Proliferation of next-gen tech benefits liquid crystal polymer sales

Growing penetration of miniaturisation trend in electronics & electrical industry has attained all the limelight of stakeholders that are looking forward to expand their product applications.

As the automotive industry continues to embrace the trend of lightweight vehicles, in line with the growing demand for better performing motors and efficient fuel consumption, LCP is emerging as a viable substitute for heavy metal components. Increasing applications of liquid crystal polymer in auto industry led to ~13% sales of LCP in 2018. 

In thriving automotive industry, LCP is primarily witnessing traction for use in fuel contact components and battery components. Moreover, favourable properties of LCP, such as high chemical resistance, thermal resistance and good mechanical strength along with benefits of light weight continue to make liquid crystal polymers a material of choice for wide applications. 

Multiple application liquid crystal polymer opportunities remain untapped 

Sales of liquid crystal polymer are intensifying at a rapid pace, with a multitude of applications, ranging from electrical & electronics, and automotive to customer goods, sports, leisure and medical verticals. As per the study, the rapidly emerging technologies, such as 5G communication, 3D printing hold high stakes of growth for the liquid crystal polymer market during the foreseeable period. 

The study opines a group of researchers have recently developed a new grade of recyclable LCP for fused deposition modelling (FDM) 3D printing, which promise several benefits over the traditional ink models. The potential role of new grade LCP product in revolutionising the 3D printing technology is anticipated to fillip growth prospects of the market players. 

5G communication, on the other hand has emerged as a goldmine of applications for liquid crystal polymer during the forecast period. High flowability, high thermal stability, low water absorption, and low shrinkage properties of LCP, along with ability to fill thin-walled and small products in injection molding are paving way for its multitude applications in building 5G infrastructure.

The study opines that although LCP resin & compounds witnessed ~75% of the overall sales in 2018, and are witnessing significant adoption, the analysis indicated that the lucrativeness of liquid crystal polymer films is likely to grow by the end of the forecast period, as they are envisaged to expand at ~6% CAGR during 2019 and 2029. 

This can be attributed to the growing traction for liquid crystal polymer films to develop high in demand flexible printed circuits and for semiconductor packaging. Furthermore, increasing applications of LCP films in flexible solar cells, owing to its exceptional heat resistance and low water absorbency are also underpinning gains for the market. As per the study, LCP fibres will continue to lose its applications to aramid fibres. 

East Asia leads the pack

While the applications and adoption of liquid crystal polymer continue to gain momentum at a global level, East Asia, led by China remains the most lucrative revenue pocket for market players. East Asia accounted for ~60 of the overall sales of liquid crystal polymer, with China being the largest manufacturer of electronic devices and components across the globe. 

The bulk applications of LCP in the electronics & electrical industry will continue to keep adoption and thereby gains concentrated in China. Moreover, Japan and China being the hub of headquarters of several market players will continue to pace up the lucrativeness of East Asia.