Silane is an inorganic compound, specifically a pyrophoric, colorless, toxic gas with a repulsive smell, which acts as a precursor to silicon element. Moreover, it has the ability to offer excellent resistance to chemicals, ultraviolet (UV) rays, and water and outstanding adhesion, which make it suitable as an ingredient for paints. Thus, the need for silane has been increasing in recent times in the paints and coatings industry.
Additionally, with the rising disposable income of people, their living standard is increasing, which has expressively improved the construction sector in emerging economies across the world. Furthermore, the growing population has increased the demand for better civic infrastructure, transportation facilities, and housing. This drives the production of paints for automobiles and buildings, where silane is required in high volumes as a raw material. Therefore, with the growth in end-use industries, the demand for silane is projected to increase during the forecast period.
The end-use industries are using different types of silanes, such as alkyl, methacrylate, sulfur, vinyl, amino, epoxy, and mono/chloro. Globally, the usage of amino silane is rising rapidly due to its ability to improve the chemical bonding property of resins, which are used in inorganic fillers and reinforcing materials. Moreover, this silane is also widely used in the paints and coatings industry as it reacts well with water and offers better aesthetic and functional properties.
Seeing the rising demand for this gas, companies manufacturing silane have adopted the key development strategy of mergers and acquisitions in recent years to improve their position and stay ahead of their competitors. For example, Momentive Performance Materials Inc., a producer of silane, acquired Sea Lion Technology Inc., which is also a manufacturer of silane products, in 2017. The acquisition helped Momentive Performance Materials expand its product line with the addition of the NXT silane of Sea Lion Technology, to meet the demand of tire manufacturers.
Since vehicle production and construction activities are the widest in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, it led the silane market in the past, and it is expected to witness the same trend in the foreseeable future. This can be ascribed to the high-volume application of the gas in the manufacturing of paints and coatings, adhesives and sealants, and rubber and plastics. In addition, the construction sector in APAC is observing significant growth due to the heavy investments by the governments of the regional countries to deliver affordable housing, which, in turn, boosts the demand for silane.
Thus, the burgeoning consumption of paints and coatings and growing construction sector will propel the adoption of silane in the coming years.