Silica aerogel is a lightweight, highly porous, and low-density material made from silica gel. It is one of the most promising materials for thermal insulation, acoustic insulation, and adsorption applications. The global silica aerogel market has witnessed significant growth over the past few years due to the increasing demand for energy-efficient insulation materials in various end-use industries such as oil & gas, aerospace, and construction.
According to a recent report by MWR, the global silica aerogel market is expected to reach USD 1,005.4 million by 2023, growing at a CAGR of 19.5% during the forecast period (2018-2023). This growth can be attributed to the increasing adoption of silica aerogel in various end-use industries, such as building & construction, automotive, and marine, due to its excellent thermal insulation properties and lightweight nature.
Silica aerogel, also known as “frozen smoke,” is a synthetic material derived from silica gel. It is composed of more than 95% air and has a density of only 0.001 g/cm3. Silica aerogel is considered the world’s lightest solid material and is a highly effective insulator. It has low thermal conductivity, high porosity, and high surface area, making it an ideal material for thermal insulation applications.
Executive Summary
The silica aerogel market is witnessing significant growth due to the increasing demand for energy-efficient insulation materials in various end-use industries. The market is expected to reach USD 1,005.4 million by 2023, growing at a CAGR of 19.5% during the forecast period. The increasing adoption of silica aerogel in building & construction, automotive, and marine industries, among others, is driving the market growth. However, the high cost of silica aerogel and the lack of awareness among end-users about its benefits are some of the factors restraining the market growth.
Key Market Insights
The global silica aerogel market is driven by various factors, including the increasing demand for energy-efficient insulation materials in various end-use industries and the growing awareness about the benefits of silica aerogel. Moreover, the rising demand for lightweight and high-performance materials in aerospace, oil & gas, and automotive industries is expected to drive the market growth in the coming years.
The market is also witnessing several challenges, including the high cost of silica aerogel and the lack of awareness among end-users about its benefits. Moreover, the limited availability of raw materials and the lack of standardization in the production process are some of the factors hindering the market growth.
Market Drivers
- Increasing demand for energy-efficient insulation materials
- Growing awareness about the benefits of silica aerogel
- Rising demand for lightweight and high-performance materials in various industries
Market Restraints
- High cost of silica aerogel
- Lack of awareness among end-users about the benefits of silica aerogel
- Limited availability of raw materials and lack of standardization in the production process
Market Opportunities
- Growing demand for silica aerogel in emerging economies
- Increasing adoption of silica aerogel in the aerospace industry
- Development of new applications for silica aerogel
Market Dynamics
The global silica aerogel market is highly dynamic and is influenced by various factors such as technological advancements, economic conditions, and government regulations. The market is witnessing significant growth due to the increasing demand for energy-efficient insulation materials in various end-use industries such as building & construction, automotive, and aerospace. The growing adoption of silica aerogel in these industries is expected to drive the market growth in the coming years .
Regional Analysis
The global silica aerogel market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South America. Among these regions, North America is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period due to the high demand for thermal insulation materials in the construction and oil & gas industries. The Asia-Pacific region is also expected to witness significant growth in the coming years due to the increasing demand for lightweight and energy-efficient materials in various end-use industries.
Competitive Landscape
The global silica aerogel market is highly competitive, with several established players and new entrants competing for market share. Some of the key players in the market include Aspen Aerogels Inc., Cabot Corporation, Aerogel Technologies LLC, JIOS Aerogel Corporation, and BASF SE.
These players are focusing on product innovation, strategic partnerships, and mergers & acquisitions to expand their market presence and gain a competitive edge. For instance, in 2018, Cabot Corporation acquired NSCC Carbon (Jiangsu) Co. Ltd., a leading producer of carbon black in China, to strengthen its position in the Asian market.
Segmentation
The global silica aerogel market is segmented based on form, processing, application, and region. Based on form, the market is segmented into blankets, panels, and others. Based on processing, the market is segmented into virgin aerogel, composites, and additives. Based on application, the market is segmented into building insulation, oil & gas, aerospace & defense, automotive, and others.
Category-wise Insights
The building insulation segment is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period due to the increasing demand for energy-efficient insulation materials in the construction industry. The oil & gas segment is also expected to witness significant growth in the coming years due to the increasing use of silica aerogel in pipeline insulation and cryogenic insulation applications.
Key Benefits for Industry Participants and Stakeholders
The global silica aerogel market offers several benefits to industry participants and stakeholders, including:
- High thermal insulation properties
- Lightweight and highly porous material
- Excellent acoustic insulation properties
- Suitable for high-temperature applications
- Low thermal conductivity
- Environmentally friendly
SWOT Analysis
Strengths:
- High thermal insulation properties
- Lightweight and highly porous material
- Excellent acoustic insulation properties
Weaknesses:
- High cost of production
- Limited availability of raw materials
- Lack of awareness among end-users about the benefits of silica aerogel
Opportunities:
- Growing demand for silica aerogel in emerging economies
- Development of new applications for silica aerogel
- Increasing adoption of silica aerogel in the aerospace industry
Threats:
- Competition from other insulation materials
- Economic slowdown and fluctuations in raw material prices
- Stringent government regulations
Market Key Trends
- Increasing adoption of silica aerogel in the construction industry
- Growing demand for lightweight and high-performance materials in various industries
- Development of new applications for silica aerogel
Covid-19 Impact
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the global silica aerogel market. The market witnessed a temporary slowdown due to the disruption in the supply chain and the shutdown of several manufacturing facilities. However, the market is expected to recover in the coming years due to the increasing demand for thermal insulation materials in various end-use industries.
Key Industry Developments
- In 2020, Aspen Aerogels Inc. launched Pyrogel XT-E, a high-temperature insulation material for the oil & gas industry.
- In 2019 Aerogel Technologies LLC developed an ultra-transparent, flexible, and durable silica aerogel film for window insulation applications.
- In 2018, JIOS Aerogel Corporation developed a new silica aerogel material for the aerospace industry, which is lighter and more thermally efficient than traditional insulation materials.
Analyst Suggestions
Industry analysts suggest that the global silica aerogel market is expected to witness significant growth in the coming years due to the increasing demand for lightweight and energy-efficient materials in various end-use industries. They also suggest that players in the market should focus on product innovation, strategic partnerships, and mergers & acquisitions to gain a competitive edge in the market.
Future Outlook
The global silica aerogel market is expected to witness significant growth in the coming years due to the increasing adoption of silica aerogel in various end-use industries. The market is expected to reach USD 1,005.4 million by 2023, growing at a CAGR of 19.5% during the forecast period. The building insulation segment is expected to dominate the market due to the increasing demand for energy-efficient insulation materials in the construction industry. The Asia-Pacific region is also expected to witness significant growth in the coming years due to the increasing demand for lightweight and energy-efficient materials in various end-use industries.
Conclusion
Silica aerogel is a highly promising material for thermal insulation, acoustic insulation, and adsorption applications. The global silica aerogel market is witnessing significant growth due to the increasing demand for energy-efficient insulation materials in various end-use industries. However, the high cost of silica aerogel and the lack of awareness among end-users about its benefits are some of the factors restraining the market growth. Players in the market should focus on product innovation, strategic partnerships, and mergers & acquisitions to gain a competitive edge in the market.
In addition, the growing demand for silica aerogel in emerging economies and the development of new applications for silica aerogel offer significant growth opportunities for the market. The increasing adoption of silica aerogel in the aerospace industry and the rising demand for lightweight and high-performance materials in various industries are also expected to drive the market growth in the coming years.