Zero Friction Coatings Market Trends

Growth Drivers

• Rising Demand for Low Friction Coating in Healthcare– The medical business makes use of zero friction coatings in a variety of ways. These coatings prevent matter accumulation on tools ranging from catheters to guide wires to surgical instruments. When it relates to catheters, the sanitization of the catheter, as well as the patient's safety and ease of use, are critical. Low-friction hydrophilic catheter coatings are critical since it prevent friction and keep bacteria at bay. Moreover, it is equally important to sterile the surgical equipment to avoid friction between two objects.
• Increasing Production of Automobiles – As per the data from the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association, 79.1 million motor cars have been manufactured worldwide in 2021, a 1.3% increase over 2020. Zero friction coating is applied in various ways in the automobile industry, such as reduced friction will lead to higher fuel efficiency and reduce the chances of wear and tear of the engine thus expanding the life of the engine.
• Growing Use of PTFE-based Low Friction Coatings– Nonstick applications or any application that requires a food-grade coating are among the most common applications for PTFE coatings. The PTFE nonstick fluoropolymer coating has excellent escape characteristics and can resist temperatures as high as 500°F, which is more extreme than any other fluoropolymer. This coating is commonly used in applications that require a smooth, low-friction, immune-to-corrosion coating.

Challenges

• High Coefficient of Friction Under Humidity – A rise in humidity results in the high absorption of water molecules by some zero friction coatings. As a consequence, it increases in size and reduces the efficacy of the coatings as a lubricant. This results in a rise in the friction levels, which affects the one purpose of zero friction coatings and thus hampers the market growth. Apart from this, the coating also becomes prone to corrosion, especially when applied to metals under high humidity.
• Fluctuating prices of raw materials used in making the coatings
• Occurrence of high friction at lower load