Ammonium Bifluoride Market

Market Overview

The global ammonium bifluoride market was valued at USD 94.98 million in 2023. It is estimated to reach USD 122.95 million by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 2.91% during the forecast period (2024–2032). The global ammonium bifluoride market is driven by the rising use of these chemicals by industries like construction, automotive, aerospace, consumer electronics, etc.

Ammonium bifluoride offers several advantages over several toxic chemicals in industrial processing, further estimated to augment the market growth. Moreover, several scientists and researchers are conducting several research and development projects for ammonium bifluoride, and industry players can leverage the results of these studies to explore more possible uses of the chemical, thereby creating opportunities for market expansion.

Ammonium bifluoride, also called ammonium hydrogen fluoride, is a chemical compound with the formula NH4HF2. It is a white crystalline solid at room temperature. It is soluble in water and has a strong odor. Ammonium bifluoride is commonly used in industrial applications such as etching glass, cleaning metals, and removing scale from boilers and heat exchangers. It is also used in certain dental preparations and as a preservative for wood. However, it is a hazardous substance and should be handled carefully due to its corrosive nature. It can cause severe skin burns, and eye damage and inhalation of its vapors can cause respiratory irritation. Therefore, appropriate safety measures should be taken when working with ammonium bifluoride.

Highlights

• Etching agents dominate the application segment

Market Dynamics

Market Drivers

Growing Demand for Industrial Applications

The industrial applications of ammonium bifluoride serve as a significant driver for its market dynamics. Primarily utilized in metal surface treatment, this compound is vital in cleaning, descaling, and brightening metal surfaces, enhancing their quality and functionality. Industries such as automotive, aerospace, and electronics heavily rely on metal surface treatment for improved corrosion resistance, adhesion, and aesthetic appeal, driving the demand for ammonium bifluoride.

Moreover, its usage in glass etching further expands its industrial applications, catering to the needs of the construction, automotive, and consumer electronics sectors. The need for glass etching solutions and metal surface treatment, such as ammonium bifluoride, is anticipated to endure as these sectors develop and increase, maintaining their relevance and propelling market expansion.

Extensive Adoption of Ammonium Bifluoride Over Traditional Materials

The extensive adoption of ammonium bifluoride over traditional materials propels growth in the ammonium bifluoride market through several key factors. Ammonium bifluoride offers superior performance characteristics compared to conventional alternatives, such as enhanced efficiency, increased durability, and improved cost-effectiveness. Moreover, growing environmental concerns and stringent regulations drive the shift towards safer and more environmentally friendly alternatives, further boosting the demand for ammonium bifluoride.

For instance, traditionally, hydrofluoric acid, a very corrosive and poisonous substance, was employed for cleaning. Ammonium bifluoride is now used as a substitute for hydrofluoric acid due to its ability to produce severe burns, corrode various materials, and emit hazardous fumes. Ammonium bifluoride is a safer option for use, storage, and transportation and is less toxic. Moreover, it is more cost-effective than hydrofluoric acid and can reduce costs by approximately 10–15%. Ammonium bifluoride is attracting considerable interest in the market due to its lower cost and enhanced safety.

Market Restraint

Health and Safety Concerns 

Health and safety concerns represent a significant restraint in the Ammonium Bifluoride market. This compound is highly corrosive and toxic, posing extreme risks to human health and the ecosystem. Exposure to ammonium bifluoride can result in skin burns, respiratory issues, and eye damage, necessitating stringent safety measures during handling, storage, and transportation. Moreover, accidental releases or spills can lead to environmental contamination and harm surrounding ecosystems.

Such hazards not only endanger the well-being of workers but also increase liability for manufacturers and users. Consequently, regulatory authorities impose strict guidelines and protocols governing its usage, driving up compliance costs and operational complexities. These health and safety concerns limit market growth and prompt industries to explore safer alternatives, dampening the demand for ammonium bifluoride. Addressing these issues requires robust safety protocols, employee training, and investments in risk mitigation strategies to ensure responsible usage within the industry. This is estimated to restrict the market expansion.

Market Opportunities

Rise in Research and Development

In recent years, there has been a rise in research and development activities exploring the potential of ammonium bifluoride. For instance, in 2019, a recent publication in Progress in Organic Coatings describes the deposition of polypyrrole (Ppy) coatings embedded with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and doped with ammonium bifluoride (doped Ppy) onto the AZ31 Mg alloy using cyclic voltammetry. The investigations revealed that the doped Ppy coatings exhibited superior corrosion resistance compared to the Ppy coating.

