwhile, are expected to lose market share, down to 7.5%.
• Automotive parts, energy, and packaging were the main nanocomposite applications in 2005, with 29%, 28%, and 19% market shares respectively. Other major applications in 2005 were coatings (14%) and ESD (8%).
• By 2011, packaging is expected to become the leading nanocomposite application, with over 28% of the market. Energy applications remain in second place in 2011, with more than 26% of the market. Automotive applications will be the third-largest application in 2011, with over 15% of the market, followed by coatings with 14%.

INTRODUCTION

Nanocomposites have been used commercially since Toyota introduced the first polymer/clay 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 additional 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, in addition to 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 rapidly, reaching 23 million pounds in 2005, with an estimated value of $252 million. By 2011, it is expected to reach almost 95 million pounds worth some $857 million.

SCOPE OF STUDY

This report addresses:

• Milestones in the development of nanocomposites.

• Nanocomposites that are in commercial use or under development, associated technologies, and applications.

• Nanocomposites with the greatest commercial potential through 2011.

• Global nanocomposites market trends over a five-year forecast period to 2011.

• Factors that will influence the long-term development of the nanocomposites market.

• The nanocomposites industry structure, company profiles and market shares.

METHODOLOGY AND INFORMATION SOURCES

Projecting the market for emerging technologies such as nanocomposites, where their commercial potential has not yet been fully proven, is a challenging task. This report uses a multiphase approach to identify nanocomposites with the greatest commercial potential and quantify the market for them, as described below.

In the first phase of the analysis, BCC Research identified a "long list" of nanocomposites, including those still under development. It then undertook a literature review to identify the ones that are not likely to make it into commercial production before 2011. This resulted in a short list of nanocomposites that have near to mid-term commercial potential.

In phase two, BCC Research matched these nanocomposites against potential end-user industries and applications (such as the automotive and food packaging industries) to identify those with the greatest commercial potential in the timeframe covered by this report. Selection criteria included market size market, characteristics of competing materials and similar considerations.

In the third phase, BCC Research focused on quantifying the anticipated market for these high-potential nanocomposites and identifying the main prerequisites for commercial success. Various methodologies and data sources were used to develop the projections, including trend line projections, input-output analysis and estimates of future demand from industry sources.

The report includes detailed descriptions of the data sources, assumptions and methodologies that were used in developing the market projections. BCC Research's intent is to let readers judge the validity of its projections for themselves, and enable them to develop alternative market scenarios as they see fit.

ANALYST CREDENTIALS

Andrew McWilliams, the author of this report, is a partner in the Boston-based international technology and marketing consulting firm, 43rd Parallel LLC. He also is the author of numerous other BCC Research studies, including several related to nanotechnology:

• NAN031A Nanotechnology: A Realistic Market Evaluation
• NAN028A Nanocatalysts
• NAN035A Nanosensors
• NAN036A Nanotechnology for Photonics
• NAN037A Nanotechnology for Consumer Products
• NAN038A Nanotechnology in Life Sciences Application
• NAN040A Nanomaterials Markets by Type