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[April 2004]
Nanoporous Material Demand in USA Studied
Demand for nanoporous materials in the USA is forecast to advance 4% annually to US$1.9 billion in 2007, according to a study from The Freedonia Group Inc (Cleveland, OH, USA). Nanoporous materials - materials which have accessible pores of molecular size - possess unique abilities to modify, remove or exchange molecules from gaseous or aqueous streams. New products and new applications for older materials will provide more robust growth.
In particular, activated alumina and silica gels offer greater growth opportunities, while environmental uses for nanoporous materials will offer more growth potential than conventional uses.
The study says that zeolites will remain the largest category of nanoporous materials by value through to 2007. Zeolites are riddled with pores and channels which have the ability to perform catalysis, ion exchange and adsorbent functions. They are the most established of the nanoporous materials and have carved out significant niches in petroleum refining and detergent production.
Clays will record growth of 4.4% annually throughout the period to 2007, asserts the study. The value of clay nanoporous products is due to the huge volumes of clays consumed, as their per kilo price is very low in comparison to other nanoporous materials. Products include bentonite, Fuller's Earth and kaolin clays.
'Nanoporous Materials' is available from The Freedonia Group Inc at a price of US$3,900.
www.freedoniagroup.com
ENDS