Crosslinking Agent Market Analysis APAC, North America, Europe, South America, Middle East and Africa - China, Germany, US, Canada, India - Size and Forecast 2024-2028

Crosslinking Agent Market Size 2024-2028

The crosslinking agent market size is forecast to increase by USD 5.45 billion, at a CAGR of 7.08% between 2023 and 2028.

• The market exhibits significant growth potential, driven by expanding applications in the automotive, building, and construction industries. Crosslinking agents play a crucial role in enhancing the performance and durability of various materials used in these sectors. Furthermore, emerging applications in pharmaceutical and industrial coating industries offer promising opportunities for market expansion. However, the market faces challenges, including the limitations of crosslinking agents in terms of environmental impact and health concerns.
• These issues necessitate the development of eco-friendly and safe alternatives, providing an avenue for innovation and differentiation. Companies seeking to capitalize on market opportunities should focus on addressing these challenges through research and development efforts, while also leveraging the growing demand for crosslinking agents in diverse industries.

What will be the Size of the Crosslinking Agent Market during the forecast period?

Explore in-depth regional segment analysis with market size data - historical 2018-2022 and forecasts 2024-2028 - in the full report.
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The cross-linking agent market continues to evolve, driven by the ongoing quest for high-performance materials across various sectors. Thermal stability is a key consideration in the development of protective coatings for industrial applications, as well as in decorative coatings and fire suppression agents. Rolled steel coatings and heat resistance paints also require cross-linking agents for optimal performance. Environmental concerns are shaping the market, with a focus on eco-friendly solutions. Bio-based cross-linking agents derived from plant-based materials are gaining popularity, as are eco-friendly alternatives to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in coatings. Regulatory concerns and environmental legislation are driving the demand for sustainable products made from renewable sources.

In the automotive industry, the shift towards electric vehicles is leading to the development of new cross-linking agents for battery components and polymer beds. Three-dimensional network structures are being explored for their ability to enhance mechanical properties and chemical resistance in high-performance coatings. The construction sector is also a significant market for cross-linking agents, with a focus on adhesion and water resistance in floor coatings and general industrial coatings. Amino silanes, aziridine, and amino crosslinking agents are commonly used in these applications. Marine coatings and the paper & pulp industry also rely on cross-linking agents for their durability and resistance to harsh environments.

Polymer systems are being developed to enhance the mechanical strength and water resistance of these coatings. The ongoing research and development in the cross-linking agent market reflect the continuous dynamism of this sector, with new applications and technologies emerging in response to evolving market demands.

How is this Crosslinking Agent Industry segmented?

The crosslinking agent industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in "USD million" for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.

• Application
  • Industrial coating
  • Decorative coating
• Geography
  • North America
    • US
    • Canada
  • Europe
    • Germany
  • APAC
    • China
    • India
  • Rest of World (ROW)

By Application Insights

The industrial coating segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

Industrial coatings play a crucial role in safeguarding various surfaces, including steel, aluminum, wood, and plastics, from environmental hazards such as fire, corrosion, scratches, and moisture. These coatings find extensive applications in diverse industries, including automotive, industrial machinery, aerospace, marine, and electronics. The market for industrial coatings encompasses the sales of various types, such as waterborne, solvent-borne, powdered, and UV-cured coatings. Waterborne coatings, characterized by a maximum water content as a solvent, are increasingly popular due to their eco-friendliness and ease of application. Although minor quantities of other solvents, such as glycol ethers, are added to enhance the performance of waterborne coatings, they remain a more sustainable choice compared to solvent-borne coatings.

VOC-free coatings, including those based on plant-based materials and bio-based cross-linking agents, are gaining traction due to regulatory concerns and environmental legislation. High-performance materials, such as amino resins and high-performance coatings, offer superior mechanical properties and thermal stability. Decorative coatings, fire suppression agents, and rolled steel coatings cater to specific industry requirements. Polymer chains, including synthetic and natural polymers, are used to create protective coatings with desirable properties like chemical resistance and adhesion. Crosslinking agents, such as amino, aziridine, and polyaziridine, play a vital role in the crosslinking process, forming a three-dimensional network structure. Water-based coatings and powder coatings are popular choices for their eco-friendliness and mechanical strength.

The construction sector relies on industrial coatings for various applications, including floor coatings and heat resistance paints. Sustainable products derived from renewable sources, such as biopolymers and bio-based chemicals, are increasingly used to create eco-friendly solutions. Electric vehicles and automobile coatings require coatings with specific properties, such as antistatic agents and aesthetics. In conclusion, the industrial coatings market is driven by the need for protective coatings in various industries, with a focus on eco-friendliness and high-performance properties. The use of novel cross-linking agents, VOC-free coatings, and bio-based materials is on the rise, reflecting the evolving market trends.

