Fluoroelastomers Market

Fluoroelastomers Market Growth Outlook for 2023-2033

The global fluoroelastomers market is valued at US$ 1.8 billion in 2023 and is predicted to reach US$ 2.7 billion by 2033-end. Global sales of fluoroelastomers are forecasted to increase at a CAGR of 4.1% from 2023 to 2033.

Fluoroelastomers are widely used in the automotive industry because of their excellent heat resistance, sealing ability, and mechanical characteristics. Vehicle parts that are employed in drive trains and fuel management systems are made using fluoroelastomers.

Reduction of greenhouse gases and maintaining air quality are the top priorities of all major developed and developing countries in the world. Various organizations are being set up to ensure the proper formulation of regulations and their implementation across the world. Increased awareness regarding global warming has compelled key countries to join hands and take sustainable measures to protect the environment.

• Fluorocarbon elastomers (FKM) currently account for 60% share of the global market.

Fluoroelastomers are highly resistant to a wide range of chemicals and additives present in automotive fuel. Fluoroelastomers facilitate the reduction in emissions by their efficient use in various automotive parts such as fuel pipe lining, fuel hoses and seals, and fuel injector O-rings.

Fluoroelastomers are deployed in fuel systems because of their effectiveness as a barrier against evaporative emission, resistance to penetration, and long-term durability. Fluoroelastomers are employed in the automotive industry because they can withstand fluids, including gear lubricants, transmission fluids, and engine oils.

Demand for materials that can efficiently work at prolonged high temperatures and harsh environments is continuously increasing to reduce emissions and comply with the standards set by government authorities. Fluoroelastomers are the primarily preferred materials when it comes to high performance under harsh conditions due to their superior resistance.

Fluoroelastomers with features such as high heat and chemical resistance are being developed by manufacturers specifically for industrial use. Such attempts are enhancing the overall performance of fluoroelastomers, which is expanding their use in end-use industries.

The market is anticipated to grow due to the increasing need for thermoplastic elastomers in the automotive industry. When existing fluoroelastomers are upgraded for greater performance, the field is anticipated to experience new opportunities. Fluoroelastomers that are permitted for use in the pharmaceutical industry are now being produced by several companies.

Report Attributes	Details
Fluoroelastomers Market Size in 2023	US$ 1.8 Billion
Projected Market Value (2033)	US$ 2.7 Billion
Global Market Growth Rate (2023 to 2033)	4.1% CAGR
Market Share of Fluorocarbon Elastomers (FKM) (2023)	60%
Key Companies Profiled	Honeywell International Inc. Precision Associates Garlock 3M AGC Inc. All Seals Inc. Daikin Industries DuPont Halo Polymer OJSC Eagle Elastomer Inc.

Why are Fluoroelastomers Gaining Popularity Across the World?

“Increasing Adoption of Fluoroelastomers in Electronics Sector”

Fluoroelastomers have been extensively used in the automotive and aerospace industries. Various industries, such as the chemical industry, also use fluoroelastomers in high-performance, demanding applications such as seals on pumps, and agitators exposed to corrosive environments.

The use of fluoroelastomers in high-end electronic devices is a recent trend that has positively impacted the growth of fluoroelastomers. Leading smartwatch manufacturers such as Samsung, Apple, Huawei, etc. have started using fluoroelastomers as the band material owing to their high durability and chemical inertness towards a wide range of chemicals.

Some leading market players such as Shin-Etsu have developed new grades of fluoroelastomers that can be used as adhesives and coatings in the electronic industries, particularly in the manufacture of electronic circuits and printed circuit boards. It has applications in high-frequency semiconductor devices and printers as well. The development of IoT-based products is expected to increase the demand for fluoroelastomers in the electronics industry.

Fluoroelastomers can be compounded with various additives, such as carbon black, to enhance their performance as per a specific need.

• Sumitomo Electric developed a flexible heat-resistant tube that remains flexible at low and high temperatures.

