The basic constituent of Aramid paper is synthetic meta-aramid polymers. The polymer is present in two physical forms: fibrids and floc. Fibrids are microscopic binder particles, and floc are shot fibres.

During manufacturing process, both fibrids and floc are shaped in a configuration of piles of sheets with help of paper machine. The machine does not employ sizers, fillers, or binders. Later, the sheet is calendered by providing heat and high pressure. The pressure and heat aids in providing bulk specific gravity, which ranges from 0.7- 1.2, depending on the thickness required. The aramid paper is available in the form of rolls and sheets. The thickness and width vary in the range of 0.05 to 0.76 millimetre.

The paper has high strength, low flammability, resistant to abrasion, and non-conductive property. Owing to various properties, the paper is widely used in honeycomb cores, communication equipment, and electrical insulation.

Among all the application segments, electrical insulation is holding leading share in the aramid paper market in recent years. Further, registering the surge in demand, electrical insulation segment is anticipated to propel in forecoming years.

At the same time, increasing number of electrical industries in Asia Pacific has been pushing the horizon of global aramid paper market in the region.

Aramid paper helps improve the integrity and performance of products. Thus, the demand for aramid is rising in various end-user industries. This, in turn, is fuelling the growth of aramid paper market.

Its dielectric property and high mechanical strength is propelling the demand for aramid paper in electrical and electronic industry. Also, application of aramid paper in paper batteries is presenting a growth platform to aramid paper market.

However, technical barrier is one restraining factor for the expansion of global aramid paper market. Only few companies are able to produce paper. Among all the companies involved in production of aramid paper, Dupont is leading producer. The company alone accounted for the production of 92.13% global aramid paper. Besides this, SRO, Tayho and LongPont were involved in small scale production.

Aramid Paper Market: Introduction

• Aramid paper is a type of heat-resistant fiber and synthetic material, also known as calendared insulating paper, which can offer protection against heat, open fire, resilience, flexibility, and mechanical toughness. Manufacturers provide two types of aramid papers: Meta aramid papers and para aramid papers.
• Advanced aramid papers are synthetic-based meta aramid papers that are available in two physical forms such as flocs and fibrids, which are short fibers and microscopic binder particles, respectively. Foundrinier paper machines are employed in order to convert meta aramid papers – flocs and fibrids – in a sheet structure. Moreover, to increase its density as well as attain a specific bulk gravity of aramid paper, high heat and pressure is implemented on end-products including those from aerospace and electronics industries.
• Aramid papers are utilized in various end-use industries such as electrical engineering, aerospace, defense, elastomers, and specialty papers. Electrical engineering applications of aramid papers include wire wrap phase insulator, armature slot insulation, wedges, end laminates, lead insulators, coil wrappers, and bushings. Aramid papers are also resistant to alkalis, acids, transformer oils, fluorocarbon refrigerants, and silicones.

Key Drivers of Aramid Paper Market

• Polymer matrix composites, which are a grouping of continuous as well as discontinuous phases of reinforcements and polymer-based matrix, are used in a wide range of end-use industries. Poly aramid paper is a major component used in discontinuous reinforcement phase on polymer matrix composites, which offers high stiffness and strength. Thus, demand for these composites in increasing across various industries including aerospace and defense, which is a major factor propelling the demand for aramid papers. This, in turn, is projected to drive the global aramid paper market in the near future.
• Expansion of electronics and electrical industries across various developing and developed countries is expected to fuel the demand for aramid papers. This is another factor that is expected to drive the global aramid paper market during the forecast period.
• Adoption of aramid paper is increasing rapidly in the defense sector for protection against ballistic weapons, helmets vehicles, and protective clothing. Increase in defense development projects is another factor driving the global aramid paper market. Furthermore, demand for aramid paper is increasing from different end-use verticals such as automotive, electronics, and telecommunication. This is attributed to various properties offered by aramid materials such as high tolerance against impact and damage.
• Demand for aramid paper is also rising in the elastomer industry across the globe. In the elastomer industry, aramid paper is majorly utilized in applications such as tires, conveyor belts, and power transmission belts.
• Rising demand for aramid papers in generators, dry transformers, honeycomb materials, and motors from the composites industry is another major factor that is expected to drive the global market in the near future.

Rise in Demand for Aramid Paper-based Products in Aerospace and Defense Industry

• Based on product type, the global aramid paper market can be divided into para-aramid paper and meta-aramid paper. The para-aramid paper segment is expected to account for a significant share of the market, in terms of revenue, during the forecast period. This is attributed to high strength and heat resistant properties offered by para-aramid papers.
• Based on end-use industry, the global aramid paper market can be classified into aerospace and defense, automotive, electronics and electrical, and others (composites, sporting goods, etc.). In terms of revenue, the aerospace and defense segment is likely to hold a major share of the global market, owing to the rising demand for aramid paper-based material for manufacturing various components in the aerospace industry.

Asia Pacific to be a Key Market for Aramid Paper

• In terms of region, the global aramid paper market can be split into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa
• Asia Pacific is projected to account for a significant share, in terms of revenue, of the global aramid paper market during the forecast period. This is attributed to a rise in the demand for aramid paper based products from electronics and electrical industries across countries in Asia Pacific. Additionally, rapid expansion of aerospace and defense industry in countries in the region is also expected to drive the aramid paper market in Asia Pacific.