Transparent Ceramics Market Size To Reach $1.1 Billion By 2024

Transparent ceramics are defined as inorganic, non-metallic polycrystalline materials that transmit light with wavelengths in the visible electromagnetic spectrum. These inorganic, non-metallic, polycrystalline materials are characterized by light transmission in visible as well as ultraviolet to infrared range of electromagnetic spectrum.

As the market is application driven, market participants are focusing on research and development (R&D) activities to develop new products and to increase the scope for applications. Market growth is driven by novel applications in photography and other imaging devices.

New product developments by key companies coupled with low-cost and technologically advanced products have given rise to replacement of traditional glass. Many industries are adopting transparent ceramics due to their light weight, better visibility, and strong durability.

For instance, when sunlight passes through solar panels, the double-wall glass absorber pipe is heated to about 400°C. It is pumped to a power block where it passes a heat exchanger that generates steam, which drives a conventional turbine. Normal tempered glass has a 315°C melting point and it cannot survive these temperatures. Transparent ceramic glass, on the other hand, has a higher melting point of around 800°C.

Yttrium aluminum garnet is presumed to witness substantial CAGR in Asia Pacific on account of increasing industrialization and investments in defense sectors. Rising defense expenditure by developing countries such as India and China is anticipated to thrust growth in near future. In addition, increasing focus on deployment of laser and cutting tools is expected to drive the regional growth between 2016 and 2024.

Spinel is anticipated to witness a CAGR of 18.7% over the forecast period. It is a highly durable polycrystalline ceramic with optical transparency ranging from near UV through MWIR spectrum. The growth of spinel transparent ceramics can be credited to their increasing application in reconnaissance windows, lenses, domes and sensor windows.

Polycrystalline is expected to witness a rapid and significant growth over the next eight years on account of its superior features such as narrow output tolerance, long term reliability, high resistance to mechanical loads, and environment friendliness. Demand for polycrystalline transparent ceramic material is presumed to be fueled by its unique features such as ease of manufacturing, superior mechanical properties (modulus, hardness, and strength), performance at high-temperature environments, and chemical durability.

Mechanical/chemical is estimated to be the fastest growing application segment in the forthcoming years. Constant efforts from companies in terms of R&D have widened application scope for transparent ceramics. Latest developments have enabled shaping of ceramics in various forms such as test-tubes, tubes, and rods. These tubes and rods have applications in various mechanical and chemical sectors such as abrasives, furnaces, semiconductor equipment, lighting, and many more.

Demand for transparent ceramics in Asia Pacific is largely driven by growing aviation sector. Transparent ceramics are widely used in helicopters and planes as sensors, armors, and ceramic guards. With rising governmental support, APAC has the potential to develop a viable aircraft industry, and it could very well become a significant player in the aviation sector, dominated by North America.

Latin America emerged as a lucrative market for transparent ceramics. Emerging economies in Latin America have stronger growth prospects. In general, emerging markets are projected to grow significantly faster than the U.S. over the next several years. Brazil is expected to witness a substantial growth owing to the increasing expenditure on defense by the government.