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The Industrial coating segment was valued at USD 8.61 billion in 2018 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Regional Analysis

APAC is estimated to contribute 54% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period.Technavio’s analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.

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The market in Asia Pacific (APAC) is experiencing notable growth due to the expansion of industries such as paint and coating, automotive, plastic, and construction. The region's robust economic growth in countries like China, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam has fueled the demand for crosslinking agents in various applications. The paint and coating industry in APAC is the fastest-growing global market compared to North America and the Middle East and Africa (MEA), with China, India, and Japan being the leading countries. The increasing GDP in these countries has led to a surge in automotive production and construction activities, which in turn has propelled the demand for crosslinking agents in rubber, plastics, paints, and coatings.

In the automotive sector, the shift towards electric vehicles and sustainable materials is driving the demand for bio-based chemicals, biopolymers, and water-based coatings. Additionally, regulatory concerns and environmental legislation are encouraging the use of eco-friendly crosslinking agents, such as amino silanes, aziridine, and carbodiimide, in various industries. The construction sector is also adopting high-performance coatings with enhanced mechanical strength and thermal stability for improved durability and sustainability. Overall, the market in APAC is witnessing significant growth, driven by the increasing demand for high-performance materials, protective coatings, and sustainable products in various industries.

Market Dynamics

Our researchers analyzed the data with 2023 as the base year, along with the key drivers, trends, and challenges. A holistic analysis of drivers will help companies refine their marketing strategies to gain a competitive advantage.

What are the key market drivers leading to the rise in the adoption of Crosslinking Agent Industry?

• The significant growth in the automotive, building, and construction sectors is the primary catalyst driving market expansion in this industry.

• Crosslinking agents play a crucial role in various industries, including automotive, building, and construction. In the automotive sector, organofunctional crosslinking agents are employed for applications such as automotive clearcoats, adhesives, and sealants. These agents significantly enhance the adhesion properties of polyurethane-based windshield adhesives and sealants, as well as primers. Furthermore, they contribute to the production of green tires, which is a growing trend due to the increasing demand for fuel-efficient vehicles. The global automotive industry is projected to experience steady growth during the forecast period, driven by economic stability in key markets like the US and Europe, which have recovered from the recession in terms of automobile sales.
• Crosslinking agents are also essential in the building and construction industry, where they are used to improve the properties of various materials, including concrete, glass, and polymers. Silane-based adhesion promoters are commonly used in the production of underbody sealants made from Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and acrylic plastisol. Crosslinking agents offer numerous benefits, such as enhancing the durability, strength, and resistance of materials, making them an indispensable component in various industries.

What are the market trends shaping the Crosslinking Agent Industry?

• The use of crosslinking agents is gaining significance in both the pharmaceutical and industrial coating industries, representing an emerging market trend. Crosslinking agents enhance the durability and performance of coatings in various applications.

• Crosslinking agents play a pivotal role in the production of various products within the pharmaceutical and industrial coating industries. In the pharmaceutical sector, these agents serve as crucial building blocks, acting as both protective and reducing agents. Silane-based crosslinking agents, for instance, enhance reaction selectivity, solubility in solvents, and stability during distillation. Chemical building blocks, such as amino alcohols, are employed as precursors to generate a range of intermediates. In the realm of coatings, crosslinking agents are essential for industrial applications. These agents facilitate the cross-linking of hydroxyl, carboxyl, and amide functional polymers, including acrylics, polyesters, epoxies, and alkyds.
• Amino resins, specifically, are widely used as crosslinking agents for such polymers. The first methylated species, dimethylol urea and hexamethylol-melamine, are combined with n-butanol or methanol to generate liquid amino coating resins. Environmental legislation and regulatory concerns surrounding volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have led to the development and increasing demand for VOC-free coatings. This trend is driving the market for bio-based crosslinking agents derived from plant-based materials. These high-performance materials offer improved mechanical properties, making them suitable for various applications. Amino compounds, as crosslinking agents, contribute significantly to the production of high-performance coatings.

What challenges does the Crosslinking Agent Industry face during its growth?

• The use of crosslinking agents in the industry faces significant limitations, posing a notable challenge to its growth.

• Crosslinking agents play a crucial role in enhancing the properties of various industries' products, including decorative coatings, fire suppression agents, rolled steel coatings, heat resistance paints, transportation coatings, marine coatings, and those used in the paper & pulp industry. These agents facilitate the formation of a three-dimensional network structure, improving the product's thermal stability, durability, and resistance to environmental concerns. In industrial applications, polyisocyanate and synthetic polymer crosslinking agents are commonly used due to their high reactivity and ability to form strong bonds. Bio-based chemicals and natural polymers are also gaining popularity due to increasing environmental concerns and the need for eco-friendly alternatives.
• For specific applications, such as automobile coatings and fire suppression agents, different crosslinking agents are used. For instance, thione or thiol-based agents are employed for noble metals or noble metal alloys without silica coating to promote adhesion. The choice of crosslinking agents depends on the specific application requirements, such as heat resistance, chemical resistance, and durability. As the demand for high-performance and eco-friendly products continues to grow, the market for crosslinking agents is expected to expand significantly.

