Global Fluoroelastomers Market Demand & Forecast Analysis, 2016-2032

Fluoroelastomers are synthetic rubbers known for their exceptional resistance to high temperatures, chemicals, and oils. They find wide application in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and chemical processing that require high chemical and heat resistance. The elastomers are made from fluorine-containing monomers like vinylidene fluoride (VDF), hexafluoropropylene (HFP), and tetrafluoroethylene (TFE). Viton and Fluorel are the most common types based on VDF and HFP.

Fluoroelastomers, which are a type of polymer containing fluorine, are typically made using fluorocarbon elastomers (FKM). FKM comprises two or more monomer units that can crystallize unless bulky side groups are incorporated at intervals. To make FKM amorphous in nature, bulky groups made from monomers such as difluoroethylene and tetrafluoroethylene, along with methyl vinyl ether, hexafluoropropylene, and propylene, are used to produce a sustainable product with excellent elastomeric properties.

Fluoroelastomers offer excellent resistance to various chemicals, including acids, fuels, oils, and solvents, making them ideal for use in components like seals, O-rings, hoses, and gaskets. Their use also extends to wire and cable insulation, coatings, and linings for tanks and pipes.

The global fluoroelastomers market is expected to grow by an average of 4 to 5% annually until 2032, with higher growth rates in countries like China and India. Asia-Pacific is the biggest market at a global level in 2022, accounting for almost 50% of the global fluoroelastomer demand. The region has benefited as some of the automotive and electrical & electronics manufacturing has shifted from Western Europe to Asia-Pacific countries like China, India, Vietnam, South Korea, and other Southeast Asian countries. Asia Pacific is estimated to continue its dominance in the forecast period. North America is the second biggest market, accounting for less than 25%.

In terms of the fluoroelastomer market by application, which includes O-rings, Gaskets, Seals & Hoses, Complex Molding Parts, and Others, fluoroelastomer seals & hoses are most compatible with hydrocarbon fuels and provide excellent chemical and high-temperature resistance. Seals & hoses account for the largest market share of fluoroelastomers and are expected to maintain their market share until 2032. It is likely to increase its market share marginally, while most other major applications are not expected to witness any significant change in their share pattern. Due to technological advancements and product developments in sealing applications, FKM demand for seals & hoses is expected to witness strong growth in the forecast period.

Fluoroelastomers find application in various end-use industries, particularly in the automotive and chemical processing sectors, as they offer the option of replacing metals with plastics to reduce vehicle weight and improve fuel efficiency. Environmental regulations for automobiles are expected to further drive demand for fluoroelastomers, with growth in automobile production and weight reduction initiatives likely to contribute to their increased use in the future.

- Solvay has announced plans to enhance fluoroelastomers production by 30% at its facility located in Spinetta Marengo, Italy. With the completion of this new capacity in 2021, expectations are that it will contribute to the expansion of the supply of FKM across Europe and enable international exports to the US and China.

- Solvay is developing a new range of high-performance Tecnoflon peroxide curable FKM that is manufactured without using fluorosurfactants. The innovative technology, named NFS (non-fluorosurfactant), is a significant step forward in FKM polymerization. The company has initiated mass sampling of the new Tecnoflon Peroxide curable grades in July 2022. Solvay intends to shift Tecnoflon FKM to NFS by Q1 2024. Peroxide curable FKM rubbers are extensively used in various industries such as automotive, aerospace, oil and gas, electronics, and chemical processing.

- Chemours, a global chemistry company with significant market positions in Advanced Performance Materials, has developed Advanced Polymer Architecture (APA) grade Viton™ fluoroelastomers. This innovation allows for the production of fluoroelastomers without the need for a fluorinated polymerization aid.