Superhydrophobic Coatings Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product Type (Anti-corrosion, Anti-icing, Self-cleaning, Anti-wetting), By End-User Industry (Current End-user Industry, Upcoming End-user Industry, Other Upcoming End-User Industries) and By Region(North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, LATAM) Forecasts, 2022-2030

Market Overview

The global superhydrophobic coatings market size was estimated at USD 19.5 million in 2021. It is estimated to reach an expected value of USD 120 million by 2030, registering a CAGR of 25.6% during the forecast period (2022-2030).

A microscopically thin layer known as a super hydrophobic coating can be put on several surfaces to make them water-repellent. Superhydrophobic coatings are nanotechnology that may be applied in several industrial sectors, including electronics, aerospace, automotive, and marine. It can be used on various goods and materials, including textiles, building & construction materials, and more.

Several reasons contribute to the market's growth in demand, including the increasing use of hydrophobic coatings in catheters and guidewires and the rising demand for anti-corrosive coating in marine constructions.

Market Dynamics

Global Superhydrophobic Coatings Market Drivers

Growing Demand from the Textile Industry

Silicon dioxide (SiO2)-based super hydrophobic coating spray is one of the best nano-coating sprays on the market. This innovative water-repelling ultra hydrophobic nano-coating spray solution is excellent for protecting almost any type of textile from water, dirt, contamination, and stains. It will not affect the appearance, ability to breathe, color, or handle, and is easy to maintain. Superhydrophobic surfaces have various applicable features, such as self-cleaning, oleophobicity, anti-corrosion, drag reduction, non-adhesion, low surface tension, prevention of snow piling, etc. The criteria for distinguishing superhydrophobic surface characteristics are high static contact angle (>150°) and dynamic or rolling off angle. Hence, the textiles/clothes with this coating can be used in defense, sports, swimwear, etc.

China is the largest textile producing and exporting country in the world. According to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, China's textile and garment exports grew 9.6% yearly to USD 291.22 billion in 2020. In the European Union, textile and clothing are among the leading sectors in the European manufacturing industry, with a turnover of EUR 162 billion and an export of EUR 61 billion in 2019. The textile industry in India is one of the most vital sectors of the economy, contributing over 2% to the country's GDP. India is the world's second-largest manufacturer and exporter of textiles and apparel after China. The textile sector is one of the oldest industries in the Indian economy, dating back several centuries. Thus, the growing textile industry, which includes a considerable share of waterproof clothing, is driving the studied market.

Increasing Demand for Electric Vehicles

The worldwide electric vehicle market has significantly increased in the past few years. The changing emission policies and strict regulations drive the demand for electric vehicles in the study period. Furthermore, the growing consumers' preference to avoid buying vehicles with engines having more emissions than electric drives the studied market.

In 2019, the number of light electric vehicles globally reached 2,264,400 units, 9% higher than in 2018. 2020 has been a good year for electric vehicles. According to EV volume, the electric vehicles stood at 3,24 million, compared to 2,26 million for the year previous. Hence, such growing demand for electric vehicles in recent years is driving the need for coatings, like superhydrophobic, from electric vehicles in the study period.

Global Superhydrophobic Coatings Market Restraint

Increasing Cost of Raw Materials and Lack of Research

In the market studied, primary raw materials include fluoropolymers and silicone resins. These materials are essentially dispersed in binders, including fluoropolymer and urethane. Furthermore, nanoparticles, such as titanium dioxide, cerium oxide, and silicon dioxide, are a part of the process. The techniques used for manufacturing coatings are conventional, with no special equipment or process. However, the production process of raw materials is complex and requires highly sophisticated equipment and process technology. This increases the cost of raw materials. 

Sourcing raw materials are more accessible, owing to the abundant availability of petrochemical industries. Additionally, in the market studied, various research activities are in progress, primarily to develop superhydrophobic coatings from natural sources, such as plant-based filler materials, like lycopodium and cellulose. These plant-based filler materials are free from silanes and fluorine. However, despite advancements in superhydrophobic technology, most enhanced applications, such as fabrication, are still in their research phase. Hence, the factors mentioned above hamper the market growth.

