Zinc Sulfide Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Purity≥99.99%, Purity≥99.9% and Purity≥97.0%), By Application (Pigment, Optical material and Luminescent material) and Regional Insights and Forecast To 2031

Updated On: 29 April 2024

ZINC SULFIDE MARKET REPORT OVERVIEW

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The global zinc sulfide market size was USD 142 million in 2019 and the market is projected to touch 182.4 million by 2026, exhibiting a CAGR of 3.6% during the forecast period.

Zinc sulfide, a compound composed of zinc and sulfur atoms, is a versatile material with various applications across different industries. One of its primary uses is in the production of luminescent materials. When doped with certain elements like silver, copper, or manganese, zinc sulfide exhibits phosphorescent properties, making it suitable for applications in glow-in-the-dark products, such as watch dials, exit signs, and novelty toys.

Moreover, zinc sulfide finds extensive application in the field of optics and photonics due to its unique optical properties. It is commonly used as a phosphor material in cathode ray tubes (CRTs) and flat-panel displays, where it converts high-energy electrons into visible light, resulting in the display of images. Additionally, zinc sulfide is employed in the fabrication of infrared optics, lenses, and windows for thermal imaging systems, as it is transparent to infrared radiation. zinc sulfide is utilized in the manufacturing of various types of pigments, including white pigments. Its white pigment form, known as lithopone, is a mixture of zinc sulfide and barium sulfate, offering good covering power and weather resistance. This makes it suitable for use in paints, coatings, plastics, and rubber products.

COVID-19 Impact: Market Growth Restrained by Pandemic due to Supply Chain Disruptions

The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering; with the zinc sulfide market experiencing lower-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. The sudden market growth reflected by the rise in CAGR is attributable to market’s growth and demand returning to pre-pandemic levels.

The zinc sulfide market experienced shifts in pricing dynamics as a result of the pandemic. Fluctuations in raw material costs, changes in demand-supply dynamics, and currency fluctuations influenced pricing strategies adopted by manufacturers and suppliers. Additionally, uncertainties surrounding the duration and severity of the pandemic impacted investment decisions and long-term market outlook, leading to cautious approaches among market participants.

The pandemic led to disruptions in the global supply chain, including transportation restrictions, temporary shutdowns of manufacturing facilities, and labor shortages. These disruptions affected the availability of raw materials, production processes, and distribution networks, impacting the supply of zinc sulfide to end-users. The market is anticipated to boost the zinc sulfide market growth following the pandemic.

LATEST TRENDS

"Rising Applications in Optics and Photonics to Drive Market Growth"

Zinc sulfide's unique optical properties make it an essential material in optics and photonics applications, including lenses, windows, and infrared imaging systems. As these technologies continue to advance, the demand for zinc sulfide is likely to increase, especially in sectors such as aerospace, defense, and healthcare. Zinc sulfide is extensively used in the electronics industry for applications such as phosphors in cathode-ray tubes (CRTs), flat-panel displays, and infrared optics. With the increasing demand for electronic devices and displays in various sectors like consumer electronics, automotive, and healthcare, the demand for zinc sulfide is expected to grow steadily. These latest developments are anticipated to boost the zinc sulfide market share.

ZINC SULFIDE MARKET SEGMENTATION

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By Type                  

Based on type the global market can be categorized into Purity≥99.99%, Purity≥99.9% and Purity≥97.0%.

• Purity ≥ 99.99%: This segment represents zinc sulfide products with an extremely high purity level of 99.99% or greater. These high-purity zinc sulfide products are typically used in specialized applications where purity and performance are critical, such as in the production of high-performance phosphors for advanced electronics displays, infrared optics for precision instruments, and specialized coatings for optical components. Industries that commonly utilize zinc sulfide with this level of purity include semiconductor manufacturing, aerospace, defense, and advanced optics.

• Purity ≥ 99.9%: This segment includes zinc sulfide products with a high purity level of 99.9% or greater but slightly lower than the previous category. These products find applications in a wide range of industries, including electronics, optics, chemicals, and healthcare. Common applications include phosphors for traditional electronic displays, infrared optics for thermal imaging systems, pigments for paints and coatings, and additives in various chemical processes. Products in this purity range offer a balance between performance and cost-effectiveness, making them suitable for a broad spectrum of applications where high purity is required but may not be as critical as in specialized industries.

• Purity ≥ 97.0%: This segment encompasses zinc sulfide products with a purity level of 97.0% or greater. These products are widely used in industries such as paints and coatings, rubber manufacturing, ceramics, and agriculture. In the paints and coatings industry, zinc sulfide with this purity level is utilized as a white pigment (lithopone) due to its high covering power and weather resistance. In rubber manufacturing, zinc sulfide serves as a vulcanization accelerator, aiding in the curing process and enhancing rubber properties.

By Application

Based on application the global market can be categorized into Pigment, Optical material and Luminescent material.

• Pigment: Zinc sulfide is commonly used as a white pigment in various industries, particularly in the production of paints, coatings, plastics, and rubber products. In its pigment form, known as lithopone, zinc sulfide is typically mixed with barium sulfate to create a white pigment with good covering power and weather resistance. Lithopone, derived from zinc sulfide, is valued for its ability to provide bright white colors and enhance the opacity and durability of coatings and paints, making it suitable for applications in architectural paints, automotive coatings, printing inks, and other decorative and protective coatings.

