Conductive carbon black is mainly used across electrical components and appliances due to its improved electrical conductivity. The major properties of conductive carbon black are low loading, surface area, electrical conductivity, and color. Plastics, paints & coatings, particle size, battery electrodes, and rubber some of the major applications of carbon black. Moreover, conductive carbon black is also used in the production of IC trays, heating sheet, magnetic tape, and film. They are the most cost-efficient and reliable source of producing conductive materials. According to the Coherent Market Insights, the global volume of conductive carbon black accounts for merely 1% of the carbon black volume used globally, but is expected to emerge as one of the fastest growing materials in terms of market growth.
The global conductive carbon black market was estimated to be valued around US$ 628.7 million in terms of revenue in 2022 and is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 7.4% during the forecast period (2023 to 2030)
Drivers
The growing plastic industry around the globe is primarily fueling the market growth of conductive carbon black. It is widely used as additives in a polymer matrix to reduce the risk of electrostatic discharge. According to the, India Brand Equity Foundation, plastics export from India stood at US$ 10.98 billion out of which exports of raw plastic material stood at US$ 4.53 billion in 2019. Top five importers of Indian plastic products were US (US$ 1,314.03 million), China (US$ 1,281.65 million), UAE (US$ 579.51 million), Italy (US$ 451.41 million) and Germany (US$ 407.14 million).
Market Opportunities
Growing application of conductive carbon black in the production of carbon brush for transferring electric current between a motionless and a rotating part of a machine, for example, an armature or coil is projected to foster the market growth of conductive carbon black. Carbon black offer resistance to abrasion and friction while maintaining efficient conductivity in carbon brush and is also capable of providing an optimal level of electrical resistivity owing to its superior physical properties as compared to other materials. This the factor is expected to foster the market growth of conductive carbon black.
Market Restraints
Conductive carbon blacks are priced higher as compared to conventional carbon blacks and this factor is expected to hinder the market growth of conductive carbon blacks. According to the Coherent Market Insights analysis, the average selling price of conventional carbon blacks range between US$ 650 and US$ 750 per ton. Conductive carbon blacks cost between US$ 1,500 and US$ 1,600 per ton on average. Therefore, the high cost of conductive carbon black is projected to hamper the market growth of conductive carbon blacks over the forecast period.
Key Takeaways
Among application, paints & coatings segment dominated the global conductive carbon black market in 2018 with around 29% of market share in terms of volume, followed by plastics and battery electrodes, respectively.
Market Trends
Increasing focus of manufacturers to launch an innovative carbon black solution for meeting the rising demand across end-use industries is propelling the market growth. For instance, in May 2019, Orion Engineered Carbons has extended the range of its specialty carbon blacks, for lead batteries. They were showcased for the first time at the Battery Council International meetings in New Orleans at the end of April. The new range of high-quality carbon blacks act as conductive additives and increase the dynamic charge acceptance of batteries by up to 60% while maintaining acceptable water loss.
Growing adoption of growth strategy by major players for expanding their product portfolio and presence in conductive carbon black is expected to fuel the market growth. For instance, in November 2018, Orion Engineered Carbons S.A., a supplier of specialty and high-performance Carbon Black, announced that it has acquired acetylene carbon black manufacturer Société du Noir d'Acétylène de l'Aubette, SAS from LyondellBasell Industries Holdings B.V. and its French affiliate. Acetylene black is an ultra-pure premium specialty carbon black distinguished by its high electrical and thermal conductivity. It finds application across Lithium-ion batteries and high-end electrical cables.
Competitive Section
Key players operating in the global conductive carbon black AkzoNobel N.V., Orion Engineered Carbons, Cabot Corporation, Denka Company Limited, Tokai Carbon Co. Ltd, and Phillips Carbon Black Limited
Few Recent Developments
Engineered Carbons
- In February 2017, Orion Engineered Carbons Launches New Specialty Carbon Black Production Line in Korea. This new line in Yeosu will produce premium grades of Specialty Carbon Black for demanding customer applications such as automotive coatings, engineered plastics, printing inks, and adhesives & sealants.
- In November 2018, Orion Engineered Carbons S.A., a supplier of specialty and high-performance Carbon Black, announced that it has acquired Acetylene Carbon Black manufacturer Société du Noir d'Acétylène de l'Aubette, SAS [SN2A] from LyondellBasell Industries Holdings B.V. and its French affiliate. Acetylene Black is an ultra-pure premium Specialty Carbon Black distinguished by its high electrical and thermal conductivity. It finds application across Lithium-ion batteries and high-end electrical cables.
Market taxonomy
- By Application
- Plastics
- Battery Electrodes
- Paints & Coatings
- Rubber
- Other Applications
- By Region
- North America
- Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Latin America
- Middle East & Africa
