Epoxy Curing Agent Market

Global Epoxy Curing Agent Market:

The global epoxy curing agent market size reached US$ 4.3 Billion in 2023. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach US$ 6.3 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 4.2% during 2024-2032. The rising need for extending the lifespan of equipment, along with the expanding construction industry, is primarily propelling the market.

Epoxy Curing Agent Market Analysis:

• Major Market Drivers: The increasing number of residential construction activities is escalating the requirement for agents that exhibit optimal mechanical strength, bonding properties, electrical insulation, corrosion resistance, etc., which is driving the market growth.
• Key Market Trends: The inflating popularity of these composites from various sectors, including automotive, manufacturing, biomedical, etc., as they offer excellent stiffness, durability, flexural strength, etc., is one of the emerging trends catalyzing the market. Moreover, the introduction of eco-friendly epoxy curing agents, owing to the stringent government regulations, is also acting as a significant growth-inducing factor.
• Competitive Landscape: Some of the prominent companies in the global market include Aditya Birla Management Corporation Pvt. Ltd., Atul Ltd., BASF SE, Cardolite Corporation, Cargill Incorporated, Evonik Industries AG, Hexion Inc., Huntsman Corporation, Kukdo Chemical Co. Ltd., Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corporation, Olin Corporation, and Toray Industries Inc., among many others.
• Geographical Trends: Asia Pacific exhibits a clear dominance in the market, owing to continuous innovations in the automotive industry. Additionally, the escalating demand for carbon fiber-reinforced composites to minimize vehicle weight is further positively influencing the regional market.
• Challenges and Opportunities: One of the key challenges hindering the market is the rising need to achieve a balance between fast curing times and maintaining optimal mechanical properties. However, the development of advanced additives and formulations without compromising the material's strength and durability is projected to bolster the market in the coming years.
   

Epoxy Curing Agent Market Trends:

Growing Environmental Consciousness

There is an increasing need for sustainable and environmentally responsible agents to minimize the environmental impact associated with traditional epoxy systems, which usually contain high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other harmful chemicals. For instance, in December 2023, Swancor introduced an EzCiclo low-dielectric epoxy hardener that is tailored for copper-clad laminates (CCL), thereby enabling the use of recycled waste plastics in printed circuit board (PCB) production. Moreover, by using renewable raw materials and innovative formulations, manufacturers can offer curing agents that maintain the high-performance characteristics of conventional epoxies, such as chemical resistance, excellent mechanical strength, thermal stability, etc., while significantly lowering VOC emissions. This is one of the epoxy curing agent market's recent opportunities. For example, in January 2024, Sicomin confirmed that SPLEENE Kiteboarding chose its GreenPoxy bio-resin range in its new Eco Line RIP 39 boards. Besides this, in March 2024, one of the fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) molding companies based in Japan, Super Resin Inc., launched an environmentally friendly epoxy resin system for usage in carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) materials that aligns with sustainable development goals. Similarly, in March 2024, Sicomin collaborated with Salomon, one of the outdoor sports equipment manufacturers, to produce a sustainable snowboard that is manufactured by adopting Sicomin's cutting-edge bio-based GreenPoxy 28 epoxy resin with approximately 28% of its carbon content derived from plant sources. In line with this, these resins provide a viable alternative to traditional petroleum-based resins, thereby ensuring high-performance boards for riders of all skill levels.

Rising Epoxy Systems

The rising number of epoxy systems that usually rely on epoxy resins and curing agents, on account of their exceptional mechanical strength, adhesive properties, chemical resistance, durability, etc., is strengthening the overall market. The article published by AZoM in October 2023 highlighted various formulations for liquid epoxy systems suitable for elevated-temperature applications, such as casting compounds, adhesives, composites, etc. Additionally, in October 2023, SHD Group, one of the providers of advanced prepreg materials, launched the LTB300 bio-epoxy tooling system that delivers excellent results on short cycle times. Besides this, epoxy systems are extensively used in coatings, adhesives, sealants, etc., offering enhanced protection and longevity to structures, which is elevating the epoxy curing agent market's recent price. For instance, an article in the Journal of Coatings Technology and Research in January 2024 reported the integration of chemical compounds, such as titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, carbon nanotubes, etc., into epoxy resin coatings significantly improves corrosion resistance. Moreover, the automotive industry also benefits from these systems in the manufacturing of lightweight and high-strength components, which contribute to enhanced fuel efficiency and performance. For example, in February 2024, Huntsman developed novel polyurethane- and epoxy-based composites, which feature a range of technologies that can support automotive manufacturers in reducing environmental impact, optimizing production processes, maximizing the performance and lifetime of vehicle components, etc. Apart from this, continuous innovations in advanced epoxy systems tailored to specific applications will continue to drive the market in the coming years. For instance, in April 2024, Master Bond introduced a two-component epoxy system that is infused with nanosilica for potting, coating, and sealing applications.

