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The spherical activated alumina market size is forecast to increase by USD 231.8 million at a CAGR of 5.6% between 2024 and 2028. The spherical activated alumina market is driven by several key factors, including the demand for high particle size and sample purity in various industries. The production process involves heating amorphous alumina in a furnace under specific atmospheric conditions, following a precise time-temperature profile to activate the alumina. Adsorption data plays a crucial role in evaluating the effectiveness of activated alumina, as it determines its ability to adsorb contaminants. Market trends include strategic partnerships and government initiatives to promote the use of activated alumina in water treatment and other applications. Disruptions in the supply chain can impact market growth, highlighting the importance of maintaining a stable and efficient production process.
Spherical activated alumina, a form of aluminum oxide-hydroxide, is a widely used adsorbent in various industries due to its exceptional adsorption capabilities. This inorganic material is derived from hydrated alumina, which undergoes specific treatment processes to create white spherical particles of aluminum hydroxide. The production process begins with the formation of crystalline hydroxide, which is then converted into hydrous alumina gel. The gel undergoes heat treatment, resulting in the formation of amorphous alumina. Subsequently, the amorphous alumina undergoes calcination at elevated temperatures to form spherical activated alumina. The physical and chemical nature of spherical activated alumina plays a crucial role in its adsorption properties. The material's large surface area, estimated to be around 200-300 m²/g, is attributed to its porous structure, consisting of numerous pores with varying sizes. The crystal size and particle size also influence the adsorption capacity, with smaller particles and larger surface areas typically exhibiting greater adsorption capabilities.
Moreover, spherical activated alumina is an effective adsorbent for various vapors, including H2S and alcohol. Its high adsorption capacity is due to the strong interaction between the adsorbate molecules and the surface of the alumina particles. The material's ability to selectively adsorb specific vapors is a result of its unique chemical and physical properties. The heat treatment process plays a significant role in the production of spherical activated alumina. The time-temperature profile during heat treatment influences the crystal size, particle size, and surface area of the final product. Furnace atmosphere composition and purity are also essential factors, as impurities can negatively impact the adsorption capacity and overall quality of the spherical activated alumina. In summary, spherical activated alumina is a versatile adsorbent material with a wide range of applications. Its unique properties, such as large surface area, porous structure, and high adsorption capacity, make it an essential component in various industries. The production process involves the conversion of hydrated alumina into spherical particles through heat treatment and calcination. The physical and chemical properties of the final product are influenced by various factors, including crystal size, particle size, surface area, and furnace atmosphere composition.
The market 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.
The desiccant segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. The spherical activated alumina market encompasses white spherical particles derived from aluminum hydroxide. These particles are ground and finely processed to create a porous structure, which is then sintered at high temperatures. The resulting product is characterized by a large surface area, averaging around 415 square meters per gram. This attribute is particularly advantageous in the use of spherical activated alumina as a desiccant.
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The desiccant segment was valued at USD 269.30 million in 2018. Notable activated alumina grades, such as AD-101 (SORB-I) and ALSORB-F from Sorbead India, exhibit this extensive surface area. These grades are highly effective in absorbing water vapor and moisture, making them indispensable for applications necessitating air drying. Heated or heatless air dryers and compressed air dryers are prime examples where maintaining a low dew point is essential. Spherical-activated alumina outperforms other adsorbents, such as silica gel and molecular sieves, due to its superior adsorption capacity.
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APAC is estimated to contribute 44% 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. The Asia Pacific region is playing a pivotal role in the global spherical activated alumina market due to substantial investments in water treatment infrastructure and oil and gas projects. For instance, the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) in India unveiled plans to establish the largest water treatment facility in Asia at TK Halli, 95 kilometers from Bengaluru. This facility aims to improve water treatment capabilities in the region, catering to the increasing demand for clean and safe drinking water. Spherical activated alumina is a crucial component in this project, as it is odorless, insoluble in water and ethanol, and highly effective in removing fluoride and other contaminants. This underlines the significance of spherical activated alumina in large-scale water treatment projects.
