SULFUR HEXAFLUORIDE MARKET SIZE AND SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS AND FORECASTS (2024-2031)

Strict regulations on the production and use of sulfur hexafluoride are posing challenges for the growth of the sulfur hexafluoride market. Sulfur hexafluoride is a greenhouse gas that has high global warming potential and can significantly contribute to climate change if released into the atmosphere. To curb its impact, many countries and international bodies have framed stringent norms regarding its manufacturing, consumption and emissions.

 Market Opportunities: Development of new applications in medical imaging equipment

The development of new applications using sulfur hexafluoride in medical imaging equipment presents a major growth opportunity for the SF6 market. SF6 allows for much higher resolution imaging compared to traditional technologies due to its electron-density and ability to eliminate interference. It is increasingly being used as an insulator in newer CT scanners and MRI machines to improve the clarity of scans. This helps physicians detect diseases in earlier and more treatable stages. As population’s age and lifestyle diseases rise globally, the demand for advanced medical imaging will surge. Within medical imaging applications, innovations in SF6 enabled areas like interventional radiology hold much potential. Interventional radiology combines imaging guidance with minimally invasive procedures to diagnose and treat diseases. It is less risky than conventional surgery for many patients. As novel procedures utilizing tools like catheters, wires, and balloons are developed in this domain, the use of SF6 for high-resolution imaging support is also likely to proliferate. The safe completion of intricate interventions depends on clear visualization, favoring growing SF6 incorporation. The upcoming years may witness technological leaps through greater Industry-academia research collaborations on devising new interventional techniques. This will create significant tailwinds for sulfur hexafluoride uptake within the lucrative medical imaging vertical.