Encapsulants are materials used to protect, contain, and/or improve the performance of an electronic device or circuit. They are typically used in the form of a coating, film, or material that is applied to the surface of a device, either directly or over a substrate. Encapsulants can be used to protect components from environmental contaminants and physical damage, improve electrical performance, or provide additional mechanical or electrical properties. The use and demand for encapsulants is growing as electronics become increasingly complex and miniaturized. Encapsulants are used in a variety of applications, such as medical devices and consumer electronics, automotive and aerospace components, and industrial equipment. The demand for encapsulants is expected to continue to grow with the increasing demand for more complex and miniaturized electronics.
The global encapsulants market is estimated to be USD 1.26 billion in 2017 and is projected to reach USD 1.64 billion by 2022, at a CAGR of 5.5% from 2017 to 2022. The growth of advanced electronic packaging techniques is driving the encapsulants market in different end-use industries. The growing use of encapsulants in consumer electronics and transportation is also fueling the growth of the encapsulants market across the globe. Medical and energy & power are some of the end-user industries of encapsulants.
Leading players in the encapsulants market are Dow Corning (US), Henkel (Germany), LORD Corporation (US), Shin-Etsu Chemicals (Japan), and H.B. Fuller (US) are some of the leading players operating in the encapsulants market.
Henkel is the leading manufacturer of encapsulants, globally. The company carries out its business operations through its semiconductor assembly product lines. In September 2015, Henkel acquired The Bergquist Company, a privately-held leading supplier of thermal management solutions to the global electronics industry. This acquisition helped the company strengthen its position as a global leader in adhesives technology, catering to the emerging electronics industry of the Asia Pacific and South American regions.
LORD Corporation is another leading manufacturer of encapsulants. Founded in 1924, the company carries out its business operations through its electronic materials product segment. The company has its encapsulants business spread across North America, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Europe. In May 2017, LORD Corporation added Ellsworth Adhesives to its electronic materials distribution team. Ellsworth Adhesives is already a well-established player in the electronic materials market. This deal would give LORD Corporation an established customer base, wider distribution channel, and quick route to the encapsulants market.
