Aug 18 2010
Carbon nanotubes enable radical design changes for a wide variety of markets by permitting combinations of properties not previously possible in materials design and affording multi-functionality for increased efficiency.
The challenge is translating the excellent combination of nanotubes properties on the nanoscale to structural properties on the macroscale. Contrary to most hyperbolic estimates, the current global market for carbon nanotubes has been measured by Nanoposts.com at approximately $247 million. At present nanotubes represent a niche materials additives market; but one with limitless revenue potential however current hindrances include: inconsistent quality of carbon nanotubes supply; dispersion; characterization of carbon nanotubes nanocomposites; and scaling down processing equipment to work around the low CNT supply.
New functionalised nanotubes applications will come onto the market in the next few years that will greatly increase global revenues to $2.7 billion plus by 2015; driven mainly by the needs of the electronics and data storage, defence, energy, aerospace and automotive industries. The electronics and data storage market is likely to see the biggest penetration to 2015, with the performance enhancing properties of carbon nanotubes allowing electronics manufacturers to meet demanding market needs across a variety of applications. Their incorporation into the displays applications will also increase demand, with a conservative revenue forecast of $1.07 billion by 2015.
As commercial-scale production ramps up, the significant decrease in cost for these high performance materials will also drive new applications. Up to now, most carbon nanotubes production has been on a pilot-scale level; however scale-up of production by large multi-nationals such as Arkema, Bayer MaterialsScience and Showa Denko and access to cheaper nanotubes from Russian and China will greatly increase commercialization opportunities.
The 140+ page report “The Global Market for Nanotubes to 2015: A Realistic Assessment – 2nd Edition” provides in-depth coverage of one of the most active and commercially important areas of nanotechnology and includes:
* Global revenue figures and projections 2006-2015 across all markets
* Key drivers across all markets
* Products, applications and market trends
* Profiles of major and minor companies developing commercial applications of nanotubes including: Bayer MaterialScience, BASF, Thomas Swan, Nanocomp, Nanocyl, Arkema, Mitsui, Toray, IBM, Surrey Nanosystems, Nanotero, Natural Nano, Unidym and Eikos.
Sectors covered include:
- Aerospace & Aviation
- Automotive
- Construction
- Defence
- Electronics & Data Storage
- Energy
- Environment
- Healthcare & Life Sciences
- Personal Care
- Printing & Packaging
- Sporting Goods
- Textiles
Source: http://www.nanoposts.com/