Surface Treatment Chemicals Market Size, Share and Trends 2024 to 2034

Surface Treatment Chemicals Market Size and Forecast 2024 to 2034

The global surface treatment chemicals market size is projected to reach around USD 17.40 billion by 2034 from USD 7.19 billion in 2024, at a CAGR of 9.24% from 2024 to 2034. The surface treatment chemicals market is driven by the increased need for items that can withstand abrasion and wear in sectors including construction, heavy machinery, and infrastructure.

Surface Treatment Chemicals Market Key Takeaways

• Asia Pacific dominated in the surface treatment chemicals market in 2023.
• North America shows a significant growth in the market during the forecast period.
• By chemical type, the plating chemicals segment dominated the surface treatment chemicals market in 2023.
• By base material, the plastic segment dominated the surface treatment chemicals market in 2023.
• By treatment method, the chemical treatment segment held a significant share in the surface treatment chemicals market in 2023.
• By treatment method, the electroplating segment shows a notable growth in the surface treatment chemicals market during the forecast period.
• By end-user, the construction segment dominated the surface treatment chemicals market in 2023.
• By end-user, the automotive segment is observed to be the fastest growing in the surface treatment chemicals market during the forecast period.

Market Overview

Various chemical compounds known as surface treatment chemicals improve the surface qualities of different materials, including their adhesion, durability, appearance, and other functional traits. These compounds are applied to the surfaces of metals, polymers, glass, ceramics, and other materials to enhance performance in particular applications. Common surface treatment chemicals include cleaning agents, plating chemicals, conversion coatings, anodizing solutions, and etchants.

Paint, coating, and adhesive adhesion to surfaces are critical in the automobile, aircraft, and electronics sectors. Chemicals used in surface treatment prepare surfaces, guaranteeing maximum adhesion and avoiding coating and adhesive failure or delamination. By decreasing waste and the need for regular replacements, surface treatment chemicals can also help safeguard the environment.

Surface Treatment Chemicals Market Growth Factors

• The need for surface treatment chemicals for features like corrosion resistance, wear improvement, and conductivity will be fueled by growth in sectors like aerospace, electronics, construction, and automotive.
• Growing concerns about cleanliness, particularly in the transportation sector, drive up demand for surface treatment chemicals with anti-microbial capabilities. This drives the growth of the surface treatment chemicals market.
• The requirement for surface treatment chemicals in the automobile industry for anti-corrosion protection and other uses will grow as the number of cars produced worldwide increases.

How Can AI Help the Surface Treatment Chemicals Industry?

Artificial intelligence based technology is being integrated at several levels in the surface treatment chemicals market. AI-powered self-learning algorithms are currently being used to monitor pre-treatment processes where fluctuations in the materials or other parameters such as temperature can adversely affect surface treatment. For processes such as plasma coating, AI is being used to find correlations between light emission and surface properties, to better monitor and control the process.

Machine learning tools are proving useful in research and development ventures, helping discover and recognize molecules, creating new formulations and analyzing possible chemical interactions to predict durability of chemically treated surfaces. AI tools are also being deployed for quality control during production. Deep learning algorithms are being trained to detect foreign substances entering the production line, preventing contamination and accidents.

• In 2024, machine learning application DATACORTECH is being deployed for the development of effective and sustainable corrosion inhibitors for aluminum alloys.  The application can also be used to design inhibitors for certain applications through the classification of appropriate compounds for coatings, accounting for influences of pH and characteristics of the molecular structure on output.

Market Scope

Market Dynamics

Drivers

Growing automotive industry

Automotive manufacturers are pressured to implement surface treatment procedures that comply with global environmental and safety norms as these regulations become increasingly stringent. Because they stop rust and corrosion, surface treatment chemicals are essential to vehicle components' long-term endurance and safety.

Creating and utilizing eco-friendly chemicals helps the automotive sector leave a smaller environmental impact. One aspect is the transition to low-VOC (volatile organic compound) and water-based coatings. This drives the growth of the surface treatment chemicals market.

Increased industrial activities

Growing urbanization and industrialization in developing nations fuel the demand for surface treatment chemicals. The demand for surface treatment solutions rises as new and current industries grow. Due to increased production capacity brought about by industrial growth, additional surface treatment chemicals are needed to manage higher product volumes while maintaining product quality and durability.

Restraint

Stringent environmental regulations

The drive toward sustainability fuels the need for environmentally suitable substitutes. But there are difficulties with this change. Eco-friendly substitutes may be less efficient or unavailable for all applications. Higher production costs for green chemicals frequently translate into higher final product prices. This limits the growth of the surface treatment chemicals market.

Opportunity

Incorporation of nanomaterials in surface treatment chemicals

Surfaces coated with nanomaterials, including nano-ceramics and nano-polymers, can have much higher wear resistance and hardness. As a result, surfaces endure longer and require less upkeep. Nanocoatings can extend the life of metals and other substrates in abrasive settings by improving their barrier qualities. When surfaces are exposed to sunlight, nano-sized particles can provide better protection against UV radiation, avoiding surface deterioration and discoloration. This opens an opportunity for the growth of the surface treatment chemicals market.

Chemical Type Insights

The plating chemicals segment dominated the surface treatment chemicals market in 2023. Chemical plating is essential for preventing corrosion on metal surfaces. This is particularly crucial in the automotive, aerospace, and construction sectors, where materials are subjected to challenging conditions. In addition to improving a product's look with a glossy, polished surface, plating chemicals can have practical advantages such as increased lubricity, wear resistance, and electrical conductivity. Their dual benefits make them more appealing for a wider range of uses.

