Polymer Chameleons Market Overview
Polymer chameleons market is projected to be worth USD 1.48 Billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 12.5% during the forecast period (2022 - 2030).
Polymer chameleons are the bio-engineered polymeric materials and can be closely associated with the smart polymers and are stimuli-responsive, as they can change their microstructure with the change in their surroundings. This deformation of their structure also leads to the change in color of the polymers, caused by the scattering of the light from the polymer surface and can be controlled by selecting the length or density of the sidechains in the polymers, since it is a physical phenomenon it can be reversed to its normal state. The stimuli can influence the response towards change in heat, light, electric and magnetic fields, chemical conditions, and others. Owing to its high durability, flexibility, and attain stiffness when stretched with a change in its color, these polymers are seeming to have a potential future in the medical sector and could be used in the applications for the production of biological devices such as actuators systems, bio-separation devices, cell structure systems, and others.
Moreover, these polymer chameleons can play a major role in personalized prostheses, including replacement of intervertebral discs, vascular implants, and intraocular implants. The increasing need for smart polymers with a long a lifespan has been the key driver for the surge in the growth of the polymer chameleon market.The high cost of raw material is the challenge faced by the manufactures, which can hamper the growth of the polymer chameleons market.
Key Players
Some of the prominent players in the global polymer chameleons market are BASF SE (Germany), DuPont de Nemours, Inc. (US), Evonik Industries AG (Germany), Akzo Nobel N.V. (Netherlands), Autonomic Materials, Inc. (US), Huntsman International LLC. (US),
High Impact Technology, LLC. (US), Honeywell International Inc. (US), MacDermid Autotype Ltd (UK), LyondellBasell Industries Holdings B.V.(Netherlands), Chameleon International Search Limited (UK), Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (Australia),
SMP Technologies Inc. (India), TOPAS Advanced Polymers/Polyplastics (Germany), and ULTROXA Polymers (Belgium).
Segmentation
The global polymer chameleons market has been classified into type, application, and region.
Based on type, the global polymer chameleons market has been categorized into ph responsive, electric & magnetic-responsive, photo-responsive, shape memory, enzyme-responsive, self-healing, thermo-responsive, and others. The thermo-responsive polymers are the most widely used polymers.
Based on application, the global polymer chameleons market has been segregated into drug delivery, molecular separation, flexible chips, biofilms, automotive & transportation, and others. The drug delivery segment held the largest market share in 2018.
Regional Analysis
The global polymer chameleons market has been characterized into five regions, namely, North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.Asia-Pacific held the largest market share of global polymer chameleons market in 2018 owing to the increasing investments in the R&D for incorporating innovation in smart polymers used in the medical industry and for developing better ways for medical implantations by incorporating mechanical properties.
Europe has a prominent share in the global polymer chameleons market owing to the presence of the renowned players in the region that are driving the growth of the polymer chameleons in the global market.
Moreover, the stringent regulations implemented by the environmental and governmental agencies regarding the use of synthetic polymers in the medical industry has prompted manufacturers to adopt the polymer chameleons and increase their production, hence leading to the growth of the polymer chameleons in the regional market.North America is witnessing significant growth in the polymer chameleons market owing to the developed healthcare industry and continuously growing medical industry in the region.
Furthermore, there have been several investments in R&D for improving biomedical devices, which has increased the demand for polymer chameleons in drug delivery and molecular separation applications.Latin America, especially countries such as Mexico and Chile, is witnessing slow but steady growth in the polymer chameleons market, owing to the increasing applications of polymer chameleons in the automobile industry as a substitute for petroleum-based plastics.The Middle East & Africa is expected to witness sluggish growth in the polymer chameleons market during the forecast period.Recent DevelopmentMay 2021 - Scientists have developed a synthetic skin that changes color in reaction to the environment using luminogens and a bilayer structure. The new chameleon-like skin was created to identify the freshness of seafood, but the technology might be utilized for various purposes. A single layer matrix of different light-sensitive molecules creates the most color-changing synthetic skins. Researchers used luminogens, compounds that cause crystals to illuminate, coat two hydrogel layers — an inner core and an outer shell — for the new material. Scholars could generate a more complicated variety of color shifts and patterns by grouping luminogens into two layers.
Intended Audience:
- Manufacturers and distributors of polymer chameleons
- Suppliers and traders of polymer chameleons
- Government, associations, and industrial bodies
- Investors and trade experts
- Consulting in chemical experts
- Healthcare sector
- R&D sectors
- Raw material suppliers
- Potential investors