Global Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) Market - 2022-2029

Market Overview

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) market size was worth US$ XX million in 2021 and is estimated to reach US$ XX million by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 6.0% during the forecast period (2022-2029).

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is a silicon-based organic polymer. PDMS is produced on an industrial scale through a polymerization reaction involving dimethyldichlorosilane and water. The chemical formula for polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is CH3[Si(CH3)2O]nSi(CH3)3. PDMS has unique mechanical properties such as varying viscosity and can be manufactured in pourable liquid and thick semi-solid forms. PDMs exhibit hydrophobic behavior and has good chemical resistance against solvents and alcohol. Due to its versatility, it is widely used in different applications across various industries.

Market Dynamics

The polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) demand is mainly driven by the increasing demand from various end-user industries. The high costs involved in the production of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) compounds are a key factor in limiting the growth of this market.

Increasing demand from various end-user industries

Various industries are experiencing rapid growth due to rising consumer confidence and overall global economic growth. Companies are innovating new products and formulations to attract consumers and drive growth. Some of the major growth has been observed in household and personal care goods. PDMS-based silicone gels are widely used in formulations for various personal care products. Similarly, PDMS is an excellent surfactant used to produce laundry detergents and cleaning agents.

PDMS-based resin is used in the soft lithography process during the production of semiconductors and electronics. Virtually all major industrial and engineering products such as aircraft, vehicles, ships and consumer electronic devices utilize semiconductors. PDMS is used as an antifoaming agent in cooking oil to prevent the splashing of oil during the frying process.

Fast-food chains and food processing industries use these cooking oils and the popularity of these foods has increased considerably in recent years. Therefore, increasing demand from various end-user industries is a key factor in driving the growth of the global polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS).

High costs of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) compounds

PDMS is widely used in various industries for different applications. However, it is not used alone but as a compound with other chemicals. PDMS exhibits different behavior in varying concentrations in compounds. Therefore, exacting amounts must be used while formulating the compound not to affect the material properties required by the application. Each type of PDMS compound is unique and has niche applications within the various industrial sectors.

For example, silicone gel with a lower concentration of PDMS is used for cosmetical applications, whereas silicone gels with a slightly higher concentration of PDMS are used for topical ointments and medical creams. Therefore, given the uniqueness of compounds used for different applications, the high production cost is incurred by manufacturers since production occurs only for limited quantities. The high cost of PDMS compounds prevents its wider adoption and represents a key challenge for the growth of the global market.

COVID-19 impact analysis

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the global polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) market in myriad ways. Manufacturing and industrial operations had to be curtailed or suspended since many national governments put lockdowns and other restrictions to control the pandemic. It affected the demand for PDMS from various industrial verticals.

The demand for detergents, household and industrial cleaning agents increased during the pandemic and consumers and businesses paid more attention to hygiene and cleanliness. The sale of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs for fever, cold and cough increased as people developed health anxiety. Dimethicone, a mixture of PDMS and silicon dioxide, is widely used as an antifoaming agent in over-the-counter drugs.

China is the primary global manufacturing hub and has a large industrial base. It quickly removed various pandemic restrictions in mid to late 2020 to restart the economy. Therefore, the global demand for PDMS saw a slight improvement towards the end of 2020. However, many countries in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific were grappling with the second wave of the pandemic, which hit in early to mid-2021, causing governments to reimpose strict restrictions temporarily. It led to a weaker than expected recovery for the global demand for PDMS.

The production of PDMS has been impacted by various supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic. The shortfall in PDMS production is affecting the production of semiconductors and electronic components, which has caused a knock-on effect on the production of passenger and commercial vehicles, medical equipment and consumer electronic devices. Despite these challenges, the demand for PDMS will grow significantly in the coming years as end-user industries register major expansion.

Segment Analysis

The global polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) market is segmented into type, form, end-user and region. The end-user polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) market is further segmented into industrial process, building & construction, household & personal care, electrical & electronics, transportation, healthcare and others.