Thus, increasing applications in electronics have opened new avenues for fluoroelastomer manufacturers.

“Rising Demand for Cross-linked & Compounded Fluoroelastomers”

Various types of co-monomers are being cross-linked to explore the wide range of properties that fluoropolymers can offer. FKM (fluorocarbon elastomers) alone has more than 4 types of fluoroelastomers that are formed by the cross-linking of various monomers to exploit the application feasibility of fluoroelastomers.

Different types of dipolymers, terpolymers, and pentapolymers have been developed to produce high-performance fluoroelastomers. Manufacturers and compounders have continuously developed new blended fluoroelastomers for specific applications. They depend on ionic mechanism if the fluoroelastomers are vinylidene fluoride (VDF) based and free radical mechanism if the fluoroelastomers are based on cure site monomer (CSM).

Cross-linking by free radicals is also known as the peroxide curing mechanism. This mechanism lowers the operating temperature range of resulting fluoroelastomers but provides superior chemical resistance.

The amount and type of filler material directly affect the properties of the resulting compounded fluoroelastomers. Compounds stiffen very fast so relatively small amounts of fillers, typically 10-30 phr can be used. The most common filler material in fluoroelastomers includes medium thermal black grade carbon black, Austin black, silica fillers, red iron oxide, Teflon powder, Zinc oxide, Blanc Fixe, and others. Depending upon the end use, the fluoroelastomers are compounded as per specific needs.

What is Hampering Global Demand Growth for Fluoroelastomers?

“Incompatibility of Fluoroelastomers with Several Ester Solvents”

Fluctuations in raw material prices are anticipated to impede the fluoroelastomers market expansion over the coming years. The incompatibility of fluoroelastomers with several ester solvents that are widely employed in the chemical industries is regarded as the main obstacle to market growth.

Market growth is also expected to be constrained throughout the forecast period by variances in overall performance related to the application and end-user. Some fluoroelastomers break down quickly and produce hydrogen fluoride gas when subjected to extremely high temperatures.

How Can Start-ups Generate Business Opportunities in This Industry?

“Start-ups Should Follow New Developments of Established Manufacturers”

New businesses should follow new developments of established manufacturers to create innovative formulas and make a mark in the fluoroelastomers market. They must invest in R&D to produce sustainable products.

• AGC Inc. is one of the leading producers of fluoroelastomers in Japan. It developed a new type of fluoroelastomer series product ALFAS 150 E that is specifically developed for emerging applications such as high-voltage charging cables in electric vehicles.

Which Region Enjoys a Leading Position in the Global Fluoroelastomers Market?

“Increasing Investments in Chemical Processing Sector in Europe”

• Europe accounts for 50% share of the global market in 2023.

Europe has implemented strict vehicle emission norms to reduce the environmental impact. This is positively affecting market growth in the region. The presence of prominent fluoroelastomer manufacturers, rising demand for elastomeric coatings, and growing investments in the chemical processing sector are driving market growth.

Country-wise Insights

Why Should Fluoroelastomer Suppliers Focus on the United States?

“Rapidly Growing Demand for Fuel-efficient Vehicles”

The market in the United States is projected to expand significantly over the coming years due to the growing demand for fuel-efficient vehicles, rising disposable income, and increasing investments by key manufacturers in R&D activities. Easy access to industrial products and rising technological advancements in the aviation industry are all contributing to market expansion.

How is the Market for Fluoroelastomers Progressing in Japan?

“Rapid Expansion of Aerospace Industry in the Country”

The market in Japan is driven by rising automotive production and the rapid expansion of the aerospace industry. High demand for high-temperature elastomers and increasing investments in advanced technologies for industrial production are expected to boost market expansion over the coming years.

Will Germany Be a Prominent Market for Fluoroelastomer Manufacturers?

“Rapid Advancements in Fluoroelastomers for Sealing Applications”

The main factors driving market growth in Germany are the presence of the oil and gas industry and significant investments in the coatings sector. Growing demand for fluoroelastomers in the industrial maintenance industry and rapid advancements in fluoroelastomers for sealing applications are fueling market revenue in the country.

