Pyrolytic Graphite Market

Market Overview

According to Reed Intelligence the Pyrolytic Graphite Market Size will approximately grow at a CAGR of 37.38% during the forecast period.

Pyrolytic Graphite is a polycrystalline type of graphite formed by the heat decomposition of a simple hydrocarbon such as methane from the vapor phase. Pyrolytic graphite is an artificial material similar to graphite but has covalent links between its graphene layers. Graphite has a layered structure in which each carbon atom is connected to three nearby atoms. Graphite's atomic structure is a two-dimensional lattice of hexagons, with the first and third levels exactly matching and the second layer slightly displaced relative to these two layers.

Pyrolytic Graphite, utilized in the rocket business, is used as a powerful heating and cooling conductor and a neutron modulator coating in nuclear reactors. Some high-power vacuum lamps it is used in the building of grid structures. Also, it generates a specified degree of friction between two parts in the automotive sector. Due to the lack of quick blood clot formation, it is used in medical engineering sectors, such as fabricating artificial hearts, heart valves, and artificial veins.

Market Dynamics

Market Drivers

• Aerospace and Defense Applications

Because of its great thermal stability and low density, pyrolytic graphite suits various aerospace and defense applications. It makes rocket nozzles, heat shields, and other lightweight components that require high-temperature resistance. The need for pyrolytic graphite will rise as the aerospace and defense industries develop.

• Applications in Energy Storage and Renewable Energy

Pyrolytic graphite is used in energy storage systems such as lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors. Its strong electrical conductivity and stability help these energy storage devices more efficient and function better. Also, pyrolytic graphite is utilized in solar panels and fuel cells, essential components of the renewable energy sector.

Market Restraints

• Limited Availability of Raw Materials

Pyrolytic graphite is created by pyrolyzing a hydrocarbon gas in a controlled atmosphere. The availability and cost of raw materials necessary for this process, such as natural gas or methane, may impact the production and pricing of pyrolytic graphite.

Market Opportunity

• Research & Development

Because of its unique features and applications, pyrolytic graphite is widely employed in research facilities. It is used as a substrate for thin-film growth, a crucible material in high-temperature investigations, and a thermal interface material to test new electrical devices. The demand for pyrolytic graphite in the research industry is predicted to rise due to continuous research and development activities across numerous scientific disciplines.

Market Scope

Segmental Analysis

Segmentation By Type

• Graphite Sheet

Pyrolytic Graphite Sheet is a high thermal conductivity heat spreading material. This material is both lightweight and extremely flexible. It may be carved into unique shapes, making it ideal for limited-space applications. It also has outstanding thermal conductivity qualities, twice as high as copper and three times higher than aluminum.  It can also be a safe and effective substitute for silicone grease. Pyrolytic Graphite Sheet is highly useful in developing equipment when temperature control must be achieved in a limited package owing to downsizing and where the packaging is lightweight.

• Graphite Powder

Graphite powder is a calcium salt used in various applications, including die or cast, desiccant in building materials, immobilization of casts in medicine, pill excipient, and imprint material in dentistry. In its finest form, graphite powder has the chemical formula CaSO4, also known as the mineral anhydrite. Graphite powder that is anhydrous and devoid of water. It is also found as the mineral gypsum in its hydrous form, with the formula CaS04.2H20. It appears in numerous forms and hydration conditions.

Segmentation By Application

• Aerospace

The aerospace industry has long used pyrolytic graphite and other products to serve customers and support critical national security needs. Pyrolytic graphite is an excellent thermal insulator in the direction normal to the deposition layer planes. The material has the lowest known erosion resistance of any material operating under extreme conditions up to flame temperatures of 3,600 degrees Celsius (6,500 degrees Fahrenheit).  

• Energy

Pyrolytic graphite is used in energy storage devices such as lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors. Its high electrical conductivity and stability make these energy storage devices more efficient and stable. In addition, pyrolytic graphite is used in solar panels and fuel cells, which are important components of the renewable energy sector.

• Medical

Due to the lack of quick blood clot formation, Pyrolytic Graphite is used in medical engineering sectors, such as the production of artificial hearts, heart valves, and artificial veins. The use of pyrolytic graphite to manufacture mechanical heart valves (MHVs) has resulted in a very successful process for heart valve replacement. Thus, the mechanical qualities of the materials used in MHV manufacture are critical in achieving the essential biocompatibility and wear resistance characteristics.

Regional Analysis

The Global Pyrolytic Graphite Market is segmented by region as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East and Africa.

North America

In North America, Pyrolytic graphite is utilized in aerospace components such as jet engine turbine blades, heat shields, and rocket nozzles. Pyrolytic graphite is used in the metallurgy industry's crucibles, molds, and electrodes. Pyrolytic graphite is utilized in the medical business in implants, prostheses, and medical devices. The United States is North America's largest market for pyrolytic graphite. The significant demand from the aerospace and metallurgy industries drives market expansion in the United States. Canada is North America's second-largest market for pyrolytic graphite. The strong oil and gas industry demand is driving market expansion in Canada.

Europe

Germany, France, and the United Kingdom dominate the European Pyrolytic Graphite Market. These countries have a strong manufacturing base and are home to some of the top pyrolytic graphite manufacturers. Eastern Europe is also predicted to rise as countries in the region grow their industrial industries.

Asia Pacific

The Asia Pacific region is home to several significant players in the pyrolytic graphite industry, including ESAB, TWI, Westward, Schutz Carbon Electrodes, and Flame Tech. These companies are investing in research and development to create new and creative products that will suit the needs of the expanding market. As demand for pyrolytic graphite grows, the Asia Pacific area is projected to remain a prominent market. The region's robust economic growth and its broad and diverse consumer base are likely to drive the expansion of the market in the coming years.

Key Players

1. Cabot Corporation
2. Cytec Industries
3. GrafTech International
4. MERSEN
5. Mitsubishi Rayon
6. SGL Group
7. Nippon Carbon
8. Orion Engineered Carbons

Recent Developments

• BOC purchased UKCG Group, a renowned provider of pyrolytic graphite materials, in May 2023. BOC will be able to reach new markets and diversify its product line thanks to this acquisition.
• SGL Carbon said in April 2023 that it will increase the amount of pyrolytic graphite it could produce in Germany. The lithium-ion battery industry's rising demand for pyrolytic graphite will be easier to satisfy thanks to this expansion for SGL Carbon.
• ASC Graphite announced the creation of a new variety of pyrolytic graphite in March 2023 that is more conductive and robust than standard pyrolytic graphite. Applications for this novel product are anticipated to include lithium-ion batteries, aerospace & defence, and electronics.