Microporous Materials Market Expected to Reach $8.4 Billion by 2031—Allied Market Research

According to a new report published by Allied Market Research, titled, “Microporous Materials Market," The microporous materials market was valued at $5.3 billion in 2021, and is estimated to reach $8.4 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 4.9% from 2022 to 2031.

Microporous materials are widely used in a variety of industries due to their unique properties such as high surface area, low density, and selective adsorption. The pore size of microporous materials typically range from 2 to 50 nanometers. They may contain opacifiers to reduce the amount of radiant heat transmitted. The inorganic nature of the microporous insulation material makes it non-combustible and suitable for passive fire protection applications.

It is suitable for any high-temperature application and has been used in the aerospace, automotive, industrial, and commercial markets where space and weight conservation are essential without compromising thermal performance. One of the most common applications of microporous materials is in gas separation and purification processes. These materials are used as membranes to selectively separate different gases from air, such as oxygen and nitrogen.

Increasing demand from the biomedical industry drive the growth of microporous materials market during the forecast period. Microporous materials are utilized to control the release of a bioactive chemical in ceramic, metallic, or glassy coatings on medical devices. They are becoming more used in surgical tapes, plasma spray, sol-gel procedures, sputtering, solid-state sintering, liquid-phase sintering, and chemical vapor deposition because they can be loaded with a hydrophilic or hydrophobic substance, such as a medication.

With its unique antibacterial capabilities, microporous surgical tape is a popular, hypoallergenic product that fights infection and aids in the safe recuperation of wounds. It is used in postoperative care to secure dressings, tubing, and ostomy pouches and contains a variety of antibacterial agents to help with infection prevention.

Lack of awareness and acceptance will find a challenge in the growth of microporous materials market during the forecast period. Insulation made of microporous materials is only utilized in applications where space is restricted and low thermal conductivity is required. Microporous insulation is mostly employed in critical and temperature-sensitive applications such as automotives, energy and electricity, and insulations.

Furthermore, the high manufacturing cost of microporous insulation discourages potential end-users from considering it as a material of choice. According to TechPanda, there is a need to promote awareness about the insulation business in India as well as the benefits of microporous materials. In India, the general people is largely unaware of the importance of insulating goods. Hence, the most major obstacle over the projection period is expected to be a lack of understanding and acceptability of microporous materials, particularly in emerging markets.

The microporous materials market is fragmented into type, application, and region. On the basis of type, the market is categorized into zeolites, metal-organic frameworks, clays, activated alumina, and others. On the basis of application, the market is divided into laboratories, medicine, energy & power, automotive, media, and others. Region-wise, the market is studied across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.

Based on type clays is the fastest growing segment of microporous materials market in 2021. Microporous clay materials are used as clarifiers, absorption, and adsorption materials for lubricants, drug delivery, disintegrants, anticaking, and thickening agents. They are also used as an emulsifier and carrier of biologically active molecules for improving drugs' bioavailability. They are used in paper making and under the engine to catch fuel spills and remove an oily sheen. Microporous mineral clay is used in many industrial processes, such as paper making, cement production, pottery, and chemical filtering. In 2022, cement production in India increased by 12% due to rural housing demand and the government's focus on infrastructure development.

Based on end-use industry media and energy and power are the fastest growing segment of microporous materials market in 2021. Microporous materials are used in the production of supercapacitors and batteries to increase energy storage capacity. They are also used as insulation materials to provide heat shields and protection for data recorder boxes in aerospace industry. Microporous insulation materials are less dense and suitable for use in high-temperature applications such as aerospace, low-temperature cooling, and cryogenic applications.

Microporous insulation material is non-combustible and suitable for passive fire protection applications. It is ideal for high-temperature applications and has been used in oil and gas filtration, electrical generators, and commercial markets. The Brazilian government plans to invest BRL 278 billion (USD 52.19 billion) in popular housing and urbanization projects by 2025, which will enable the construction of up to 2.5 million housing units at extremely low-interest rates.

The key players profiled in the study include AGC CHEMICALS PVT. LTD., Axens, BASF SE, PIDC, PQ, Solvay, Sorbead India, Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., Zeochem AG, Zeolyst International The players in the market have been actively engaged in the adoption various strategies such as acquisition, product launch and expansion to remain competitive and gain advantage over the competitors in the market. 

For instance, in April 2019, BASF SE expanded its business by investing in the modernization of its silica plant at the Dusseldorf-Holthausen site. Silicates are produced by fusing sand and soda and have a wide range of end-use industries. This investment will increase the production of silicates, leading to a rising demand for microporous materials.

Key Findings:

• By type, the zeolites segment was the highest revenue contributor to the market in 2021.
• By end-use industry, the automotive segment was the highest revenue contributor to the market, in 2021.
• By region, Asia-Pacific was the highest revenue contributor, in 2021.