Global Electroactive Polymers Market 2017-2021

Overview of the global electroactive polymers (EAP) market

Technavio’s market research analyst predicts the global electroactive polymers (EAP) market to grow at a CAGR of more than 7% between 2017 and 2021. EAP are lightweight and cost-effective, which is one of the most important characteristics aiding the market growth. The unique properties have made it attractive for use in several biomimetic applications such as making biologically inspired intelligent robots. These polymers are emerging as a new actuation material with displacement capabilities that cannot be matched by the striction-limited and rigid ceramics. They can form any shape and be used for building sensors and actuators. EAP have both low density as well as high toughness, inherent vibration damping, and large actuation strain constant. Moreover, the growing prominence of piezoelectric and ferromagnetic materials and an increase in the spending for developing conductive technologies will also boost the market growth over the next four years.

Geographically, North America leads the market and will be a major revenue generating region in the global market over the predicted period. The presence of several EAP manufacturers, such as Parker Hannifin, Celanese, and Merck, who offer products for use in various applications, significantly contribute to the growth of the market in the region. The demand for EAP is primarily driven by automotive, electronics, polymer, and semiconductor industries. Also, rapid advancements in related to diverse applications such as actuators and sensors will further drive the market growth in the North American region.

Competitive landscape and key vendors

The global EAP market is anticipated to be profitable for polymer and semiconductor manufacturers as the EAP is used for manufacturing products such as actuators, capacitors, batteries, and solar cells. The growing preference for polymers over metals and semiconductors for luminescent and robotics applications is driving more investments in this market. Favorable regulatory environments in the APAC region has made it a potential region for the manufacturers to extend their bases in countries like Japan, China, and India. The introduction of novel patents and new product developments are crucial factors for manufacturers to strengthen their presence in the industry. Also, the growing inclination towards the development of biobased polymers owing to the growing environmental concerns over the emission of greenhouse gasses will be another major growth factor for the market players.

Leading vendors in the market are -

• 3M
• Agfa-Gevaert
• Celanese
• Covestro
• Merck
• Parker Hannifin

Other prominent vendors in the EAP market include Sumitomo Chemical, Arkema, Solvay, KEMET Corporation, and Optotune.

Segmentation by type and analysis of the EAP market

• Conductive plastics
• ICPs
• IDPs

During 2016, the conductive plastics segment occupied the largest share in the global EAP market. Much of the market’s growth is attributable to the extensive application of these polymers for the prevention of ESD and EMI. The ESD-protected plastics are cost-effective as they prevent the damage to sophisticated circuit devices and electronic components by random ESD. Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyphenylene-based resins, polycarbonate, polyethylene, and polypropylene are the major resins that account for more than three-fourth of all conductive polymers used.

Segmentation by application and analysis of the EAP market

• ESD
• Antistatic packaging
• EMI
• Plastic coated with electrostatic paints

The ESD segment accounted for the largest market share during 2016 and will continue its dominance throughout the forecast period. The requirement to shield sensitive electronic devices from ESD and EMI/radio frequency interference has led to the growth of this market segment. ESD-protected plastics are cost-effective as they eliminate costs incurred due to the damage of a single sophisticated circuit device. Random ESDs can directly influence the production systems. The greater sensitivity of high-performing electronic devices has augmented the application of EAP in work surface and product component applications.

 Key questions answered in the report include

• What will the market size and the growth rate be in 2021?
• What are the key factors driving the global EAP market?
• What are the key market trends impacting the growth of the global EAP market?
• What are the challenges to market growth?
• Who are the key vendors in the global EAP market?
• What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the vendors in the global EAP market?
• Trending factors influencing the market shares of APAC, Europe, North America, and ROW.
• What are the key outcomes of the five forces analysis of the global EAP market?

Technavio also offers customization on reports based on specific client requirement.

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