Global Superhydrophobic Coatings Market Opportunities

Growing Demand for Solar Panels

One of the fastest growing sectors in the world is solar electricity. In Europe, net solar PV additions are anticipated to rise steadily following 2020, from 21 GW in 2021 to an average of 25 GW per year between 2023 and 2025, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). This development is supported by increased legislative backing to reach the 32% renewable energy target, the Renewable Energy Directive for the European Union, in 2030. Germany added nearly 4 GW of solar power capacity in 2019 and is planning to reach 98GW of solar power by the end of 2030. This requires an annual increase of 5GW capacity.

The United Kingdom has Europe's third-highest installed solar capacity, with more than 13.1 GW of capacity in 2019. The country has only installed 233.4 MW of new capacity in 2019. However, in the United Kingdom, solar capacity is expected to increase between 2,711 MW and 15,674 MW by 2023. This accounts for a 4% annual solar power growth rate. This, in turn, is expected to drive the demand for the superhydrophobic coatings market during the forecast period. Hence, the solar market's growth is expected to create opportunities for superhydrophobic coatings in the forecast period. However, due to the sudden outbreak of COVID-19, the planned projects are expected to get delayed but are expected to reach completion in the near future.

Regional Analysis

By region, the global superhydrophobic coatings market is segmented into Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe, and the Rest of the world.

North America accounted for the largest market share and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 26.6% during the forecast period. The United States has the largest aerospace industry in the world. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the total commercial aircraft fleet was 8,270 by 2037, from 7,397 in 2018. Moreover, the US mainliner carrier fleet is expected to grow at a rate of 54 aircraft per year, as the existing fleet has been becoming older, which is expected to provide opportunities for the superhydrophobic coatings market. Additionally, the US constantly conducts research in concentrated solar power and photovoltaics. It ranks among the top nations in the world for solar electricity production. Markets for solar energy are maturing rapidly around the country, and solar electricity is now economically competitive with conventional energy sources in several states, including California, Hawaii, and Minnesota, thereby driving the market studied in the country.

Europe is the second largest region. It is estimated to reach an expected USD 27 million by 2030, registering a CAGR of 23.4% during the forecast period. In Germany, superhydrophobic coatings are expected to grow significantly in the upcoming years. The construction sector plays an increasingly important role because of the increasing need to extend the life of concrete structures and reduce maintenance costs associated with high-rise glass buildings. Germany has a large textile market just after its food and beverage industry. For centuries, the German textile industry has focused on quantity over quality. However, in the last few decades, the focus has shifted toward quality, and the country has become an influential player in the fashion markets. The German textile industry had an annual turnover of around EUR 30 billion in 2019. The textiles and clothing industry is the second-largest consumer goods industry in Germany. The growing demand for technical textiles is expected to drive the market substantially in this region.

Asia-Pacific is the third largest region. In the Asia-Pacific region, China is the largest economy in terms of GDP. According to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, the revenue generated by the Chinese construction industry has increased from CNY 17.67 trillion in 2014 to CNY 24.84 trillion in 2019. Rising household income levels, combined with the population migrating from rural to urban areas, are expected to continue to drive demand for the residential construction sector in the country. The rise of the residential construction industry is also fueled by a greater emphasis on affordable housing by the public and private sectors. The government is investing USD 1.43 trillion in the next five years, till 2025, in significant construction projects. China was promoting and undergoing continuous urbanization, with a target rate of 60% for 2020. The need for more living space in urban areas as a result of urbanization and middle-class urban dwellers' desire to improve their living conditions may have a significant impact on the housing market and, as a result, increase residential construction throughout the nation. This will positively impact the demand for superhydrophobic coatings.

Segmental Analysis

The global superhydrophobic coatings market is segmented by product type, end-user industry, and region.

