The global hydrophobic coatings market is estimated to be valued at US$ 1.39 Bn in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 11% over the forecast period 2024 to 2031.
Hydrophobic coatings are transparent, self-cleaning thin films that prevent water, oil and dust from sticking to surfaces. These coatings provide anti-fouling properties to a wide range of surfaces and are ideal for electronic devices as they protect screens and cameras from smudges, fingerprints and corrosion. Rising requirement of smudge-resistant surfaces in indoor and outdoor applications has accelerated the use of hydrophobic coatings in electronics. Moreover, increasing demand for touchscreen laptops, tablets and smartphones is also driving its market growth.
Key Takeaways
Key players operating in the hydrophobic coatings market are Sharp Corporation, Apple Inc., Sony Corporation, ASUSTEK Computer Inc., LG Electronics, AU Optronics, Samsung Group, and Fujitsu Limited.
The rapidly growing Hydrophobic Coatings Market Demand industry presents significant opportunities for market players. Advancements in display technologies such as OLED and flexible displays are further widening the application scope of hydrophobic coatings.
Surface modification technology using hydrophobic polymers has enabled the development of slim protective coatings. Roll-to-roll coating processes are helping manufacturers lower production costs.
Market drivers
The surge in smartphone and smart wearables sales globally is a major factor propelling the hydrophobic coatings market. Manufacturers are focusing on applying minimum thickness hydrophobic coatings to minimize weight and thickness of electronic devices without compromising on protection. The growing popularity of outdoor usage of electronic devices is another driver as these coatings protect screens from moisture, rain and other environmental impacts.
Current challenges in Hydrophobic Coatings Market
The hydrophobic coatings market is currently facing challenges in terms of higher manufacturing costs of these coatings. While advancement in nanotechnology has led to better and more effective coatings, producing them in bulk is still a costly affair. Environmental regulations surrounding the production also add to operational expenses for manufacturers. Another challenge is related to durability of these coatings. Although they provide excellent water and stain resistance initially, maintaining that functionality over a long period of time needs continued research and development. Stricter testing protocols to establish durability under various conditions would help address the issue of longevity.
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