Demand for High-Strength Materials

The rising inclination among industry players towards lightweight materials that exhibit robust properties is stimulating the market. Moreover, epoxy curing agents are utilized to manufacture lightweight automotive components, including carbon fiber-reinforced composites, thereby reducing vehicle weight and improving fuel efficiency. This, in turn, is positively impacting the epoxy curing agent market outlook. For instance, in April 2024, TCR Composites Inc. unveiled its latest breakthrough in composites manufacturing with the development of TR1116, a snap-cure and room-temperature stable epoxy prepreg resin system engineered for press-cure applications. Additionally, it is commonly available in prepreg formats, including glass fiber and woven carbon, thereby catering to diverse application needs in industries, such as sporting goods and automotive. Apart from this, adding carbon fiber to the base material improves the qualities of the PVDF polymers, which is acting as a significant growth-inducing factor. For example, in May 2024, Xenia Materials, one of the producers of carbon fiber reinforced polymers, launched its new range of PVDF-based compounds for 3D printing pellet-fed applications.

Global Epoxy Curing Agent Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with the epoxy curing agent market forecast at the global, regional, and country levels for 2024-2032. Our report has categorized the market based on the product type, application, and end user.

Breakup by Product Type:

• Amines
• Polyamides
• Anhydrides
• Others
   

Among these, amines currently exhibit a clear dominance in the market

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the product type. This includes amines, polyamides, anhydrides, and others. According to the report, amines represented the largest market segmentation.

Amines are a crucial class of epoxy curing agents known for their ability to provide excellent mechanical properties, chemical resistance, and thermal stability to cure epoxy systems. These agents work by reacting with the epoxy resin to form a hard, cross-linked polymer network. Aliphatic amines, aromatic amines, and cycloaliphatic amines are the primary types used, each offering distinct properties tailored to specific applications. The versatility of amines as curing agents allows for their widespread use across various industries, including construction, aerospace, automotive, and electronics, where they contribute to the durability and reliability of epoxy-based materials. For instance, in December 2023, BASF completed its capacity expansion for key specialty amines manufactured at its U.S. site in Geismar, Louisiana. As per the epoxy curing agent market overview, this versatility and performance will continue to fuel the segment's growth in the coming years. For example, Balaji Specialty Chemicals Limited, a subsidiary of Balaji Amines Limited (BAL), offers unique chemicals, like ethylenediamine, using a method called the mono ethanol amine (MEA) process. 

Breakup by Application:

• Composites
• Paints and Coatings
• Adhesives and Sealants
• Electrical and Electronics
• Others
   

Currently, paints and coatings hold the largest epoxy curing agent market share

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the application. This includes composites, paints and coatings, adhesives and sealants, electrical and electronics, and others. According to the report, paints and coatings represented the largest market segmentation.

Epoxy-based paints and coatings are renowned for their exceptional adhesion, chemical resistance, and durability, making them indispensable for protecting surfaces in construction, automotive, marine, and industrial settings. They are used to safeguard concrete floors, steel structures, and other surfaces from corrosion, abrasion, and environmental degradation. For instance, in May 2024, Safic-Alcan collaborated with BB Resins, one of the manufacturers of epoxy curing agents, to expand its range of specialty epoxy-based finished systems tailored for industrial coatings, building, and flooring sectors. The automotive sector relies on these coatings for providing robust protection to vehicle parts, extending their lifespan, and maintaining their aesthetic appeal, which elevates the epoxy curing agent market revenue. Similarly, the marine industry uses epoxy coatings to protect vessels from harsh marine environments, preventing rust and structural damage. For example, in February 2024, Evonik added Ancamine 2844, a novel epoxy curing agent, for marine and protective coating applications. The industrial sector benefits from epoxy coatings' ability to withstand harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures, ensuring machinery and equipment longevity. In June 2024, the Fraunhofer IMWS and the TÜBITAK Marmara Research Center collaborated to discover the development of a bio-based epoxy system made from orange peels for industrial coatings.

