Naphthalene Derivatives Market
Naphthalene derivatives such as naphthalene sulphonates are used as superplasticizers in concrete. These compounds play a major role in improving the workability of concrete, facilitating more effective dispersion of cement particles. Factors such as population increase, urbanization, and favorable economic conditions significantly drive the demand for housing spaces. According to Redfin, 284,121 houses were sold in the US in January 2024, recording a 1.8% surge than the units sold in January 2023. Residential construction is a crucial component of the private sector. The US witnessed a noteworthy increase in residential construction of US$ 856.3 billion to a seasonally adjusted annual rate in June 2023, marking a 0.9% rise from the revised estimate of US$ 848.6 billion for May 2023. In March 2023, the government of Canada launched the Housing Accelerator Fund worth US$ 2.96 billion as an aid to support the building of at least 100,000 homes across the country. According to the US Census Bureau, in November 2023, the number of privately owned houses (at a seasonally adjusted annual rate) was 1.56 million units, with a rise of 9.3% compared to 1.43 million units in November 2022. A report released by the US Census Bureau also stated that the value of total construction (private and public) investment in 2023 was US$ 1,978.7 billion, i.e., a 7% increase from investments made in 2022 (US$ 1,848.7 billion). The demand for naphthalene compounds is fueled by the rising need for high-strength and durable concrete structures. Therefore, the growth of the global construction industry drives the naphthalene derivatives market.
The sulfonated naphthalene formaldehyde and naphthalene sulfonic acid are vital derivatives. Sulphonated naphthalene formaldehyde is a major component of superplasticizers used in the construction industry for the production of high-strength concrete. This compound plays a significant role in the construction sector by enhancing the workability of concrete mixes. In the textile industry, it is used as a wetting agent for cotton. In the oil industry, it is used as an anti-friction agent in oil rigging operations. It also has applications as a dying and leveling aid in the leather industry, and a dispersing agent in the tanning industry. Naphthalene sulfonic acid is manufactured by the sulfonation of industrial naphthalene at high temperatures. It is majorly used in the production of naphthalene sulphonate formaldehyde condensates, which are widely used as a dispersing agent in the construction industry. Naphthalene sulfonic acid is used as an intermediate in the production of raw materials used in industries such as lubricant, oil and gas extraction, paints and coatings, rubber, and water treatment. They are also incorporated as an intermediate in the synthesis of pulp and paper, dyes, pigments, and pesticides, among other industrial products.
Naphthalene Derivatives Market: Segmental Overview
Based on form, the naphthalene derivatives market is divided into powder and liquid. The powder segment held a larger market share in 2023, and it is expected to register the highest CAGR from 2023 to 2031. Naphthalene derivatives in powder form are used in the production of dyes and pigments, concrete admixtures, and pharmaceuticals. The demand for powder form is growing due to ease of handling and storage, especially in manufacturing processes that require precise measurements. It is widely preferred in the pharmaceutical industry as powdered naphthalene derivatives can be easily incorporated into solid dosage forms such as tablets and capsules. Naphthalene derivative powder is also used in dry dye formulations for the textile industry. Powdered substances are simpler to handle and transport as they are less prone to spillage or leakage compared to their liquid alternatives. Moreover, they feature longer shelf lives than liquid derivatives.
Based on derivative type, the naphthalene derivatives market is bifurcated into sulfonated naphthalene formaldehyde, phthalic anhydride, naphthalene sulphonic acid, alkyl naphthalene sulfonate salts, and others. In 2023, the phthalic anhydride segment accounted for the largest market share. Phthalic anhydride, an anhydride of phthalic acid, is used as a key intermediate in the production of plastics and polymers, polyester resins, plasticizers, dyes, and rubber modifiers. It also finds minor applications in the production of alkyd resins (for paint and coating manufacturing), insecticides, and urethane polyester polyols. Phthalic anhydride is used in the production of unsaturated polyester resins, which are blended with glass fibers to manufacture fiberglass-reinforced plastics. Plastics reinforced with fiberglass are used in end-use industries such as building and construction, marine, and transportation. It also finds application as a rubber scorch inhibitor and retarder.
Based on end-use industry, the naphthalene derivatives market is segmented into building and construction, agrochemicals, textile, pharmaceuticals, oil and gas, dyes and pigments, and others. In 2023, the building & construction segment held the largest naphthalene derivatives market share. In the construction industry, naphthalene derivatives are majorly used in the production of superplasticizers that are added to admixtures to enhance the workability of concrete. Thus, the demand for naphthalene derivatives in the construction industry increases with the need for high-strength and high-performance concrete in infrastructure projects. Such concrete variants contribute significantly to regulatory compliance in road, bridge, and tunnel projects.
Naphthalene Derivatives Market: Competitive Landscape
JFE Holdings Inc; Stepan Co; Nouryon Chemicals Holding BV; Merck KGaA; Hefei TNJ Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.; Himadri Speciality Chemical Ltd; Chempro Group; Methanol Chemicals Co; MUHU (China) Construction Materials Co., Ltd.; PCC SE; Rain Industries Ltd; King Industries, Inc.; MP Biomedicals; Shandong Jufu Chemical Technology Co., Ltd.; and Nan Ya Plastics Corp are among the key players operating in the global naphthalene derivatives market.
