The global ceramic fiber market is mainly driven by the increasing use of the fiber for meeting insulation needs in industries such as iron, steel, aluminum, power, glass, and petrochemical. This can be attributed to the advantageous properties of the material, such as lightweight, heat shock and chemical resistance, and high temperature stability. Another factor supporting the market growth is the high thermal efficiency of the material, which facilitates its efficient performance in high-temperature applications. In addition, the easy availability of the material in various forms (such as blanket, module, board, and paper) to suit the needs of different end users is expected to boost the growth of the market during the forecast period.
Ceramic fiber can be defined as a refractory material or substance with great heat resistance. It is made of aluminum silicate, which is mainly composed of polycrystalline fibers and molten glass. The material facilitates easy application and demonstrates excellent insulation properties.
Based on type, the ceramic fiber market is categorized into refractory ceramic fiber (RCF), alkaline earth silicate (AES) wool, and others. The market for AES wool is witnessing significant growth owing to the low bio-persistence and numerous heat insulation applications of the material. The material is widely used in kitchen utensils for personal or commercial use and for insulation applications in buildings and marine vessels for protection against fire. The demand for RCF is also increasing because of its lightweight, low cost, and high temperature stability. The major end users of the material include iron and steel; refining and petrochemical; and energy and power industries.
Based on product form, the ceramic fiber market is categorized into blanket, module, board, paper, and others. The module category is expected to witness significant market growth in the coming years on account of the versatility and functionality of the material at a wide range of temperatures. Besides, it is available in varied densities and designs, which makes it suitable for usage in different end-use industries such as iron and steel; power generation; and refining and petrochemical.
The product demand for the blanket form is on the rise too, owing to its large-scale use in power, metallurgy, and petrochemical industries, mainly for protection against direct exposure to flames. The market for the paper form is also growing on account of its increasing usage as a gasket to check and keep high temperatures at bay and as a packaging material for the reduction of friction. These factors are anticipated to support the growth of the ceramic fiber market during the forecast period.
Based on end user, the ceramic fiber market is categorized into energy and power; iron and steel; refining and petrochemical; textile; paper and pulp; and others. The refining and petrochemical industry is anticipated to boost the market growth in the coming years, owing to the wide usage of the material in fluid catalytic cracking units (FCCUs), boilers, and fired heaters, for meeting energy requirements. Moreover, factors such as low operational costs, high reliability, and less energy requirement associated with the material are encouraging its usage in the industry. Besides, the material can withstand tough and corrosive manufacturing conditions.
Some of the major players operating in the global ceramic fiber market are Morgan Advanced Materials plc, Unifrax I LLC, Luyang Energy-Saving Materials Co. Ltd., Ibiden Co. Ltd., HarbisonWalker International, Isolite Insulating Products Co. Ltd., NUTEC Group, Yeso Insulating Products Co. Ltd., Rath AG, FibreCast Inc., and Double Egret Thermal Insulation Co. Ltd.
