Silicone Elastomer Demand to Grow 4.4% Annually Through 2022

Demand for silicone elastomers is projected to expand at an above average 4.4% per year to $1.8 billion in 2022. Growth will be driven by opportunities for specialized elastomers – such as LSR – in markets with more demanding performance requirements, including motor vehicle and other transportation outlets, as well as the medical market. These and other trends are presented in Silicones Market in the US, a new study from The Freedonia Group, a Cleveland-based industry research firm.

These markets will post the fastest gains going forward:

Motor vehicle market, where silicone elastomers are favored over organic rubbers for under-the-hood applications due to their wide temperature tolerance and excellent oil resistance.

Medical market, where silicone elastomers will continue to capture share from PVC and latex components due to silicone’s low toxicity and biocompatibility.

The construction market is the single largest outlet for silicones and will also post healthy gains. Though according to analyst Ellen Kriz, “Growth will slow from the strong post-recession recovery of the 2012-2017 period”. Demand in the construction sector consists of RTV elastomers for adhesives and sealants. Advances for RTVs will stem from their chemical and water resistance, as well as their extreme temperature stability and tear strength.

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