Gelcoat Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Resin type (Polyester, Vinyl Ester, Epoxy, Others), By Application Pattern (Spray Gelcoats, Brush Gelcoats), By End-Use Industry (Marine Industry, Aviation & Transportation Industry, Wind Energy, Sanitary Wares, Others) Others and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

Gelcoat is a thick layer of resin applied on the visible surface of fiber-reinforced composites to provide a high-quality, protective, and a glossy finish to the product. It is the first layer laid on the inner surface of the molds. Gelcoats are thermosetting polymers based on epoxy or polyester resins. A gelcoat is essentially thixotropic, or an external additive is required, to assist its tenacity to the vertical application on the molds during the curing process. Gelcoats increase the durability of the product, provide resistance to ultraviolet degradation, and prevent hydrolysis. These functions make it suitable for applications in areas such as marine vehicles and aircraft, wind turbines, and sanitary ware products.

Several companies operating in aerospace and wind energy industries have raised a demand for gelcoats having improved resistance to UV rays and fire. These factors are the major reasons affecting the life of the product, thus manufacturers of gelcoats have invested heavily in the development of gelcoats with the addition of additives which provide them with properties like fire resistance. These gelcoats efficiently reduces the damage to the components coated from UV radiations and accidental fires, further providing improved durability to the product. With growth of these end-use industries expected to excel in the near future, the demand for gelcoats is also projected to magnify.

During the open molding of components,  the predominate use of gelcoats containing styrenated polyester and vinyl ester resin leads to the emission of styrene during the gelcoat spraying and curing process. The companies using these gelcoats have to comply with regulations related to emissions set by various agencies across the world. This, in turn, reduces the usage of such gelcoats, impeding the growth of the gelcoat market

Market Segmentation:

By resin type, the market is segmented into polyester, vinyl ester, epoxy, and others. Based on application pattern, the market can be categorized as spray gelcoats and brush gelcoats. Based on end-use industries, the market is segmented into marine industry, aviation & transport industry, wind energy, sanitary wares, and others.

From a geographical standpoint, the market is categorized into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa.

Gelcoat Market Key Players Covered:

The major companies in the global gelcoat market are Resoltech, Soromap Group, Gurit, Sea Hawk Paints, BÜFA Holdings, Scott Bader Company Ltd., Sicomin Epoxy Systems, INEOS Composites, Turkuaz Polyester, Spectrum Color, HK Research Corp., Akzo Nobel, Fiberglass Coatings Inc., & Ashland Inc.

Key Insights:

• Key Emerging Trends – For Major Countries


• Key Developments: Mergers, Acquisition, Partnership, etc.


• Latest Technological Advancement


• Insights on Regulatory Scenario


• Porters Five Forces Analysis

Regional Gelcoat Market Analysis:

The global market for gelcoat is led by Europe, which is showing revival in the marine industry with the substantial transformation of the shipbuilding industry. The presence of a large number of original components manufacturers (OCMs) and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in Europe also supports the growth in demand for gelcoats in the region. The market in Asia Pacific shall show steady growth owing to an increasing number of shipbuilding contracts and improved financial leasing in China. Stable marine and wind energy industries will support the market growth of gelcoats in North America. The gelcoat market in Middle East & Africa and Latin America shall show steady demand, with support of growing sanitary wares industry in these regions.

Segmentation

Gelcoat Industry Developments

• September 2019, INEOS Composites acquired Ashland Composites in a bid to expand its technical expertise and product line which includes gelcoats. The new partnership is expected to further create opportunities for the INEOS in the composites market.


• In December 2019, Polynt Composites divestited its subsidiary, Polynt Composites Distribution by selling it to Composites One and committed to concentrate its resources on manufacturing of resins and gelcoats.