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[March 2001]
US Piezoelectric Market Predicted to Continue Strong Growth
According to an upcoming study from Business Communications Co Inc (Norwalk, CT, USA), the USA market for piezoelectric ceramics, ceramic/polymer composites and polymer films totalled US$222 million in 2000. Expected to increase at an average annual growth rate of 8.9% during the five-year forecast period, this market is predicted to reach US$340 million by 2005.
BCC says that the US piezoelectric industry has gone through several boom and bust cycles. However, in the last five years, several applications have emerged for piezoelectric materials. This is a result of the revolution in wireless and wireline communications, which has resulted in a boom for piezoelectric crystals. Also, new developments in piezoelectric ceramics and ceramic/polymer composites have evolved into new markets. Of the various new piezoelectric materials, new applications are being found for lead zirconate titanate (PZT) ceramics, ceramic/polymer composites and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) films.
Amongst the three segments studied, piezoelectric ceramics is the largest and most mature market. Predicted to grow at an AAGR of 8%, this market would expand to reach US$294 million by 2005. The piezoelectric ceramic/polymer composite elements just entered the market in the mid-1990s. However, this segment is predicted to see the highest growth rate, estimated to be 18% on average annually. The military has been the major consumer of piezoelectric ceramics and ceramic/polymer composites. However, because of the decline in defence budgets, suppliers have moved to the industrial and consumer markets.
BCC's report RGB-244 will be published in April at a cost of US$3,850.
ENDS