Polymer Gel is a synthetic water-soluble polymer that has
a three-dimensional cross-linkage structure. The structure gives it excellent
absorption and deformation capabilities. Spiraling demand for personal care
products will translate into greater uptake of polymer gels.
Personal Care Segment to Hold Prominence through 2025
Key areas of application of polymer gel are construction,
personal care, wastewater treatment, agriculture, and drug delivery systems.
Among these, the personal care segment will be the leading segment through
2025. Polymer gels are highly effective absorbents of water and other aqueous
solutions, owing to which they are widely used in personal care products such
as diapers and female hygiene products. Widening base of infant population,
growing number of working mothers, and rising disposable income are triggering
the sales of baby diapers. This, in turn, is contributing to the growth of the
segment.
Demand for polymer gels in estimated to experience a
sharp rise in the agricultural sector in coming years. Polymer gels are
economical and save resources such as water and fertilizers. Their application
saves 40 to 70 per cent of irrigation water. They are highly beneficial in
areas with water scarcity. Shortage of agricultural land in urban areas is also
promoting the adoption of polymer gels. Increasing shift towards smart farming
techniques can supplement the growth of the segment.
Recent Development
Apart from the aforementioned verticals, polymer gels are
gradually finding application in other sectors as well, thanks to increasing
research and development activities. For instance, in October 2017, a research
group from the Graduate School of Engineering, University of Tokyo developed
fluids that show amoeba-like spontaneous sol-gel oscillation. The fluid is made
up of a polymer with a special molecular arrangement and improved its
properties by incorporating a metal complex. This would help the polymer be a
gel in reduced state and a sol in oxidized state. The liquid can be used for
studying the movement of cancer cells from one part of the body to another,
immune cells development, and cell division.
Market Insights
According to a report by Grand View Research Inc., the
global polymer gel market is poised to rise at a CAGR of 5.7% between 2017 and
2025. Rising awareness regarding merits of polymer gel along with increasing
hygiene consciousness among people can stoke the growth of the global polymer
gel market. Robust growth of the cosmetics industry is anticipated to help the
market in gaining significant traction. Asia Pacific will account for a large
share in the global arena throughout the forecast horizon (2014–2025).
Some of the prominent companies operating in the market
are Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd., BASF Corporation, Dow Chemicals, LG
Chemicals Ltd., and FIMA Group Ltd.
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