Ceramic materials play a role in many applications as either a major raw material or as an additive. Both ceramic oxides and non-oxides find application as processing or performance aids in ceramic processing. Some oxides also are used as pigments or fillers in other materials like plastics. Ceramic adhesives, which often incorporate ceramic particles or fillers, provide unique advantages to certain applications due to their high temperature resistance. A variety of industries take advantage of their properties. Consumer applications provide the major end uses for decorative coatings and glazes, which also use a wide range of ceramic and inorganic additives. Despite the traditional nature of some of these industries and their applications, research continues to improve the additive materials and related processes.
According to a soon-to-be-released report from Business Communications Company, Inc, RGB-294 Ceramic/Inorganic Additives for Non-Ceramic Applications and Ceramic Processing: Technologies, Materials, Markets, the North American ceramic/inorganic additives markets for non-ceramic applications and ceramic processing/adhesives/decorative coatings was estimated at $3,507 million in 2003. This is expected to grow at an annual average growth rate (AAGR) of 1.1%, reaching $3,706 million by the year 2008. The global market for 2003 was estimated at $10,521 million, which is expected to grow at an AAGR of 2% to $11,615 million in 2008.
Ceramic additives are used in a wide range of industrial and consumer applications. They are used to improve the processing and performance of ceramics, plastics, paints, and other materials used to make various products. The majority of these additives are oxides. They also are used in ceramic adhesives found in a variety of industries during assembly processes, as well as decorative coatings and glazes that enhance the aesthetics, as well as sometimes providing protection, of many consumer products.
TiO2 or titania is the most widely used additive, which is used in both ceramic and non-ceramic applications. In terms of global competition, several multinational companies lead in oxide additives and pigments.
As this report was being written, an election year began in the U.S. The outcome of the election on the overall economy and global trade remains uncertain and if the impact is negative, could reduce some of these markets or slow their growth rates in North America. As of early March 2004, the economy had still not recovered as predicted although it was improving. Therefore, these factors should be taken into consideration when reviewing the numbers
