Conductive Silicone Rubber Market Trends

Conductive Silicone Rubber Market Overview

According to MRFR analysis, the Conductive Silicone Rubber Market is projected to register a CAGR of over 7% to reach a value of nearly USD 8 Billion.

Conductive rubber is a generic term referring to any rubber material with conductive properties, which reduces or eliminates the EMI/RFI (electromagnetic interference and radio frequency interference) “noise” that is often associated with electronics. Conductive silicone rubber exhibits high flexibility, strong elasticity, and improved mechanical properties along with excellent electrical and thermal conductivity. Moreover, it is resistant to cold, heat, and other unfavorable weather conditions.

The prime factor driving the growth of the global conductive silicone rubber market is its widespread use in the automotive & transportation industry in the manufacturing of engine bay components, wiring harness, sealants, gaskets, connectors, and spark plugs. The increasing adoption of lightweight automobiles across the globe to increase fuel efficiency and reduce the environmental impact is fueling the demand for conductive silicone rubber. Moreover, the use of conductive silicone rubber in the electrical & electronics industry to manufacture wires & cables, lamps & lighting, and EMI shielding gaskets is another major driver of the global conductive silicone rubber. EMI gaskets are a newer addition to the EMI shielding family that offers potent protection from higher strength radiofrequency. They prevent the leakage of EMI into or out of the seams and gaps of enclosures.

The extensive use of heavy machinery across major end-use industries such as packaging, stamping & casting, oil & gas, and others is expected to further propel the market growth. In the oil & gas industry, conductive silicone rubber is used as thermal management material and in the manufacturing of rings, seals, gaskets, and coupling materials for packaging applications.

The demand for conductive silicone rubber is increasing on account of its extensive use in the automotive and transportation industry. The increasing adoption of lightweight vehicles due to the increased fuel efficiency as well as stringent government regulations has resulted in the growth of the global conductive silicone rubber market.

The product is widely used in electronic devices to reduce the EMI/RFI noise, thereby protecting the devices.

Regulatory Framework

Manufacturers need to meet all the requirements to manufacture certain products. In regards with the manufacturing of silicone rubber, a manufacturer has to comply with certain regulations such as the Restriction of Use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS), the Dodd-Frank Act, and the US government’s International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).

The production of soot during vulcanization of synthetic rubber is a factor negatively impacting the market growth. It consists of fine black particles, mainly composed of carbon, produced by incomplete combustion of coal, oil, wood, and other fuels. Soot comprises acids, chemicals, metals, soils, and dust. Soot particles are extremely tiny, with a diameter of approximately 2.5 micrometers or smaller. Compounds of soot such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide combine with the moisture, resulting in the formation of acid rain. This worsens the water quality, damages soil, and crops, and changes the nutrient balance in the ecosystem as well as results in nitrogen pollution.

According to the Clean Air Act, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is required to routinely adjust their allowable limits for soot emissions. The current limit for soot emission is 15 μg/m3, but EPA proposes to change it to between 12 and 13 by 2020.

Furthermore, several regulatory bodies such as the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP), and the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) have imposed strict policies regarding the use of hazardous chemicals and disposal of polluted wastewater from rubber processing.

Market USP

High demand for lightweight automobiles & other transportation mediums

Market Drivers

• Increasing production and sale of lightweight automobiles


• Growth of the electrical & electronics industry across the globe

Market Restraints

• Fluctuating raw material prices


• Stringent regulations associated with rubber production and processing

Segmentation

By Product

• Electrically Conductive: Electrically conductive silicone has very high-temperature resistance and is completely UV stable. It is highly resistant to ozone effects and extreme weather conditions, as well as maintains its flexibility over a wide temperature range.

• Thermally Conductive: Thermally conductive silicone is also known as electronic silicone. It exhibits good thermal conductivity and insulation to improve the reliability of sensitive circuits and components, thereby prolonging their service life. It also provides high resistance to weather, heat, and chemical.

