World silicones consumption
Between 1995 and 1998 the average global growth rate of silicones has been about 6%, with most of the growth coming from developing Asian countries. In 2002, the global market for silicones totaled about € 8 billion, based on a production volume of about 2,000,000 tons. The major sales areas are in Europe (33% in 2002) and in North America (34%).
Applications
Silicones are well-known for their versatility, which makes them ideally suited for a variety of applications:
| Key Silicones Feature and Main Applications | |
Key Performance Attributes |
Main Applications |
| Lubricity, substantivity | Personal Care Laundry care, textile finishing Lubricants |
| Surface activity | Defoaming; release coating/additives |
| Use in Wide Temperature Range | Rubbers, sealants |
| Biocompatibility | Medical, surgical |
| Low electrical conductivity and low dielectric constant | Electrical insulating products |
| Resistance to oxidation | Seals, cables and heat transfer applications |
| Durability and water repellency | Construction, textiles |
Market trends
Personal care and cosmetics are important markets for silicones, and have achieved a high degree of market penetration during the last 25 years. Total sales of silicones in the Personal Care Industry are estimated between 21,000 and 23,000 tons/y.
Product innovations continue to expand the useful application range of silicones. Emerging markets, especially in Asia, are providing
new opportunities for geographical expansion.
The following markets have been identified high-growth areas for silicones, driven by the need for longer-lasting and better performing
materials:
- Personal care products
- High-performance coatings in consumer and in industrial applications
- Microelectronics
