Cleveland — Demand for medical silicones in the U.S. is projected to increase 5.9 percent per year to $363 million by 2022, according to the latest report from the Freedonia Group.
The Cleveland-based research firm said ongoing technological development of new medical products, which expand the range of silicone applications, will support demand because silicone offers a number of advantages for the medical market. These include biological inertness and water resistance. The compound also is biocompatible, which gives it an advantage compared to latex and PVC products
Adhesives and sealants will expand their share of medical silicone demand, accounting for 27 percent in 2022. Adhesives that are gentler on skin for wound dressings and wearable devices offer growth opportunities for this segment, Freedonia said.
Overall, demand for silicones in the U.S. is set to increase by 3.8 percent per year to $4.2 billion in 2022, improving on the 2012-17 performance. Freedonia said liquid silicone rubber will continue to grow at a strong pace as more processors adopt production capabilities in response to a rapidly expanding range of applications.
LSR is increasingly favored for automotive under-the-hood components and high clarity lighting, as well as medical tubing.