Moreover, the material's unique properties, such as its ability to adsorb contaminants without altering the taste or smell of water, make it an ideal choice for water treatment applications. In conclusion, the Asia Pacific region's water treatment sector is driving the demand for spherical activated alumina, with India leading the way. The TK Halli water treatment facility in Bengaluru is a testament to this trend, highlighting the importance of spherical activated alumina in ensuring clean and safe drinking water for millions of people. The market's growth is further fueled by increasing investments in water treatment infrastructure and the rising awareness of water quality. 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.
Government initiatives is notably driving market growth. The spherical activated alumina market is experiencing substantial growth due to various government initiatives geared toward advancing technology and expanding production capabilities. One notable collaboration involves Impact Minerals, CPC Engineering, and the Mineral Recovery Research Centre (MRRC) at Edith Cowan University in Australia. Launched in October 2024, this project aims to commercialize a new process for producing High-Purity Alumina (HPA) from the Lake Hope reserve. The initiative has secured a USD2.87 million grant from the Federal Government under the Cooperative Research Centres Projects (CRC-P) program, which supports short-term, industry-driven research projects. The construction of the necessary plant for supplying raw materials for offtake and qualification is scheduled to commence by the end of 2024. Hydrated alumina, a key component of spherical activated alumina, is a crystalline hydroxide and oxide-hydroxide.
Moreover, this material is widely used as an adsorbent in various industries, including water treatment, pharmaceuticals, and food processing. Its ability to adsorb vapors makes it an essential desiccant in humidity control applications. Heat treatment is often employed to enhance the adsorption properties of spherical activated alumina. Thus, such factors are driving the growth of the market during the forecast period.
Strategic partnerships are the key trend in the market. The spherical activated alumina market is experiencing a notable trend of strategic collaborations and acquisitions to expand product offerings and enhance technological capabilities. An illustrative instance is Momentive Technologies' acquisition of spherical alumina and spherical silica businesses in South Korea in October 2024. This strategic move aims to broaden Momentive Technologies' ceramic powder product line and boost innovation in thermal fillers, which are essential components in thermal interface materials (TIMs). TIMs are crucial for managing heat dissipation, ensuring optimal performance, and extending the lifespan of power electronic and battery systems. Particle size and sample purity are essential factors in the production of spherical activated alumina. The manufacturing process involves heating alumina in a furnace under specific time-temperature profiles to create spherical particles. The atmosphere during the process influences the shape and size of the particles.
Moreover, amorphous alumina is then activated through a chemical process, increasing its specific surface area and adsorption capacity. The global market for spherical activated alumina is expected to grow due to the increasing demand for TIMs in various industries, including electronics, automotive, and renewable energy. Companies are investing in research and development to improve the production process and optimize the properties of spherical activated alumina for specific applications. In conclusion, the spherical activated alumina market is witnessing significant growth due to the increasing demand for TIMs and the strategic collaborations and acquisitions aimed at expanding product offerings and enhancing technological capabilities. Producers focus on optimizing particle size, sample purity, and specific surface area to meet the demands of various industries.ConclusionThus, such trends will shape the growth of the market during the forecast period.
Disruptions in the supply chain are the major challenge that affects the growth of the market. The spherical activated alumina market is currently experiencing challenges due to disruptions in the global supply chain, specifically in the Red Sea region. This vital trade route links Asia, Africa, and Europe, and its security has been compromised with the increase in attacks on commercial vessels. The first attack on an Israeli industrial ship in 2023 set off alarm bells in the transportation, logistics, and supply chain industries. The repercussions of these incidents include potential increases in freight costs, extended shipping times, and the potential resurfacing of the bullwhip effect. The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict further intensifies these concerns, posing a threat to broader trade and supply chain disruptions.