Businesses make significant R&D investments to develop more economical, ecologically friendly, and effective plating solutions. The segment's prominence depends on these improvements since they consistently fulfill changing client expectations and industry requirements.

Base Material Insights

The plastic segment dominated the surface treatment chemicals market in 2023. Plastics are widely employed in many industries, such as consumer products, automotive, electronics, packaging, and construction. Their cost-effectiveness, lightweight design, and versatility make them a well-liked option. The increasing use of plastics raises the need for chemicals made explicitly for surface treatment of plastic products.

The plastics industry has witnessed an increase in demand for surface treatment chemicals that can prolong the life of recovered plastics and enhance their performance due to the rising emphasis on sustainability and recycling. To assist the circular economy, surface treatments can help recycled plastics fulfill quality standards.

Treatment Method Insights

The chemical treatment segment held a significant share in the surface treatment chemicals market in 2023. Chemicals used in surface treatment improve a material's chemical and physical characteristics. They strengthen wear resistance, hardness, and corrosion resistance. By extending the lifespan of parts and structures, these treatments lower maintenance expenses and downtime. For instance, surface treatments are essential in the automotive sector to prevent rust and corrosion of metal components, guaranteeing the longevity and security of automobiles.

The electroplating segment shows a notable growth in the surface treatment chemicals market during the forecast period. Recent developments in electroplating technology have enhanced the effectiveness and caliber of surface treatments. Advancements, including alloy plating, pulse electroplating, and nanotechnology integration, are improving the plated materials' qualities and increasing their demand across various industries. The need for electroplating is driven by the requirement for printed circuit boards (PCBs) and high-performance connectors, and the downsizing of electronic components. The procedure is essential to obtaining conductivity and dependability in electronic devices.

End-user Insights

The construction segment dominated the surface treatment chemicals market in 2023. The building sector is one of the most significant users of surface treatment chemicals. These chemicals are indispensable when treating different building materials, like metals, composites, concrete, and wood. Chemicals used in surface treatment extend the life and enhance the functionality of these materials by strengthening their resistance to corrosion, wear and tear, and environmental conditions. Improvements in surface treatment technologies have developed more specialized and efficient chemicals.

The use of surface treatment chemicals in construction has increased due to innovations like nanotechnology and eco-friendly formulations. These developments are essential to contemporary building methods because they offer improved performance and protection.

The automotive segment is observed to be the fastest growing in the surface treatment chemicals market during the forecast period.

Global car demand is rising, particularly in developing nations like China, India, and Brazil. The growth in demand requires more production, which raises the amount of chemicals used in surface treatment. A further motivator is the growing ubiquity of electric cars (EVs). Specialized coatings and treatments are needed for EVs to prevent corrosion, increase component durability, and guarantee effective operation.

Regional Insights

Asia-Pacific dominated in the surface treatment chemicals market in 2023. Building activity has surged in Asia-Pacific nations due to rapid infrastructural development and urbanization. Chemicals used in surface treatment are crucial for guaranteeing the life and protection of construction materials. The construction of public buildings, and other infrastructure, together with government initiatives, has greatly increased the demand for surface treatment chemicals.

The Asia-Pacific region's growing environmental restrictions have prompted the use of sustainable and environmentally friendly surface treatment chemicals. Developing ecologically friendly surface treatment chemicals and an increasing emphasis on green chemistry have created new market prospects.

North America shows a significant growth in the surface treatment chemicals market during the forecast period. North America has a strong industrial foundation, especially in the US and Canada. Numerous automotive, electronics, aerospace, and heavy machinery sectors are expanding steadily in the region. In these industries, surface treatment chemicals are critical in enhancing metal components' corrosion resistance, durability, and aesthetic appeal.

Chemicals used in surface treatment are crucial in manufacturing electronic devices and components because they guarantee dependability and efficiency. The electronics sector, which is fueled by technological breakthroughs and rising consumer demand for electronic gadgets, is also expanding.

Surface Treatment Chemicals Market Companies

• Henkel AG & Co. KGaA
• Nippon Paint Holdings Co., Ltd
• PPG Industries, Inc.
• Bulk Chemicals Inc.
• Atotech
• Element Solutions Inc
• Quaker Chemical Corporation
• IONICS
• Trion Coatings, LLC
• Aalberts Surface Technologies

Recent Developments

• In November 2023, DuPont declared that Nippon Paint Taiwan and Coryor Surface Treatment Company had introduced a series of new offerings, including PVF coating and printed Tedlar PVF solutions at the Taipei Building Sho in Taiwan.
• In March 2022, Ilium Composites, a worldwide manufacturer of fiberglass structural composite reinforcements, developed an industrial-grade polyester surface veil offering increased chemical, improved surface finish and corrosion resistance.

Segments Covered in the Report

By Chemical Type

• Cleaners
• Plating Chemicals
• Conversion Coatings
• Others

By Base Material

• Metals
• Plastic
• Others

By Treatment Method

• Electroplating
• Chemical Treatment
• Thermal Spraying
• Hot Dipping
• Plating Chemicals
• Others

By End-user

• Automotive
• Construction
• Transportation
• General Industry
• Industrial Machinery
• Packaging
• Others

By Geography

• North America
• Asia Pacific
• Europe
• Latin America
• Middle East & Africa