Ammonium Bifluoride Market

Market Overview

The global ammonium bifluoride market was valued at USD 81.70 million in 2017 and is estimated to reach USD 102.09 million, with a CAGR of 2.9% during the forecast period.

Ammonium bifluoride or ammonium hydrogen fluoride is a colorless salt produced from ammonia and hydrogen fluoride. Ammonium bifluoride is an intermediate in the production of hydrofluoric acid from hexafluorosilicic acid and used in a number of industrial and commercial applications such as the cleaning and etching of metals and glass and the cleaning of bricks and ceramics. In industrial textile processing or laundries, it is used for pH adjustment. Overexposure to ammonium bifluoride can cause irritation to the skin, permanent eye damage, stomach pain, and weakness.

Extensive Adoption of Ammonium Bifluoride Over Traditional Materials

Traditionally, hydrofluoric acid, an aggressive and toxic compound, was used for cleaning purposes. Ammonium bifluoride has been replacing hydrofluoric acid, which causes severe burns, corrodes many materials, and releases harmful fumes. Ammonium bifluoride is safer for use, storage, and transportation and comparatively less harmful. Additionally, it is cheaper than hydrofluoric acid and can save around 10–15% of the cost. Being cheaper and safer, ammonium bifluoride has gained significant attention in the market.

Safety Concerns

Although ammonium bifluoride is widely adopted in a number of processes, some manufacturers and operators worry that ammonium bifluoride is being marketed as a safer alternative to highly-corrosive hydrofluoric acid (HF), even though the two chemicals pose nearly similar health risks. Overexposure of ammonium bifluoride can cause skin irritation, bloody vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, difficulty in breathing, diarrhea, loss of consciousness, coma, and heart failure. Thus, safety remains an issue with ammonium bifluoride, which restricts the market growth.

Segmental Analysis

Analysis Grade Segment by Type

A variety of different grades of ammonium bifluoride are available in the market, with uses varying as per application. On the basis of type, the market is segmented into analysis grade, industrial grade, and others. Analytical grade reagents have high purity suitable for a variety of analytical techniques and are used in analytical applications. They are extensively used by institutes, laboratories, and research centers. Analysis of grade reagents have the highest purity as they are used in research. For instance, Fisher Scientific UK offers high purity grade reagents. The analysis grade segment was valued at USD 14.54 million in 2017 and is projected to reach USD 18.01 million by 2025, with a CAGR of 2.8%.

Etching Agent Segment by Application

Ammonium bifluoride is used in a number of applications. Based on the application, the market is segmented into disinfectant, etching agents, preservatives, and others. Among all segments, etching agent dominated the market with a 45% value share in 2017. Ammonium bifluoride finds an array of applications in the engraving of metals before they are further processed. It is used in the etching of glass or cleaning of brick and ceramics. In this process, etching solutions based on ammonium bifluoride are poured to get the desired mat drawing.

The changing trend toward matt drawing on glass and metal is also bolstering the ammonium bifluoride market. Ammonium bifluoride is the preferred compound as it is safer than hydrofluoric acid, which was traditionally used as an etching agent. Asia-Pacific held the largest share for the etching agent segment in 2017, valued at USD 13.02 million. The region’s share is expected to reach a value of USD 17.04 million by 2025, with the highest CAGR of 3.5%.

The other applications of ammonium bifluoride include cleaning rust from boilers and pipes, wash oil pipelines, dissolving deposits in wells, and many others. It is also used in petroleum, textile, and sugar industries. Hydrofluoric acid has been traditionally used for these applications, but its toxicity has prompted a shift to safer options such as ammonium bifluoride. Additionally, ammonium bifluoride saves 10–15% of the cost, which further drives the compound’s adoption.

Regional Analysis

Ammonium Bifluoride Market: Regional Overview

The global ammonium bifluoride market is expected to witness steady growth in the near future. Low production cost, increasing production in developing countries, increasing applications in various sectors, and changing government policies are collectively driving the market growth.

Developed countries are projected to register healthy market growth. Europe, the second-largest value shareholder, is expected to remain a key contributor to growth momentum in years to come. Europe’s market was valued at USD 22.89 million in 2017 and is anticipated to reach USD 28.69 million by 2025 with a CAGR of 2.9%. Well-developed technology, increasing demand for better materials, and availability of funds for research and development drive the growth of the regional market. Many countries in Europe are encouraging manufacturers to invest in research and development activities. During the last decade, developments in the standard of living, and increasing demand for engraved glasses have provided an impetus to market growth in Europe.

Ammonium Bifluoride Market Segmentation

By Type

• Analysis Grade
• Industrial Grade
• Others

By Application

• Disinfection
• Etching Agent
• Preservatives
• Others

By Region

North America

• The U.S.
• Canada
• Mexico

Europe

• Germany
• France
• The U.K.
• Italy
• Spain
• The Rest of Europe

Asia-Pacific

• Japan
• South Korea
• India
• China
• Australia
• The Rest of Asia-Pacific

LAMEA

• Brazil
• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa
• Rest of LAMEA