Fumed Silica Market Size, Share, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic), By Application (Silicone Rubber, Plastics and Composites, Food and Beverages, Paints, Coatings & Inks, Adhesives and Sealants, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

Hydrophobic fumed silica is a form of silicon dioxide that has been chemically treated to repel water. Unlike its hydrophilic counterpart, which readily absorbs moisture, hydrophobic fumed silica exhibits water-repellent characteristics. This unique feature is achieved by modifying the surface of silica particles with silanes or siloxanes, which replace hydroxyl groups on the surface with hydrophobic groups.

The production of hydrophobic fumed silica involves a high-temperature process known as flame hydrolysis, where silicon tetrachloride is burned in a hydrogen and oxygen flame. The resulting silica particles are then subjected to a surface treatment to make them hydrophobic. This process yields a fine, amorphous, and highly pure powder.

• The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enforces a standard for fumed silica, which is articulated as a permissible exposure limit (PEL). This PEL denotes the maximum quantity of the substance to which a worker may be exposed during an 8-hour shift. For fumed silica, the current PEL stands at 20 mppcf, or 80 mg/m3/%SiO2. It is noteworthy that this standard varies in accordance with the percentage of fumed silica present. In the case of pure fumed silica, the standard is established at 0.8 mg/m3.

Fumed silica contributes significantly to the enhancement of properties and processing characteristics of plastics and composites, rendering it a versatile additive across diverse applications due to its distinctive structure and surface chemistry. It offers various benefits such as reinforcement, rheology control, shrinkage reduction, optical property enhancement, thermal stability and flame retardancy, surface modification, and moisture absorption.

• In 2023, Asia Pacific dominated the plastics market with approximately 54% of the share.

The major fumed silica market consumers by region are China, Japan, and India in Asia Pacific; the U.S. & Canada in North America; Germany and France in Europe; and Saudi Arabia and UAE in the Middle East.

• According to United Nations Comtrade, China's exports of plastics were valued at USD 131.45 Bn in 2023


• According to the US Census Bureau, construction was the 12th largest industry in the country in 2022 and accounted for approximately 4.3% of its total GDP. The market size of the US construction sector was around USD 1.79 trillion in 2022. During the first nine months of 2023, construction spending amounted to USD 1,463.5 billion, which was 4.6% above the USD 1,398.9 billion spent during the same period in 2022, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Segmentation

Key Insights

The report covers the following key insights:

• Key Emerging Trends – For Major Regions


• Key Developments: Mergers, Acquisitions, and Partnerships


• Latest Technological Advancements


• Insights on Sustainability


• Porter’s Five Forces Analysis


• Impact of COVID-19 on the Market

Analysis by Type

By type, the market is segmented into hydrophilic and hydrophobic. The hydrophilic segment holds a significant share of the global fumed silica market.

• Hydrophilic-type fumed silica is a form of synthetic, amorphous silica that is produced through a flame pyrolysis process of silicon tetrachloride in a hydrogen-oxygen flame. The term "hydrophilic" indicates that this type of fumed silica readily absorbs water and forms hydrogen bonds with water molecules, making it soluble or dispersible in water and other polar solvents.


• The key characteristics of hydrophilic-type fumed silica include a very high surface area and act as a thickening, thixotropic (shear-thinning), anti-settling, and reinforcing agent in various applications.

Analysis by Application

By application, the market is segmented into silicone rubber, plastics and composites, food and beverages, paints, coatings & inks, adhesives and sealants, and others. The silicone rubber segment holds a major share of the global fumed silica market.

• The key advantage of using fumed silica in silicone rubber is its ability to improve the viscosity and thixotropic behavior of the material. This makes silicone rubber easier to process and mold into various shapes, which is essential for manufacturing a wide range of products, from automotive components and medical devices to kitchenware and electronics.

• Fumed silica plays a crucial role in the formulation of silicone rubber, improving its mechanical, physical, and thermal properties. This makes silicone rubber an even more valuable material for a wide variety of applications, ranging from everyday household items to critical components in the automotive and aerospace industries.

Regional Analysis

The global market is geographically segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and the Middle East & Africa. Asia Pacific holds a significant share of the fumed silica market. The transportation sector in the Asia Pacific region is expanding rapidly, driven by rising income, urbanization, and increased trade activity. Fumed silica types, such as hydrophobic and hydrophilic, offer several benefits for thickening and thixotropic agents, reinforcement fillers, and adsorbents by driving the demand for fumed silica.

Global silicon production capacity 2023, by country,

• China – 6,600 metric tons


• Russia - 620 metric tons


• Brazil – 390 metric tons


• Norway – 340 metric tons


• Iceland – 130 metric tons

Key Players Covered

The report includes the profiles of key players, such as Cabot Corporation, China-Henan Huamei Chemical Co., Ltd., AMS Applied Material Solutions, Dongyue Group, Evonik Industries AG, Kemitura AS, OCI Ltd., Tokuyama Corporation, Orisil, and Hubei Xingfa Chemicals Group Co., Ltd.

Key Industry Developments

• In July 2022, Wacker Chemie AG announced the plan to build a new silicone production complex at its Charleston site in Tennessee, USA. The company initiated a feasibility study, with the first phase involving the construction of production plants for silicone rubber, sealants, and intermediates.

• In May 2022, Tokuyama Corporation announced a plan to increase hydrophobic-grade fumed silica production at its subsidiary in China. This silica is used as a thickening agent in resin adhesives and printing inks. Anticipating market growth in China, the company aims to strengthen its local production capabilities and market presence.