Industrial applications of fumed silica-

Defoamers & Antifoams:

Defoamers & antifoams typically have a hydrophilic or hydrophobic precipitated silica suspension in different oils such as soybean oil, mineral oil, or silicone oil. But precipitated silica continues to settle, which can lead to other problems. Precipitated silica tends to settle due to which other functional problems are created. The addition of fumed silica either eliminates or significantly reduces this impact. In many defoamer applications, fumed silica is used instead of precipitated silica as an active silica component.

Elastomer reinforcement:

Fumed silica is widely used as a reinforcing filler in rubber-based elastomers. Usage of fumed silica in elastomer reinforcing fillers improves properties such as tensile strength, break & tear resistance and improves elastic properties. Usage of fumed silica also combats the temperature effects on the mechanical properties of elastomers, thereby providing high mechanical strength in adverse temperature conditions.

Adsorbent application:

Fumed silica has wide applications as an adsorbent. Fumed silica can adsorb gaseous, solid or liquid materials owing to the high specific surface area of it. Fumed silica adsorbs certain materials that are capable of forming a hydrogen bond on the surface with silanol groups, thereby protecting the material and enhancing the functional properties of the additive.

The global fumed silica market is segmented on the basis of type and application.

By type-

On the basis of type, the global fumed silica market is categorized into hydrophilic fumed silica and hydrophobic fumed silica. Out of this, hydrophilic fumed silica is projected to dominate the fumed silica market over the coming years. Hydrophilic fumed silica is relatively cheap as well as suitable for a variety of applications owing to which it is preferred by the end-user industries. Major application areas of hydrophilic fumed silica include paints & coatings, polyesters, and silicones. Hydrophilic fumed silica is also used in optical fibers and electronics industries.

By application-

Based on application, the global fumed silica market is segmented into Adhesives & Sealants, Paints & Coatings and Inks, Pharmaceuticals, Gel Batteries, UPR, and Others. Among this, paints & coatings and adhesives & sealants application accounted for more than 45% of the market share in 2018. Fumed silica provides reinforcing and rheological properties for polyurethane and epoxy adhesives & sealant systems for a range of applications including elastic and structural bonding, wind turbine blades, and automotive and industrial assembling applications. In the case of paints & coatings, fumed silica enhances anti-settling, mechanical strengthening, rheology control, chemical resistance, anti-sag, resistance to corrosion, free flow, and fluidization properties.

On the basis of region, the global fumed silica market is categorized into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Middle East & Africa and key countries such as China, India, the US, Germany, UK, among others.

By region, Asia Pacific region is accounted for more than one-third of the market share in 2019 in the global fumed silica market. Furthermore, Asia Pacific is projected to witness the fastest growth in terms of fumed silica consumption. The growing construction industry and refurbishing are important growth drivers for the increased consumption of fumed silica in the region. Furthermore, growth in disposable incomes has also led to increased demand from the consumer end. However, due to the recent global pandemic COVID-19, these industries are expected to slow down in the initial years of the forecast period, thereby slowing the high demand pace of fumed silica.

In terms of market competitiveness, the global fumed silica is a concentrated market with the presence of some global players such as Evonik and Cabot. These players are majorly adopting market expansion and merger & acquisition strategy in order to expand its geographical footprint in the developing countries. Furthermore, shifting the global manufacturing base from the US and Europe to Asia Pacific is also leading to a growing manufacturer presence in this region.

Evonik Industries, Cabot Corporation, Wacker Chemie AG, China National Bluestar(Group) Co., Ltd., Tokuyama Corporation, Chiefeng Shengsen Silicon Technology Development Co, Ltd., Applied Material Solutions, Inc., Orisil, Kemitura A/S, Agsco Corporation are examples of some of the key players operating in the global fumed silica market.