On The Basis of Product Type

By product type, the global superhydrophobic coatings market is segmented into anti-corrosion, anti-icing, self-cleaning, and anti-wetting. The anti-wetting segment accounted for the largest market share and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 26.1% during the forecast period. Over the past few years, the scientific community and the world's coatings industry have introduced oxide/polymer-based superhydrophobic surfaces and coatings with exceptional water repellency. These coatings help significantly reduce the cost of transporting goods by ships and improve the efficiency of the vessel/watercraft by decreasing the water drag on the hull. Similarly, superhydrophobic coatings can reduce liquid adhesion in various manufacturing equipment. Due to their excellent anti-wetting properties, these coatings are used in the automotive and construction industry in glasses (windshields for vehicles) and facades. These are applied as protective coatings in marine vessels, oil rigs, and submarines, constantly exposed to the harsh saline environment, and often get covered by algae or other marine microorganism. Such applications drive segment growth.

The self-cleaning segment is the second largest. A superhydrophobic surface utilizes roughness and surface chemistry to force water droplets to form high water contact angles. This, in turn, allows droplets to roll off easily, pick up dirt and debris across the surface, and assist in self-cleaning the surface. Many surfaces eventually get contaminated due to the accumulation of dust or air pollution. A considerable amount of cleaning chemicals, effort, money, and energy is wasted restoring these surfaces. Hydrophobic coatings offer one of the best options to tackle this problem. Such benefits drive segment growth.

On The Basis of End-User Industry

By end-user industry, the global superhydrophobic coatings market is segmented into the current and upcoming end-user industries. The current end-user industry is further segmented into textile and footwear, automotive, and building and construction. The upcoming end-user industry is further segmented into aerospace, healthcare, optical, electrical, electronics, and other upcoming end-user industries. Textile and footwear accounted for the largest market share and are estimated to grow at a CAGR of 27% during the forecast period. Over the past ten years, several organizations have focused their research efforts on developing water- and stain-resistant fabrics. Although raincoats have used these coatings for several years, there is a tremendous demand for self-cleaning textiles. Self-cleaning textiles are much better dirt repellents than conventional fabrics and can degrade several types of stains based on some catalytic mechanism. Using these coatings in the textile industry has dramatically increased the potential to save water and energy needed in cleaning. Using chemicals in Superhydrophobic footwear offers less water absorption without sacrificing breathability. These coatings stop the footwear's surface from becoming muddy or damp during any activity. These days, most tennis players, both aspiring and professional, are fans of outdoor activities like footwear. Hence, the factors mentioned above drive segment growth.

The automotive segment is the second largest. Superhydrophobic coatings have various applications in the automotive industry, especially on windshield or glass surfaces. Their non-wettable properties help to prevent frost on the glass surfaces. At the same time, the self-cleaning properties of these coatings keep the surface clean. Other benefits offered by such superhydrophobic coatings are Intense gloss and shine, Protection from bird poop, Chemical resistance, Sheets of dirt and dust, Scratch resistance enabling all-round visibility and safety for driving in daytime and night time, the coating protects the glass from erosion, salt spray staining, and mineral deposits, and Extended longevity for up to 2-5 years and many more. Hence, such benefits drive segment growth.

Impact of covid-19

COVID-19 has positive and negative market consequences, as carbon emissions have decreased globally due to the lockout. COVID-19's reduction in emissions is a short-term benefit. Still, when industries and enterprises attempt to recoup some of their financial losses in the first quarter of the year, carbon emissions will rise dramatically. COVID-19 had a negative impact on global recycling efforts. Countries, notably the United States, have halted or decreased recycling programs to focus on collecting additional domestic waste or because services have been disrupted by the virus.

Also, with industries slowly returning to normalcy following the COVID-19 outbreak, this shift in workplace health and safety is expected to increase due to mandatory social distancing and continuous personal care through sanitization to eliminate even the tiniest possibility of COVID-19 spread. COVID-19 has impacted various companies' revenues, and if the lockdown is lifted, companies will turn their attention to operations to make up for their losses.

Recent Developments

• January 2022 - Advanced Nanotech Lab has announced private label manufacturing of 9H Ceramic Coating, 10H Ceramic Coating, and a few hybrid variants for one of the largest automotive lubricant manufacturers in Asia.
• January 2022 - NEI Corporation announced that customers can now order from an expanded selection of cathode, anode, and solid electrolyte materials for lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries. The company, a leader in developing, manufacturing, and supplying specialty materials, has been a go-to organization for producing and delivering custom powders and dispersions of particles in liquids and polymers, as well as electrodes cast on metal foil.