The global pyrogenic silica market garnered a market value of US$ 399.3 million in 2023. The market is expected to accumulate a market value of US$ 669.2 million by registering a CAGR of 5.3% in the forecast period 2023 to 2033. The growth of the pyrogenic silica market can be attributed to the use of the same in various end-user industries. The market for pyrogenic silica registered a CAGR of 4.7% in the historical period 2018 to 2022.
Pyrogenic silica is a specialty type of silica consisting of microscopic amorphous silica droplets. Due to its unique particle characteristics and large surface area, pyrogenic silica is used in various applications such as paints, adhesives, coatings, plastics, sealants, inks, toners, cosmetics, food additives, and deformers.
Pyrogenic Silica Demand Analysis (2018 to 2022) vs. Market Outlook (2023 to 2033)
The global demand for pyrogenic silica is projected to increase at a CAGR of 5.3% during the forecast period between 2023 and 2033, reaching a total of US$ 669.2 million in 2033. From 2018 to 2022, sales experienced significant growth, registering a CAGR of 4.7%.
Due to its wide scope of properties, the paints and coating industry is one of the major consumers of fumed silica. In paints and Coating, Fumed Silica is used to control rheological characteristics, as an anti-settling agent, as a thixotroping agent, and to prevent rust and corrosion.
Fumed silica is estimated to be the second largest product type of silica in terms of value type. Pyrogenic silica used for paints and coating is one of the major contributors in terms of value. The pyrogenic silica market is forecasted to gain major traction owing to its extensive use in different end-user industries.
Which are Some Prominent Drivers of Pyrogenic Silica Market?
Wide application of pyrogenic silica in end-user Industries contributing to market growth
The major factor driving the global pyrogenic silica market is the exponential growth in application sectors such as paints and coating industry. The rise in demand for decorative articles, furniture, and automotive is also expected to fuel the demand of the application sector of fumed silica, resulting in positive growth for fumed silica market.
Pyrogenic silica is used as a universal thickening agent and an anti-caking agent during the formulation of adhesives, paints, and coatings. Pyrogenic silica can be used as an excipient in pharmaceutical products. Over the short term, the surging demand for fumed silica used in the products of the personal care segment, such as toothpaste and creams, is expected to drive the market’s growth.
Urbanization bolstering the use of Pyrogenic Silica
The global fumed silica market in paints and coating is driven by urbanization, industrial growth, and strong economic growth in developing economies. Europe is estimated to be the largest producer of Fumed silica.
The Asia Pacific is projected to be the second-largest market for fumed silica, especially in Countries like China and India. North America is also one of the major contributing markets for the global fumed silica market. In addition, the development of smart towns, along with the growth of commercial and residential sectors, is increasing the use of pyrogenic silica.
What are the Challenges Faced by the Pyrogenic Silica Market?
Environmentally friendly paints restraining market growth
The major paints and coating industry market went through an economic crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic, which is expected to slow down the consumption of paints and coatings. This might be a restraining factor in the pyrogenic silica market because of dependency on the application sector. The growing popularity of eco-friendly paints and stringent government regulation on paint composition might restrain demand for fumed silica application sectors such as paints and coatings.
Category-Wise Insights
Anti-Caking Properties Making Hydrophilic Silica Popular?
Hydrophilic silica offering larger shelf stability to different End User Products
Hydrophilic pyrogenic silica is produced by hydrolyzing volatile chlorosilanes in an oxyhydrogen flame. It can be completely soaked and dispersed in water. This silica has superior insulating properties at high temperatures.
Hydrophilic fumed silica is suitable for usage in non-polar resin systems. It is used in silicone reinforcing & thickening as a glidant for food & industrial powders and in the thickening of non-polar solvents such as xylene, mineral spirits, & styrene. Hydrophilic fumed silica is increasingly utilized for many applications owing to its low cost. It is preferred in formulations where shelf stability is not a major consideration. It has high chemical purity and excellent insulating properties even at elevated temperatures.
Hydrophilic fumed silica is used to enhance the dispersion ability of adhesives, which can be used for building boats. It absorbs the surface water of the particle and hence is best suited as an anti-caking agent. Thus, based on type, the hydrophilic segment is expected to possess a 55% market share for the pyrogenic silica market.
Market Competition
Some of the market participants in the pyrogenic silica are Evonik Industries AG, Akzo Nobel N.V., SOLVAY, Cabot Corporation, Wacker Chemie AG, Tokuyama Corporation, Bayer AG, PPG Industries Inc., Fuji Silysia Chemical Limited, Jilin Shuangji Chemical New Material Co Ltd, Zhejiang Wynca Chemical Industry Group Co Ltd, Shandong Ruiyang Silicon Industry Technology Co
In October 2021, Evonik AG and Wynca started a new silica plant in China. Through this, Evonik AG is expanding its geographical presence. Moreover, the company is focusing on using technology to produce silica for various end-user industries.
PPG Industries, a key player in the pyrogenic silica market, is focusing on innovating silica for different end-user industries. The company has undertaken research to customize silica for various applications.
