Global PMMA Microspheres Market

PMMA microspheres are an economical substitute for polycarbonate (PC), usually when extreme strength is not required. These are also fully recyclable, with some grades being approved for medical and food contact. PMMA microspheres have several other characteristics, which is why the PMMA microspheres are used in various applications, such as in the display panel where mechanical shock-absorbing capacity is required, owing to their high mechanical strength. Also, in the construction industry, where these PMMA microspheres provide soft texture with matte finish coatings. 

Market Synopsis

According to the MRFR analysis, the global PMMA microspheres market size is projected to reach USD 586.23 million by 2030 at a CAGR of 6.54%.

PMMA microspheres are tiny spherical particles usually used to alter the properties of the materials such as glass, polymers, ceramic, and, metals. When these microspheres are added as additives or fillers, they provide a blend of chemical as well as physical properties, which offers an improvised version of the existing material. Primary materials, including glass, ceramic and silica-based microspheres, are used as fillers to impart volume and increase the volume-to-weight ratio. PMMA microspheres furnish transparency and high optical clarity along with mechanical resistance characteristics. They find applications predominantly in coatings and flat display panels, with significant contributions from other segments such as printing inks, polymers & films, medical, and cosmetics.

Increasing demand for plastic underbody coatings and premium architectural coatings is one of the major drivers of the market. However, high cost, regulatory restraint on rinse-off products, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic affect market growth.

Competitive Landscape

The global PMMA microspheres market is highly fragmented and consists of many organized and unorganized industry players. Manufacturers focuses mainly on expansion of production capacities, continuous product launch, and collaborations with key stakeholders to gain a competitive advantage over other players. Key players include Nippon Shokubai Co. Ltd, Dynea AS, Sekisui Kasei Co. Ltd., Kuraray Co. Ltd., HEYO, Kobo Products Inc., Cospheric LLC, Imperial Microspheres, Lab261, Trinseo, Microchem and  Microbeads AS.

Segmentation

By Application

• Signs & Displays: The segment holds largest market share in the global PMMA microspheres market. PMMA microspheres are used mainly to manufacture flat screens for TVs, computers, and displays in automotive. It aids in diffusing the light evenly, making the display brighter and easier to view. It reduces lamp images and hot spots, effective for direct light sources such as LED. 
• Cosmetic Additives: PMMA microspheres are appearing as an ingredient in a number of cosmetics and aestheticians’ offices as a filler for wrinkles and fine lines. These are used in powders, liquid concealers, creams, lotions, cleansers, scrubs, exfoliating agents, etc.
• Paints and ink Additives: Paints and ink additives hold second largest position in the global PMMA microspheres market. Use of these PMMA microspheres in paints & printing ink creates desired surface effect on textiles, wallpapers, polyester film and much more. Also, PMMA microspheres also aids in creating 3D surface effects by heating the print to a temperature. Further, PMMA microspheres are used as a blowing agent in plastisols, for underbody coatings and sealants and for lightweight body fillers with improved sandability.
• Polymer & Films: The segment is gainig traction and is expected to grow with a highest CAGR by the forecast period, owing to their thermal and optical properties. In plastics, the PMMA microsphere polymer beads are used as anti-blocking agents. The beads creates space between the film layers by sticking out from the film surface creating “little bumps”, which help to minimize the film to film surface contact, increasing the distance between the two layers, thereby minimizing blocking.
• Others: The others segment includes, dental, and medical applications.

By End-Use Industry

• Lifesciences & Medical: The segment holds largest market share in the global PMMA microspheres market. There is an increasing demand for PMMA microspheres for medical applications due to the increased spending in the healthcare sector by governments of various countries.
• Personal Care & Cosmetics: PMMA Microspheres constitute an important part of the personal care & cosmetics industries. These aid in the manufacturing of active nutrients, dermal permeation enhancers, have also been loaded into nanoparticles to improve their bioactivities on the skin.
• Paints & Coatings: The increased construction activities globally and the demand for premium architecture and coatings is driving the demand. The premium segments use more microspheres than the cost-effective segments as these microspheres provide soft texture with a matte finish. Therefore, the increasing demand for premium segment coatings is expected to fuel the growth in the PMMA microspheres market.
• Plastics: The PMMA microspheres posses exceptional mechanical and chemical properties, which has led to an increased usage in the plastics industry, For manufacturing durable plastic products, PMMA microspheres are added.
• Others: The others segment covers ceramics & composites, electronics, etc.

By Region

• North America: The growth in the North America PMMA microspheres market is mainly attributed to the key players in the US and Canada, which has significantly contributed to the growth of PMMA microspheres market in the region
• Europe: Implementing the growth in this region can be mostly attributed to technological advancements.
• Asia-Pacific: Asia-Pacific is expected to emerge as the fastest-growing regional market due to various factors such as increasing government investment. China and India are anticipated to dominate the Asia-Pacific market over the forthcoming years.
• Latin America: The growing demand is due to the rise in industrialization and urbanization in major countries.
• Middle East & Africa: Increase in government investments is fueling the demand for PMMA microspheres in the region.  

Market Research Future (MRFR) is a global market research company that takes pride in its services, offering a complete and accurate analysis with regard to diverse markets and consumers worldwide. MRFR’s approach combines the proprietary information with various data sources to give an extensive understanding to the client about the latest key developments, expected events and also about what action to take based on these aspects.

Contact Us

Wantstats Research and Media Private Limited

99 Hudson Street,5Th Floor

New York, New York 10013

United States of America

Sales: +1 628 258 0071(US)