TAGS: Polymer Reinforcement
The global high dispersible silica market was valued at ~US$ 826 Mn in 2018 and is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of ~10% during the forecast period. Among forms, the micropearl segment held a dominant share of the global high dispersible silica market in 2018, as this form of high dispersible silica is widely used in the production of green tires, due to its dust-free properties.
Based on application, the tire segment constituted a significant share of the global high dispersible silica market in 2018. Increase in the demand for tires with low rolling resistance is anticipated to propel the segment during the forecast period. The high dispersible silica market in Asia Pacific is likely to expand at a rapid pace during the forecast period, owing to high investments in the automobile sector in countries in the region such as China and India.
Key Drivers of High Dispersible Silica Market
The global automotive production has increased by 15% since 2010. Over the last few years, focus on reduction of vehicle weight has been a key trend in the automotive industry to reduce CO
2 emissions. The growth in the tire production worldwide is a result of growth of the global automotive industry. Over the last decade, similar to other parts of automobiles, tires have been witnessing advancements intended to make them ecologically more sustainable.
Green tires are new-generation tires that reduce CO
2 emissions as well as fuel consumption, thereby controlling the pollution. Rolling resistance of tires accounts for 20% of the energy used by a vehicle. Therefore, tire energy efficiency is a key parameter for vehicle fuel consumption. High dispersible silica facilitates low rolling resistance, thereby reducing the fuel consumption, as it provides less friction when the tire rolls down the road.
High Dispersible Silica as Reinforcement Filler
High dispersible silica is also used in high-performance tires as a low-heat, buildup
reinforcement filler. High dispersible silica is being increasingly adopted by tire manufacturers as a
reinforcement filler, owing to the tire labeling legislation and stringent regulations for environment protection. It offers higher reinforcing ability and enhance fuel efficiency. On the other hand, carbon black has higher rolling resistance, which results in higher consumption of fuel. Thus, high dispersible silica is used as a substitute for carbon black in the tire industry to a certain extent.
In countries where rubber application (consumption of rubber in tire manufacturing) accounts for a substantial share of the overall market, rise in the demand for green tires is expected to boost the high dispersible silica market in the near future.
North America Leads High Dispersible Silica Market
North America dominated the global high dispersible silica market in 2018. Dominance of North America can be ascribed to introduction of several initiatives by policymakers across the region to minimize the number of tire-related crashes, reduce carbon pollution, and save fuel costs.
In terms of market share, Europe follows North America in the global high dispersible silica market. Introduction of tire labelling regulations is a key factor boosting the high dispersible silica market in Europe. Furthermore, rise in awareness about benefits associated with green tires and surge in investments in the capacity expansion of precipitated silica plants are expected to propel the market in the region during the forecast period.
Source: TMR