Modest Growth for Performance Fluorine Chemicals a

Wellesley, Mass, Feb. 09, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fluorochemicals have become increasingly important in semiconductor and other electronics manufacture, spurring growth in the global market for performance fluorine chemicals and polymers. BCC Research forecasts in its new report the market should grow modestly at a compounded average growth rate (CAGR) of 2.3% from 2016-2021, in line with most GDP forecasts for the immediate future of the U.S. economy.

Performance fluorine compounds perform a specific task, based on their physical and/or chemical properties, better than other products and materials. These criteria for “performance” are based more on function than price, but price also is a component of acceptance. By that definition and discrimination, most compounds excluded from this study are low-priced, large-volume commodity inorganic fluorides.

The U.S. market for fluorochemical and polymers is expected to increase from 2.1 billion pounds in 2016 to nearly 2.4 billion pounds in 2021, growing at a five-year CAGR of 2.3%. The organic fluorochemicals market should grow from 1.1 billion pounds in 2016 to 1.2 billion pounds in 2021, demonstrating a five-year CAGR of 2.3%. The fluoropolymers market should total is 260 million pounds and 303 million pounds in 2016 and 2021, respectively, growing at a five-year CAGR of 3.1%.

Events and trends since 2011 include the phasing out of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and the recent global agreement to also phase out hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), the slowness and uncertainty in the U.S. and global economies, and the large percentage of the total volume accounted for by stagnant or very slow growing chemicals such as water fluoridation chemicals, foam blowing agents, and hydrogen fluoride. This despite the rapid acceptance of some very exotic and high-priced chemicals and polymers, such as nitrogen trifluoride (NF3); NF3 may enjoy high growth in dollars, but its total U.S. market is still only estimated to be in the range of 10 million lbs. at this time.

"Regarding organic fluorochemical types, growth in some sectors, such as in electronics cleaning, has slowed or stopped in some applications,” says BCC Research analyst Charles Forman. "Meanwhile, stagnant or slow growth in water fluoridation chemicals, fluoborates and HF has depressed growth in the inorganic fluorochemicals market. Lastly, the fluoropolymer market should demonstrate a 3.1% CAGR, higher than projected GDP growth because of the continuing popularity and new uses found for these versatile polymers."

Performance Fluorine Chemicals and Polymers (CHM024E) analyzes the compounds and markets for performance fluorine compounds of three basic families: inorganic fluorochemicals, organic fluorochemicals, and fluoropolymers. The report also examines the chemistry and physico-chemical properties of fluorochemicals and polymers, their syntheses and some newer technologies. Global market drivers and trends, with estimates for 2016 and projections of CAGRs through 2021, also are provided.

About BCC Research BCC Research is a publisher of market research reports that provide organizations with intelligence to drive smart business decisions. By partnering with industry experts worldwide, BCC Research provides unbiased measurements and assessments of global markets covering major industrial and technology sectors, including emerging markets. For more information about BCC Research, please visit bccresearch.com . Follow BCC Research on Twitter at @BCCResearch .

Editors and reporters who wish to speak with the analyst should contact Steven Cumming at steven.cumming@bccresearch.com.