Furthermore, in 2023, Taiwanese researchers conducted a study on a novel cleaning solution designed to remove silicon contaminants during the wafer dicing process. The primary component in the method was ammonium bifluoride, while MSA and sulfuric acid were used as the solvent and buffer solution to prevent metal corrosion. The suitability of the novel cleaning chemical for removing silicon contamination from dicing has been verified. This proposed formula offers an optimal chemical solution for wafer cleaning (SC-1, SC-2, BOE) by utilizing a less hazardous substance, ammonium bifluoride, which demonstrated favorable outcomes in the conducted trials. This is projected to generate opportunities for market expansion.

Regional Analysis

Based on region, the global ammonium bifluoride market is bifurcated into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa. 

North America is estimated to grow at a significant pace. The United States is North America's dominant aerospace and defense market. The nation possesses employees with exceptional expertise and serves as the headquarters for numerous prominent international aerospace and defense companies, like Boeing and Lockheed Martin. US aerospace and defense manufacturers primarily serve the needs of both domestic and international markets for arms and military technologies. The US aerospace and defense industry generated USD 909 billion in revenue in 2019, representing a 6.7% growth compared to the previous year. Out of the total, end customers in the space, cyber, and aircraft industries contributed USD 509 billion, and the supply chain contributed USD 400 billion. Moreover, ammonium bifluoride will be more and more necessary as the aerospace and defense sector expands. This is because ammonium bifluoride is used for its corrosion-resistant properties, as well as its adhesive and aesthetic appeal.

Furthermore, expanding infrastructure in the United States and Canada will increase the need for ammonium bifluoride in both nations. This is because ammonium bifluoride is extensively utilized in the construction sector's metal surface treatment and glass etching solutions. For instance, the Canadian government has committed to allocating funds to the development and maintenance of infrastructure throughout the country. The government has allocated around USD 180 billion to be invested over 15 years on essential infrastructure projects within the next decade as a component of the 'Investing in Canada Plan.' Consequently, these factors drive the ammonium bifluoride market in the region.

The growth of the Asia-Pacific region is attributed to factors like the rising population, rapid urbanization, and an increase in demand from several industries such as construction, electronics, automotive, aerospace, etc. The industrial growth and urbanization in countries like China, India, and South Korea drive demand for chemicals used in various manufacturing processes, including Ammonium Bifluoride.

China's construction industry is projected to experience a growth rate of 4.21% until 2021, driven by numerous large-scale infrastructure projects and a pipeline of 2,991 hotel development projects. Indonesia can expand by approximately 9% in the upcoming five years thanks to ongoing residential projects and a total of 378 hotel construction projects in progress. As the construction sector expands, there will be an increased need for ammonium bifluoride during the projected timeframe.

Segmental Analysis

The global ammonium bifluoride market is bifurcated into type and application.

Based on type, the global ammonium bifluoride market is segmented into analysis grade, industrial grade, and others.

Various grades of ammonium bifluoride are available in the market, with uses varying as per application. Analytical grade reagents have high purity, are suitable for various analytical techniques, and are used in analytical applications. Its pure form is free from impurities, ensuring accurate and reliable results in analytical procedures. Institutes, laboratories, and research centers extensively use them. Analysis grade reagents have the highest purity when used in research.

For instance, Fisher Scientific UK offers high-purity grade reagents. In addition to analytical chemistry, ammonium bifluoride finds applications in industrial processes like metal surface treatment and cleaning due to its strong etching properties. Its analysis grade purity ensures consistency and reproducibility in laboratory experiments, making it a valuable reagent for researchers and analysts striving for accurate results.

Based on the application, the global ammonium bifluoride market is bifurcated into disinfectants, etching agents, preservatives, and others. 

The etching agents segment dominates the global market. Ammonium bifluoride is commonly used as an etching agent due to its ability to selectively dissolve various metals and glass. Its effectiveness stems from its acidic nature and high solubility in water. In the etching process, it reacts with metal oxides or glass surfaces to form soluble fluoride complexes, which are easily rinsed away. This makes it suitable for etching glass, ceramics, and metals like stainless steel, aluminum, and copper. The etching action of ammonium bifluoride is precise and controllable, making it valuable in microelectronics for creating intricate patterns on silicon wafers or circuit boards.

Additionally, its relatively low toxicity compared to other etchants makes it safer for industrial applications. However, handling precautions are necessary due to their corrosive nature, requiring protective gear and proper ventilation. Thus, when used properly, ammonium bifluoride is a versatile etching agent prized for its efficiency, precision, and safety.

Recent Developments

•  February 2024- The shares of Zhejiang Sanmei Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. (SHSE:603379) experienced a significant increase of 39% in the past month, maintaining its positive trend. Over the past 30 days, the annual gain has increased significantly by 35%.
•  December 2023- Solvay (Brussels, Belgium) officially demerged Syensqo SA/NV, its new composite materials sector, with the support of a majority of shareholders (99.53%).