Category-wise Insights

Which Type of Fluoroelastomers Will Bring in High Revenue Streams?

“Fluorocarbon Elastomers Gaining Traction Due to Their High Thermal Stability”

Based on type, the market is divided into perfluorocarbon elastomers (FFKM), fluorosilicone elastomers (FVMQ), and fluorocarbon elastomers (FKM).

• Fluorocarbon elastomers (FKM) account for 60% share of the global market.

Fluorocarbon elastomers are utilized to make components for use in extreme conditions and are less expensive than other materials. Fluorine is extensively incorporated into carbon-based polymers to create fluorocarbon elastomers. Specialty-grade fluorocarbons can offer high fluorine concentrations with low-temperature characteristics.

Fluorocarbon elastomers are naturally colorless, odorless, and non-toxic and have high thermal stability. The production of seals relies heavily on fluorocarbon elastomers. Fluorocarbon elastomer is the most significant single elastomer created over time because of its broad chemical compatibility, wide temperature range, low compression set, and outstanding aging properties.

Why are Fluoroelastomers Widely Used in the Automotive Industry?

“Fluoroelastomers Looked Upon to Reduce Emissions”

The market is segmented into automotive, chemicals & petrochemicals, industrial, aerospace, and others by the end-use industry. The use of fluoroelastomers in the automotive industry is predicted to rise over the projection period.

Automotive emission reforms are being incorporated all over the world. The norms are getting more stringent, and their efficient implementation is among the top priorities of governments. The use of fluoroelastomers is thus increasing in the automotive industry to reduce emissions and comply with regulations.

The automotive industry is seeing an increase in customer demand for fuel-efficient vehicles as a result of climate change, the depletion of fossil fuel sources, and price fluctuations in crude oil. To improve the efficiency of their current designs and concentrate on using lightweight materials, automotive manufacturers are significantly investing in R&D.

Automotive producers are reducing the size of engine and powertrain components and adding air circulation systems as a result, which will increase efficiency. The components of the vehicles are subjected to high temperatures, corrosive fluids, and toxic gases due to these changes in size.

Competitive Landscape

Leading companies are focusing on geographical and capacity expansions in emerging markets to increase their position in the market. To increase their consumer base, top corporations are also focusing on launching new products and acquiring companies. Key fluoroelastomer producers are engaged in mergers and acquisitions, quality control, partnerships, product standards, and supply chain management.

Top market players are focusing on expanding product portfolios while following safety regulations to meet the increasing demand for fluoroelastomers from the automotive & aerospace industries. According to pricing trends, companies are also entering into long-term partnerships for the supply of raw materials with the local players to avoid sudden price hikes in the market and loss in the pricing competition with other players.

• In 2018, Solvay S.A. announced the expansion of production capacities at both China & Italy plants to meet the increasing demand in Asia Pacific. It manufactures fluorocarbon elastomers and perfluorocarbon elastomers under the brand name Tecnoflon. It has production sites in China & Italy.
• Daikin Chemicals also offers a wide range of fluoroelastomer products in various curable systems such as Diamine curable, Bisphenol Curable, Peroxide curable, etc. for specific applications. The company offers its fluoroelastomer products under the brand name DAI-EL.

Key Segments of Fluoroelastomers Industry Research

• By Type :

  • Fluorocarbon Elastomers (FKM)
  • Fluorosilicone Elastomers (FVMQ)
  • Perfluorocarbon Elastomers (FFKM)

• By Application :

  • O-rings
  • Gaskets
  • Hoses
  • Seals
  • Others

• By End-use Industry :

  • Automotive
  • Chemicals & Petrochemicals
  • Industrial
  • Aerospace
  • Others

• By Region :

  • North America
  • Europe
  • Asia Pacific
  • Latin America
  • Middle East & Africa