Ceramic Coatings Market

The global ceramic coatings market is projected to witness significant growth during the review period. The market is primarily driven by the use of ceramic coatings in the automotive industry. Fast-paced adoption of electric vehicles is projected to boost the demand; as ceramic coatings are used in battery applications. The growth of the aerospace & defense industry is another key driver of the global market. Emerging markets for ceramic coatings are projected to create growth avenues in the global market.

However, the availability of substitutes is a major challenge in this market.

The ceramic coating offers good protection to the car's surface. The nano-coating protects the car from most scratches, dirt, and chemical contaminants. Ceramic coatings also do not have any side-effects to the original paint. It provides benefits such as protection from UV damage, chemical stains, and etching and offers ease of cleaning and enhanced gloss. The ceramic coating acts as a protective shield against common environmental contaminants such as insect acids, road salt, bird droppings, swirling, and scratches.

Automobile production across the globe surpassed 91 million units in 2019. This is mainly due to the increased production in emerging economies, such as China, India, and Mexico. The advancements in the automotive and heavy-duty industries to fulfill the current demands and future requirements of consumers have led to the development of innovative and safe components for use in automobiles.

Furthermore, the demand for ceramic coatings is increasing in electric vehicles in battery applications. It is used to coat battery separators and engine components, such as intake manifolds, pistons, turbocharger casings, and cylinder heads, thereby improving fuel efficiency, horsepower, and general engine performance and reducing exhaust emissions. With the growing concern regarding global warming and the increasing adoption of electric vehicles, the demand for ceramic coatings is expected to increase during the review period. The demand for lightweight vehicles is also supported by the stringent regulations of regulatory bodies, such as the US Environmental Protection Agency, European Legislation, and Bharat Stage Emission Standards, to protect the environment and curb CO2 emissions.

Increasing automobile sales owing to the high disposable income of the consumers, coupled with the rapid adoption of electric vehicles, are expected to boost the demand for ceramic coatings in automobile production.

The widening scope of application is a key opportunity for players in the ceramic coatings market. The rapid adoption of ceramic coatings in cookware, bakeware, and construction is expected to create new growth avenues. It can be used in products that require heat and fire protection, such as the metal materials in various cookware and different types of buildings or public sites such as the decorative aluminum or steel panels of subways, high-speed trains, airports, large shopping malls, hospitals, and others. The product is not only environmentally friendly and safe but also adaptable to match your various aesthetic designs.

Moreover, in June 2017, the Nanoshine Group developed a new ceramic coating named Ceramic Pro DLC, meaning the “Diamond Like Carbon” technology. These coatings provide extremely effective resistance to abrasive damage, high temperatures, and the effects of aggressive chemicals, acids, and alkali. The coatings have been developed for the use in conditions of a complete vacuum, which requires expensive and space-consuming equipment and complicates the overall usage process.

In January 2019, Nippon Paint Holdings Co. Ltd developed a ceramic coating using the aerosol deposition method, which involves transparent particles being blown at high speed onto the surface of resin or other such material. Developed in collaboration with the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), this transparent ceramic coating with high hardness can be used in various applications.

Japan Fine Ceramic Centre is also engaged in the development of an advanced multilayer environmental barrier coating, exhibiting excellent environmental shielding properties, heat-cycle resistance, and structural stability.

Although ceramic coatings exhibit superior properties and offer advantages, they have some disadvantages as well. The disadvantages of ceramic coatings include that it does not protect from all types of scratches and swirl marks. Also, swirl marks from techniques used in washing cars can occur on a vehicle coated with ceramic coating.

After applying ceramic coatings, water-based contaminants bead on the car’s surface and eventually slide off. But they still contain natural minerals and soluble particles that will stay on the surface after the water has evaporated. Also, the application of ceramic coatings is time-consuming.

Furthermore, these coatings are expensive, owing to the high-quality products and advanced technology used in the coatings. Also, if not done correctly or professionally, the coatings might look worse than the original paint finish of the car. Therefore, it is advisable to have vehicle services by a trained and certified professional. The kits also have different properties or specifications, which might add up to the cost.

Above mentioned factors are expected to hamper the market growth during the review period.

Some of the alternatives of ceramic coating available in the market include paint protection film, Teflon, sealant, and wax. The paint protection film is a thermoplastic urethane with self-healing properties. It is applied to painted surfaces to protect the paint from stone chips, bug splatters, and minor abrasions that nano-coatings cannot protect against.

Sealant and wax act as a low-cost substitute for ceramic coatings. However, they are less durable and efficient as compared to ceramic coatings.

Sealants are best for surfaces that are often exposed to varying weather conditions. They provide significant, durable protection at a bearable cost. Usually, very easy to apply and remove, sealant can last anywhere from 4 to 12 months and offer more water sheeting as compared to water beading tendency offered by waxes.

On the other hand, the application of wax also provides a layer of protection to surfaces. It protects the layer of paint against pollutants that come with water. It does not stick to the surface for long and needs to be reapplied after about a month or two. The depth and intensity are usual, and wax gives the paint a ‘natural glow’ improving with subsequent layers or coats. An excellent natural wax can last anywhere from 2 to 6 months on average. However, some hybrid waxes can offer longer durability.

Therefore, the availability of substitutes in the market is expected to be the major challenge for the players in the global ceramic coatings market.