Breakup by End User:

• Building and Construction
• Transportation
• Wind Power
• Aerospace
• Marine
• Others
   

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the end user. This includes building and construction, transportation, wind power, aerospace, marine, and others.

Epoxy curing agents are essential in various industries, including building and construction, transportation, wind power, aerospace, and marine, due to their ability to enhance the performance and durability of epoxy resins. In the building and construction industry, they are used in coatings, adhesives, and sealants to provide robust protection against corrosion, moisture, and wear, ensuring the longevity of structures. In transportation, particularly in automotive and aerospace, epoxy curing agents facilitate the production of lightweight, high-strength components that improve fuel efficiency and performance. The wind power industry leverages these agents in the fabrication of durable and resilient wind turbine blades that can withstand harsh environmental conditions. In the aerospace sector, epoxy curing agents are critical for producing advanced composites used in aircraft, offering exceptional strength-to-weight ratios and resistance to extreme temperatures. The marine industry relies on these agents for protective coatings that prevent corrosion and biofouling on vessels. Additionally, epoxy curing agents find applications in electronics, where they provide excellent insulation and protection for components, and in industrial manufacturing, where they are used in tooling and mold-making processes. As per the epoxy curing agent market statistics, these diverse applications highlight the versatility and indispensable role of agents across various high-performance industries.

Breakup by Region:

• North America
  • United States
  • Canada
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • Others
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Others
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Others
• Middle East and Africa
   

Asia Pacific currently dominates the market

The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, Asia Pacific accounted for the largest market share. 

The increasing number of advanced manufacturing facilities is propelling the market in Asia Pacific. For instance, in March 2024, Grasim Industries Limited, the flagship company of Aditya Birla Group, inaugurated the expansion project of approximately 123,000 tons of epoxy resins and formulation capacity in Gujarat, India, thereby boosting the overall capacity of these novel materials to roughly 246,000 tons per annum. Moreover, the rising adoption of lightweight materials, such as carbon fiber-reinforced composites, is also increasing the epoxy curing agent market demand. For example, in March 2024, MAE S.p.A and Jindal Advanced Materials agreed to begin a carbon fiber plant in India. Besides this, favorable government policies and investments in industrial development across the Asia Pacific will continue to stimulate the market in the coming years.

Competitive Landscape:

Key players in the market are focusing on developing innovative products to meet evolving customer needs. This includes the development of eco-friendly curing agents with lower VOC content and improved performance characteristics. Many companies are forming strategic partnerships and collaborations to expand their market reach and enhance their product portfolios. These collaborations combine the expertise of different companies in epoxy resin and curing agent technologies. In addition, key players are working on developing greener products and adopting sustainable manufacturing processes. They are also offering customized epoxy curing agent solutions to cater to specific customer requirements across various industries.

The market research report has provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape. Detailed profiles of all major epoxy curing agent market companies have also been provided. Some of the key players in the market include:

• Aditya Birla Management Corporation Pvt. Ltd.
• Atul Ltd.
• BASF SE
• Cardolite Corporation
• Cargill Incorporated
• Evonik Industries AG
• Hexion Inc.
• Huntsman Corporation
• Kukdo Chemical Co. Ltd.
• Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corporation
• Olin Corporation
• Toray Industries Inc.
   

(Please note that this is only a partial list of the key players, and the complete list is provided in the report.)

Epoxy Curing Agent Market Recent Developments:

• June 2024: The Fraunhofer IMWS and the TÜBITAK Marmara Research Center collaborated to develop a bio-based epoxy resin system for industrial coatings.
• May 2024: Safic-Alcan partnered with BB Resins, one of the manufacturers of epoxy curing agents, to expand its range of specialty epoxy-based finished systems tailored for industrial coatings.
• March 2024: Super Resin Inc., one of the fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) molding companies based in Tokyo, Japan, introduced an environmentally friendly epoxy curing agent for usage in carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) materials.

Epoxy Curing Agent Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC's industry report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the epoxy curing agent market from 2018-2032.
• The research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global epoxy curing agent market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets. It further enables stakeholders to identify the key country-level markets within each region.
• Porter's five forces analysis assists stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the epoxy curing agent industry and its attractiveness.
• The competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides insight into the current positions of key players in the market.