Global Silicone Fluids

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Through 2025, global demand for construction silicones is forecast to grow 7.0% per year to $4.7 billion, equivalent to 638,600 metric tons. Demand will be driven by:

• continued uptake globally of silicone products in place of less well-formulated construction products, most notably in developing countries where silicone-containing products are not yet widely used
• increasing use of higher value, better performing silicones in developed countries where use of silicone-based products in construction is already widespread
• an acceleration in building and infrastructure construction and repair globally

Widespread Use of Adhesives, Sealants, & Caulks Make Elastomers Most Used Product

Elastomers will continue to be the most used silicone product for construction (accounting for 64% of demand in 2025) due to their frequent use in adhesives, sealants, and caulks – the primary function for silicones in the construction industry. Silicones provide thermal stability to adhesives, sealants, and caulks, makes them weather and moisture resistant, and allows them to bond well to a wide variety of materials. These performance enhancements bolster use of silicone-based products in building construction – the most significant outlet for these products – but they are especially important in more demanding construction applications such as utilities infrastructure, leading to faster adoption of these products in those applications.

Improved Performance Boosts Demand for Paints & Coatings Using Silicone Resins & Fluids

Technological advancements that enhance silicone paint’s performance over other competitive products – including the ability to be easily washed – will drive demand growth for paints and coatings that use silicone resins and fluids. The rising use of blown application systems such as paint sprayers will support demand for silicone products that reduce foaming and aid application.

Good opportunities for silicone-based paints and coatings can be found in high-gloss and water-repellent architectural coatings, fueled by growth in construction activity in the US and Western Europe. In developing countries, gains will be supported by increasing personal incomes, which will allow for more widespread use of architectural coatings.

The Best Opportunities Will Be Found in China & Other Parts of the Asia/Pacific RegionThe Asia/Pacific region will account for 62% of additional value demand between 2020 and 2025. China will drive regional growth, accounting for 70% of regional absolute gains. Despite slowdowns, demand for silicone products in construction applications in China will benefit from the sheer size of the Chinese construction industry as well as the increasing technological profile of China’s construction market.

Outside of China, growth in personal incomes throughout rapidly developing countries in the Asia/Pacific region will boost consumer demand for higher-performance construction materials, including construction silicones.