For instance, in 2023, Iran-backed Houthi rebels of Yemen seized a ship owned by an Israeli businessman and redirected it towards the Yemeni coast, issuing threats to target Israeli vessels in the Red Sea. These events underscore the importance of ensuring a stable and secure supply chain for the spherical activated alumina industry, particularly in light of its applications in H2S adsorption, alcohols, and the chemical and physical nature of the product, which depend on the surface area, crystal size, and calcination process. Hence, the above factors will impede the growth of the market during the forecast period
The 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 report also includes key purchase criteria and drivers of price sensitivity to help companies evaluate and develop their market growth analysis strategies.
Customer Landscape
Companies are implementing various strategies, such as strategic alliances, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product/service launches, to enhance their presence in the market.
Axens: The company offers spherical activated alumina of high mechanical strength, adsorption properties, and resistance.
The market research and growth report also includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about key companies, including:
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 market 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.
Spherical-activated alumina is a widely used adsorbent in various industries due to its exceptional adsorption properties. This adsorbent is derived from hydrated alumina, which undergoes heat treatment to form crystalline hydroxide or oxide-hydroxide. The resulting material consists of white spherical particles of aluminum hydroxide, which have a large surface area, high porosity, and a smooth surface. The crystalline nature of spherical activated alumina provides it with a high specific surface area, allowing it to adsorb a large quantity of vapors and gases. Its chemical nature makes it effective in adsorbing H2S, alcohol, and other chemicals. The physical properties, such as particle size and crystal size, can be tailored through various treatment methods, including calcination and sintering at high temperatures. The high surface activity of spherical activated alumina makes it an ideal desiccant for removing moisture from the atmosphere. Its strong hygroscopicity enables it to absorb large quantities of water, making it odorless and insoluble in both water and ethanol. Spherical activated alumina is also used as a catalyst, catalyst carrier, and in chemical reactions due to its high mechanical strength and uniform particle size. Its ability to remove fluoride from drinking water is another significant application, making it a valuable commodity in high-fluorine areas.
Market Scope |
|
Report Coverage |
Details |
Page number |
212 |
Base year |
2023 |
Historic period |
2018 - 2022 |
Forecast period |
2024-2028 |
Growth momentum & CAGR |
Accelerate at a CAGR of 5.6% |
Market growth 2024-2028 |
USD 231.8 million |
Market structure |
USD Fragmented |
YoY growth 2023-2024(%) |
5.4 |
Regional analysis |
APAC, North America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and South America |
Performing market contribution |
APAC at 44% |
Key countries |
US, China, India, Japan, Germany, South Korea, UK, France, Brazil, and Australia |
Competitive landscape |
Leading Companies, Market Positioning of Companies, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks |
Key companies profiled |
Adsorption Technologies, AGC Chemicals Pvt. Ltd., Axens, BASF SE, BeeChems, CHALCO Advanced Material Co., Ltd., Desicca Chemicals Pvt Ltd, DS Filtration Pty Ltd., Evonik Industries AG, HengYe Inc., Honeywell International Inc., J M Huber Corp., Shandong Zhongxing New Material Technology Co. Ltd., Sialca Industries, Smart elements GmbH, SORBEAD India, Sumitomo Chemical Co. Ltd., and Zibo Yinghe Chemical Co Ltd |
Market dynamics |
Parent market analysis, Market growth inducers and obstacles, Fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, Market growth and Forecasting, COVID-19 impact and recovery analysis and future consumer dynamics, Market condition analysis for the forecast period |
Customization purview |
If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized. |
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1 Executive Summary
2 Technavio Analysis
3 Market Landscape
4 Market Sizing
5 Historic Market Size
6 Qualitative Analysis
7 Five Forces Analysis
8 Market Segmentation by Application
9 Market Segmentation by End-user
10 Customer Landscape
11 Geographic Landscape
12 Drivers, Challenges, and Opportunity/Restraints
13 Competitive Landscape
14 Competitive Analysis
15 Appendix
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