• Optical Material: Zinc sulfide is widely used as an optical material due to its unique optical properties, including transparency to infrared radiation and excellent transmission in the visible spectrum. In optics, zinc sulfide is used to manufacture lenses, windows, and optical components for various applications, including thermal imaging systems, infrared detectors, laser systems, and military optics. Its optical properties make it particularly valuable in applications where high optical clarity, low dispersion, and resistance to thermal and mechanical stresses are required, such as in aerospace, defense, and scientific instrumentation.

• Luminescent Material: Zinc sulfide is a key component in luminescent materials used for various applications in lighting, displays, signage, and security products. When doped with certain elements such as silver, copper, or manganese, zinc sulfide exhibits phosphorescent or fluorescent properties, emitting light when excited by external energy sources such as ultraviolet (UV) light or high-energy electrons. Luminescent zinc sulfide-based materials are used in applications such as glow-in-the-dark products, fluorescent lamps, cathode-ray tubes (CRTs), flat-panel displays, exit signs, safety markings, and novelty toys.

DRIVING FACTORS

"Industrial Applications to Boost the Market"

Zinc sulfide is widely used in numerous industrial applications across sectors such as electronics, optics, chemicals, and healthcare. Its properties, including luminescence, transparency to infrared radiation, and chemical stability, make it essential in the production of phosphors, infrared optics, pigments, and various other products. The electronics and semiconductor industry is a significant driver of the zinc sulfide market. Zinc sulfide is used in electronic displays, flat-panel displays, and cathode-ray tubes (CRTs) as a phosphor material. With the increasing demand for electronic devices, televisions, smartphones, and other display technologies, the demand for zinc sulfide is expected to grow correspondingly.

"Growth in Emerging Economies to Expand the Market"

Emerging economies, particularly in Asia-Pacific and Latin America, are experiencing rapid industrialization, urbanization, and infrastructure development. These regions are witnessing increased demand for zinc sulfide across various industries, including electronics, construction, and automotive, as they expand their manufacturing capabilities and consumer markets. Ongoing research and development activities aimed at enhancing the properties and applications of zinc sulfide contribute to market growth. Innovations in areas such as luminescent materials, coatings, and nanoparticles expand the potential applications of zinc sulfide, driving demand in new and existing markets. These factors are anticipated to drive the zinc sulfide market share.

RESTRAINING FACTOR

"Global Economic Uncertainties to Potentially Impede Market Growth"

Zinc sulfide production relies on the availability and cost of raw materials such as zinc and sulfur. Fluctuations in the prices of these raw materials, which can be influenced by factors like geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and currency fluctuations, can impact the production cost of zinc sulfide and its competitiveness in the market. Economic uncertainties, including geopolitical tensions, trade disputes, and economic downturns, can impact market demand and investment decisions across various industries that use zinc sulfide. Reduced consumer spending, fluctuations in industrial activity, and changes in government policies can affect market dynamics and the growth trajectory of the zinc sulfide market. The factors are anticipated to hinder the growth of the zinc sulfide market growth.

ZINC SULFIDE MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

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"Asia Pacific Dominating the Market with Growing Industrialization and Manufacturing Base"

The market is primarily segmented into Europe, Latin America, Asia Pacific, North America, and Middle East & Africa.

The Asia-Pacific region, particularly countries like China, India, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, has experienced rapid industrialization and economic growth over the past few decades. This industrial growth has led to increased demand for zinc sulfide across various sectors such as electronics, optics, chemicals, and healthcare. Infrastructure development projects in countries like China and India have contributed to the demand for zinc sulfide in construction materials such as coatings and paints. The construction of commercial and residential buildings, infrastructure projects, and urbanization drive the demand for zinc sulfide-based materials. Asia-Pacific countries are known as major manufacturing hubs for various industries, including electronics, automotive, and consumer goods. These industries are significant consumers of zinc sulfide for applications such as phosphors in displays, infrared optics, and pigments in paints and coatings.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

"Key Players Focus on Partnerships to Gain a Competitive Advantage "

Prominent market players are making collaborative efforts by partnering with other companies to stay ahead in the competition. Many companies are also investing in new product launches to expand their product portfolio. Mergers and acquisitions are also among the key strategies used by players to expand their product portfolio.

List of Market Players Profiled

• DowDuPont [U.S.]
• Weifang Sunny [China]
• Talvivaara [Finland]
• Sachtleben Chemie [Germany]
• Vital Materials [China]

INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT

March 2023: Zinc Sulfide (ZnS) nanoparticles which are manufactured by various companies including American Elements Corporation, are ultra-small particles of zinc sulfide, typically ranging in size from a few to several hundred nanometers. These nanoparticles exhibit unique properties compared to their bulk counterparts, making them suitable for various advanced industrial applications. Zinc Sulfide nanoparticles possess optical transparency in the visible and infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. This property makes them valuable in applications requiring transparent materials, such as optical coatings, lenses, and windows for sensors and imaging devices.

REPORT COVERAGE

The study encompasses a comprehensive SWOT analysis and provides insights into future developments within the market. It examines various factors that contribute to the growth of the market, exploring a wide range of market categories and potential applications that may impact its trajectory in the coming years. The analysis takes into account both current trends and historical turning points, providing a holistic understanding of the market's components and identifying potential areas for growth.

The research report delves into market segmentation, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative research methods to provide a thorough analysis. It also evaluates the impact of financial and strategic perspectives on the market. Furthermore, the report presents national and regional assessments, considering the dominant forces of supply and demand that influence market growth. The competitive landscape is meticulously detailed, including market shares of significant competitors. The report incorporates novel research methodologies and player strategies tailored for the anticipated timeframe. Overall, it offers valuable and comprehensive insights into the market dynamics in a formal and easily understandable manner.