Exclusive Customer Landscape

The crosslinking agent market forecasting report includes the adoption lifecycle of the market, covering from the innovator’s stage to the laggard’s stage. It focuses on adoption rates in different regions based on penetration. Furthermore, the crosslinking agent market report also includes key purchase criteria and drivers of price sensitivity to help companies evaluate and develop their market growth analysis strategies.

Customer Landscape

Key Companies & Market Insights

Companies are implementing various strategies, such as strategic alliances, crosslinking agent market forecast, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product/service launches, to enhance their presence in the industry.

3M Co. - The company specializes in providing crosslinking agents, including CYMEL NF 2000A and CYMEL NF 3041, to enhance polymer performance in various industries. These agents facilitate the formation of strong chemical bonds between polymer chains, improving product durability and functionality. With a focus on innovation and quality, the company's offerings cater to diverse applications, driving advancements in technology and materials science.

The industry research and growth report includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about key companies, including:

• 3M Co.
• Allnex GMBH
• Angus Chemical Co.
• Asahi Kasei Corp.
• BASF SE
• Covestro AG
• Dow Inc.
• DuPont de Nemours Inc.
• Evonik Industries AG
• Hexion Inc.
• Huntsman Corp.
• INEOS Group
• Mitsui Chemicals Inc.
• Momentive Performance Materials Inc.
• NIPPON SHOKUBAI CO. LTD
• Pergan GmbH
• Perstorp Holding AB
• Sika AG
• Stahl Holdings B.V.
• Tosoh Corp.

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of companies has been conducted to help clients understand the wider business environment as well as the strengths and weaknesses of key industry players. Data is qualitatively analyzed to categorize companies as pure play, category-focused, industry-focused, and diversified; it is quantitatively analyzed to categorize companies as dominant, leading, strong, tentative, and weak.

Recent Development and News in Crosslinking Agent Market

• In January 2024, BASF SE, a leading chemical producer, announced the launch of its new crosslinking agent, Desmopan® PU R-130, designed for use in the production of flexible foams with enhanced thermal insulation properties (BASF press release).
• In March 2024, Covestro AG, a global polymer supplier, and Lanxess AG, a specialty chemicals company, entered into a strategic collaboration to jointly develop and commercialize new crosslinking agents for the coatings and adhesives industry (Covestro press release).
• In May 2024, Huntsman Corporation, a global manufacturer of chemical products, completed the acquisition of CVC Thermoset Specialties, a leading provider of crosslinking agents for the composites industry, significantly expanding Huntsman's presence in this market segment (Huntsman Corporation press release).
• In February 2025, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) granted the approval for the renewal of Dow Inc.'s authorization to produce and place on the market its crosslinking agent, Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate (HEMA), ensuring continued availability of this essential material in the European market (ECHA press release).

Research Analyst Overview

• The market encompasses a diverse range of polymer systems, including those used in automotive coatings and high-performance coatings. These agents play a crucial role in enhancing the properties of coatings, such as heat resistance and three-dimensional network structure, by forming covalent bonds between polymer chains. In the automotive sector, covalent linkages in polymer crosslinking agents contribute to the production of high-performance coatings with superior durability and resistance to environmental stressors. Synthetic polymers and natural polymers are equally represented in the market, with water-based crosslinking agents gaining traction due to their eco-friendly solutions. Novel cross-linking agents continue to emerge, addressing the demand for high-performance materials in various industries.
• For instance, ionic link agents are used in floor coatings to improve their wear resistance, while covalent bonds are essential in heat resistance paints. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have been a concern in the coatings industry, leading to the development of water-based coatings and the ongoing research on novel cross-linking agents. The crosslinking process is a critical aspect of the coatings industry, as it determines the final properties of the coating. Polymer chains are connected through covalent or ionic links, resulting in high-performance materials that cater to diverse applications, such as wood finishing and powder coatings.

Dive into Technavio’s robust research methodology, blending expert interviews, extensive data synthesis, and validated models for unparalleled Crosslinking Agent Market insights. See full methodology.

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What are the Key Data Covered in this Crosslinking Agent Market Research and Growth Report?

• CAGR of the Crosslinking Agent industry during the forecast period
• Detailed information on factors that will drive the growth and forecasting between 2024 and 2028
• Precise estimation of the size of the market and its contribution of the industry in focus to the parent market
• Accurate predictions about upcoming growth and trends and changes in consumer behaviour
• Growth of the market across APAC, North America, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa
• Thorough analysis of the market’s competitive landscape and detailed information about companies
• Comprehensive analysis of factors that will challenge the crosslinking agent market growth of industry companies

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