Global polyurea market value is expected to exceed USD 13 billion by 2024 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 12.5% from 2016 to 2024. The polymer is widely used in applications including transportation, industrial and construction owing to its distinctive properties and characteristics such as high thermal stability, fast curing time, excellent water insensitivity, and pigment compatibility.
Polyurea is obtained by the reaction of synthetic resin polymer and isocyanate compounds, through step-growth polymerization technique. It is treated to manufacture lining systems, coatings, sealants, and adhesives.
The growing use of protective coatings in construction and automotive applications on account of its high durability and rust prevention is anticipated to encourage the usage of the polymer. Production of low-cost and efficient coating alternatives including polyurethane and epoxy is expected to hinder the market growth over the next eight years.
Polyurea is added to sealant formulations and adhesives to provide high adhesion to clean substrates including concrete, wood, blasted steel and bitumen. The increasing demand and need for sealants & adhesives as bonding materials particularly in construction and automotive industries is anticipated to be a dominant factor in propelling market growth in the future.
Growing expenditure on environment safety measures including lining systems in landfill control and containment ponds is expected to steer polyurea demand. Stringent regulations to mitigate environmental pollution by using polyurea to contain water for pool decorations and ponds to form the main containment liner can be attributed as the major factor driving the market growth.
Increased adoption of polyolefin built lining systems such as LDPE and HDPE in mining and construction sectors at the global level is expected to pose a major threat for the industry participants over the forecast period.
On the basis of application, the global market has been segmented into transportation, construction and industrial. Construction was the largest application segment accounting for over 40% of the total demand in 2015. Moisture insensitivity and high reactivity of polyurea are expected to boost the product demand in this sector particularly in tank liners, containment structures, and tunnels & manholes.
Industrial application segment is expected to witness significant growth with net demand estimated to be over 30 kilotons in 2014. Changing preferences from breakdown maintenance to condition-based monitoring is expected to propel the manufacturing sector of protective coatings which would in turn steer the polyurea market growth. Polyurea is extensively used in applications including sealing and coatings materials in aerospace, marine and automotive.
On the basis of raw material used, the global market has been segmented into aromatic and aliphatic. Aromatic compounds accounted for over 65% of the global demand in 2015 and is expected to witness significant growth over the next eight years. These materials are used in various applications since they provide better physical properties and processability. Methylene diisocyanate is an aromatic compound that is used to manufacture finished products at a low cost compared to aliphathic compounds.
Aliphatic compounds provide superior stability in ultraviolet light compared to aromatic counterparts and hence they are used in feed for livestock to decrease body burdens of toxics in animals.
On the basis of product type the global market has been segmented into lining, coating, sealants, and adhesives. Coatings are expected to dominate the global market over the forecast period accounting for over 60% of the total revenue in 2015. These products are extensively used in automotive, healthcare industries and construction owing to distinctive properties including abrasion resistance, corrosion protection, structural enhancement, and waterproofing.
Polyuria based lining products is expected to grow significantly on account of increasing importance of waterproofing systems in construction industry to provide efficient sealing properties. These products are majorly used in landfills and aquifer linings owing to excellent chemical resistance to liquids and quickly drying finishes. Rising importance of waterproofing membranes in the construction industry on account of providing good sealing property is expected to have a favorable impact.
It is used as sealing material and caulking agent in control joints and expansion joints especially in water reservoirs and floors since they exhibit dynamic crack-bridging properties coupled with high tensile strength and elongation
North America was the largest regional market accounting for over 40% of the global demand in 2015. The Strong presence of automotive and manufacturing bases in Mexico and the U.S. is anticipated to propel the market growth in the region. Infrastructure improvement in the U.S. and Mexico owing to growing number of suburban structures are estimated to polyurea demand in coatings and adhesives.
Asia-Pacific is anticipated to witness significant growth rate owing to growing manufacturing and construction sectors in regions including India, China and Thailand. Increasing consumer disposable income coupled with growing investments in the real estate owing to rising population is attributed as the key factor driving polyurea market growth in the region.
Key vendors having majority of stake in the global industry include BASF, SWD Polyurethane, W.R. Grace, Nukote Coating Systems International, PPG Industries, LINE-X Protective Coatings, and Specialty Products. Other industry participants include VersaFlexInc, Rhino Linings, VIP GmbH Kukdo Chemicals, and Wasser Corporation.