By Application

• Automotive & Transportation: The increasing production and sale of light weight automobiles on account of the stringent regulations in line with the vehicular emission are likely to drive the product demand. The total automobile production in 2018 stood at 95.6 million. With the increasing disposable income and the changing lifestyle trend, automotive production is bound to increase, which in turn, is expected to drive the demand for conductive silicone rubber in the coming years. Onboard GPS navigation systems, Bluetooth capabilities, touchscreen systems, and hands-free features have delivered a new level of driver convenience, while also creating more challenges related to unwanted electromagnetic interference.

• Electrical & Electronics: The electrical & electronics segment is projected to witness significant demand for conductive silicone rubber owing to its use in wires & cables, lamps & lighting, and EMI shielding gaskets. It is being used in various electrical & electronics components, which are further used in surgical units, military assets, aerospace, and appliances, among others.

• Industrial Machines: It is being widely used in machinery that find use in the packaging, stamping & casting, and oil & gas industries. Rapid industrialization across the globe has resulted in an increase in the demand for the product. For instance, the increasing adoption of anti-static packaging for dust control during electric charge is propelling the market growth during the review period.

• Others: The other segment includes construction, food & beverage, mining, solar, and medical industries. The increasing investments in public and private construction worldwide have resulted in a high demand for conductive silicone rubber.

By Region

• North America: The growth of the North American market for conductive silicone rubber is driven by the expanding base of the industrial sector in the region. The growing automobile industry with the presence of stringent environmental regulations is the major factors driving the regional market growth.

• Europe: Europe is expected to be the largest regional market for conductive silicone rubber. This is due to the growth of the automotive, electrical & electronics, and industrial sectors in the region. The major contributors to the market growth include Germany, the UK, France, and Russia.

• Asia-Pacific: Asia-Pacific is the fastest growing regional market on account of rapid industrialization and urbanization in the region. The growth potential in emerging economies such as India, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, and others is expected to contribute to the regional market growth.

• Middle East & Africa: The presence of large oil & gas reserves as well as infrastructural hub in the region is key factor driving the demand for conductive silicone rubber.

• Latin America: The Latin American market is projected to witness a high demand for conductive silicone rubber due to the expanding growth of the industrial sector.

Key Players

• Wacker Chemie AG


• Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.


• Saint-Gobain


• Dow


• KCC CORPORATION


• Specialty Silicone Products, Inc.


• Simolex Rubber Corporation


• WESTERN POLYRUB INDIA PVT. LTD.


• The Rubber Company


• Creative Elastomers

Recent News

This is illustrated by the opening of a new silica production plant in Charleston, South Carolina, USA, announced by Evonik in February 2024. This was done to establish a proper supply chain around the country that would make use of silica-based products.

Similarly, Wacker Chemie AG also made an announcement in January 2024 about extending its silicone production facility situated at Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic, Europe. For instance, among other things, this new factory will make silicone rubbers for the automotive industry, health sector and construction industry.

LegenDay announced the development of conductive silicone components specifically designed for the healthcare and medical sectors in December 2022. These parts are made from premium silicone with electrically conducting and inert particles or as well electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding optional. LegenDay created low volatility and ion content conductive silicones, which are ideal for highly sensitive medical electronic systems. LegenDay's conductive silicones have been produced using advanced composition, including low-volatility and ion-content types, which can be used in vacuum sealing or hermetically sealed applications within high-temperature environments required by healthcare/medical industries.

Minnesota Rubber and Plastics completed the acquisition of Primasil Silicones located at Weobley UK, a custom silicone rubber compounder and manufacturer, in March 2022. Primasil has been able to set itself apart as a leader serving different medical applications that include HVAC as well as specialty industrial domains. It should be noted that this strategic buyout perfectly matches Minnesota Rubber and Plastic’s renowned molding & materials science prowess, thus enabling a seamless blending of knowledge plus resources, all aimed at achieving a synergistic effect. With their joint know-how, they’ll provide all-encompassing solutions to ever-changing customer needs within different branches.