Nanostructured Coatings Market

Nanostructured coatings are nanotechnology-based coatings formed through the usage of nanocomposites and structured materials. These structured materials build a consistent network of molecules on the surface to be coated. Nanostructured coatings possess various characteristics such as high lubricity, ductility, abrasion resistance, hardness, and transparency. These coatings also possess low density, elastic modulus, and low thermal conductivity. Nanostructured coatings are widely used in various industries such as building & construction, automotive, aerospace & aviation, oil & gas, medical, textile, consumer electronics, and marine. These coatings are used for hydraulic fracturing and as corrosion and scaling chemical inhibitors in the oil & gas industry due to their self-healing property. Nanostructured coatings are also employed used as functional coatings for the prevention of ice accretion in aircraft parts. These coatings are also used as anti-fouling protective coatings for offshore marine structures. Nanostructured coatings are employed as sustainable coatings. They provide high UV protection and enhance durability while maintaining breathability in textiles and apparel. These coatings are used as waterproofing materials in consumer electronics. Furthermore, nanostructured coatings are employed to control infection in the medical industry. These coatings are also used as high hardness coatings in medical implants. Nanostructured coatings are used in antireflection glazing, passive cooling surface, and thermochromic smart windows in the building & construction industry.

Based on form, the nanostructured coatings market can be segmented into anti-microbial, anti-fingerprint, anti-fouling, easy to clean, and self-cleaning nanostructured coatings. The anti-fingerprint segment is expected to expand significantly during the forecast period. This is ascribed primarily to its extensive usage in electronic gadgets and automotive applications. Furthermore, demand for anti-microbial nanostructured coatings is anticipated to rise moderately in medical and building & construction industries owing to the differentiating properties of these coatings, which are being extensively used in patient care facilities. Market share of easy to clean and self-cleaning nanostructured coatings segments is projected to increase during the forecast period due to the rise in usage of these coatings in marine, electronics, and automotive applications.

Nanotechnology plays an important role in developing innovative nanostructured coatings. Rise in requirement of protective coatings and increase in awareness about reduction of solvent content are some of the primary factors driving the nanostructured coatings market. New functionalities, transparency, and high-quality performance play a vital role in the coatings industry. Nanostructured coatings meet these requirements and offer various benefits such as high protection against UV, fire, heat, ice, pollutants, bacteria, and corrosion. Increase in prices of raw materials and high production costs are some of the factors hampering market growth. Additionally, optimization of properties by maintaining tolerance, interfacial adhesion, and other non-mechanical properties are the key challenges for manufacturers. However, technological advancement in nanotechnology further enhances the growth opportunities for nanostructured coatings in various applications. For example, in 2016, Aquashield Technologies, a nanotechnology firm, developed a nanocoating product line of ultra-thin protective coatings, which provide protection against pollution and UV radiation.

Geographically, the global market for nanostructured coatings can be segregated into Europe, Asia Pacific, North America, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. Asia Pacific, Europe, and North America are expected to dominate the nanostructured coatings market during the forecast period due to the increase in requirement of these coatings in health care and building & construction applications. Increase in demand for nanostructured coatings in the automotive sector in the U.S. is also boosting market growth. Rise in concern for escalating crude oil prices and implementation of stringent regulations over VOC emission in the paints & coatings industry are compelling countries in Europe to adopt nanostructured coatings. This is further augmenting the nanostructured coatings market. Growth in various end-use industries in Asia Pacific is also projected to open up new avenues for the nanostructured coatings market. Furthermore, strong government support for nanotechnology in China, India, and Japan coupled with initiatives of a large number of multinational companies toward development of products and processes based on nanoparticles are augmenting the demand for nanostructured coatings in Asia Pacific.

Major players operating in the nanostructured coatings market are Aquashield Technologies, Advanced Nanotechnology Lab, Forge Nano, Nano Activated Coatings, Inc. Nanofilm Ltd, and Nanophase Technologies Corporation.