Household and personal care are leading within this segmentation since many products utilize PDMS. It is an excellent surfactant, making it suitable for powdered laundry detergents and other household cleaning agents. PDMS is used as an antifoaming agent in various types of cooking oils. Furthermore, many silicone gels used in cosmetics and personal care products such as moisturizers utilize PDMS.

Geographical Analysis

Asia-Pacific will have the leading share in the global polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) market. Due to various advantageous factors such as cheap labor, technology transfer and industry-friendly regulations, Asia-Pacific has emerged as the global manufacturing center. Almost all major industries utilizing PDMS are primarily located in the region.

Asia-Pacific is a major manufacturing center for household consumer goods due to its large population. PDMS is a very common surfactant that is particularly used in the production of powdered laundry detergent and various antifoaming agents used in household and industrial cleaning agents. China, India, South Korea and Taiwan are major manufacturers of detergents and cleaning agents in the region.

Due to the excellent mechanical and optical properties of PDMS, it is widely used in microfluidics. PDMS is mainly used as a base resin in soft lithography and stereolithography processes. Soft lithography processes are used in the production of semiconductors and electronic components. Asia-Pacific is the primary hub for the manufacturing of semiconductors and electronics, with Taiwan, China and South Korea being the leading players. The stereolithography process is used for prototyping industrial components and various industrial automation techniques. Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and China are leading players in industrial automation processes in the Asia-Pacific.

PDMS is also used to formulate various silicone gels used in various medicines, cosmetics and personal care products. China, India, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan have major pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. PDMS is also used as an antifoaming agent in cooking oils. Fast food establishments and processing industries utilize PDMS fortified oil to prevent splatter while cooking large batches of food. Asia-Pacific now has a well-developed fast food and food processing industry. Asia-Pacific will remain the largest regional share in the global polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) market.

Competitive Landscape

The global polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) market is competitive since various formulations and compounds utilize PDMS for various applications. Some of the major players contributing to growth in the market are Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd, Wacker Chemie AG, Avantor, Inc., Elkem ASA, KCC Corporation, Dongyue Group Limited, Alfa Aesar, CHT Germany GmbH, Spectrum Chemical Manufacturing Corp. and Hubei LongSheng Sihai New Materials Co., Ltd. The major players in the global polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) market adopt several growth strategies such as new product launches, patenting new formulations, joint ventures, production capacity expansion and research collaborations to contribute to the growth of the industry.

Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd

Overview: Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd is a company specializing in manufacturing different types of chemicals and materials. The company manufactures fluorinated and silica products, green bio-chemicals, rare earth metal formulations, magnets and semiconductor encapsulation materials. The company is currently focused on expanding its product portfolio by investing in new research and development activities. Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd operates five major production plants across Japan. The company's products are sold in all major regions, including North America, South America, Europe and Asia-Pacific. Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd was founded in 1926 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.

Product Portfolio

KSG-850Z is the company's emulsifier for cosmetic and personal care applications. It contains polydimethylsiloxane along with glycerin. The formulation has an excellent ability to retain moisture and provides a smooth gliding action while applying to the skin. It is suitable for use in moisturizing creams and sunscreen lotions.

Key Developments:

In September 2020, Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd announced the creation of a new type of silicone rubber that does not require post-cure treatment. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is an important constituent of this rubber. The rubber is suitable for extrusion molding, injection molding, calendar molding and press molding applications.

Why Purchase the Report?

• Visualize the composition of the polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) market segmentation by the type, form, end-user and region, highlighting the critical commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities in the polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) market by analyzing trends and co-development deals.
• Excel data sheet with thousands of global polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) market-level 4/5 segmentation data points.
• PDF report with the most relevant analysis cogently put together after exhaustive qualitative interviews and in-depth market study.
• Product mapping in excel for the critical product of all major market players

The global polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) market report would provide approximately 58 market data tables, 62 figures and 220 pages.

Target Audience 2022

• Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) manufacturers
• Consumer goods manufacturers
• Cosmetics and personal care products manufacturers
• Semiconductor and electronics manufacturers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Education & Research Institutes
• Research Professionals