The 5G low-loss material market will grow from USD 188.797 million in 2025 to USD 805.345 million in 2030 at a CAGR of 33.66%.
The advent of 5G technology is fostering innovation across various industries, spanning telecommunications, consumer electronics, automotive, and healthcare. The devices driving this technological shift heavily depend on materials designed to minimize signal loss, particularly at the high-band frequencies associated with 5G (mmWave). These specialized materials, characterized by their high-frequency conductivity, play a pivotal role in enhancing the speed and reliability of connections.
These high-frequency, conductive materials find applications in a diverse range of devices, including antennas, base stations, resonators, lenses, automotive radar systems, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. They also play a crucial role in supporting service providers' equipment that directly caters to end-users, such as routers and modems. By facilitating faster and more reliable connections, these materials contribute significantly to the seamless integration and functioning of 5G-enabled technologies across various sectors, paving the way for enhanced connectivity and technological advancements.
For instance:
Increased use of 5G hardware
A 5G-enabled smartphone necessitates the integration of a 5G chipset to support the corresponding network. Carriers are required to develop new equipment and hardware while phasing out older 4G components to make way for 5G resources. Depending on the company, both hardware and software upgrades become imperative in the process of creating a 5G phone. Manufacturers are also constructing small-cell networks to enhance existing macro-cell towers. When a large number of users rely on a single network within a confined area, the cell tower may become overloaded, leading to diminished performance. However, through small cell technologies, telecom operators can concentrate scarce network resources, thereby increasing wireless network capacity and enabling carriers to meet the growing demand. Implementing small cells around small businesses, public venues, and residential areas allows carriers to enhance 5G connectivity for subscribers.
Favourable Government Regulations
In August 2022, to foster the 5G ecosystem in India and advance the goals of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives, the Government of India opted to grant free access to the Indigenous 5G Test Bed for the next six months until January 2023 for Indian Government-recognized start-ups and MSMEs. Other stakeholders had the option to utilize the test bed at a very nominal rate during this period. The Department of Telecommunications, under the Government of India, strongly encouraged all 5G stakeholders, including Industry, Academia, Service Providers, R&D Institutions, Government Bodies, and Equipment Manufacturers, to leverage the 5G testbed facilities and expertise for testing and facilitating the swift development and deployment of their products in the network.
The creation of this Indigenous Test Bed marked a significant milestone in India's journey toward self-reliance in the 5G technology domain, aligning with the vision of a 5G Aatmanirbhar Bharat. The test bed provided indigenous capabilities for testing and validating 5G products developed and manufactured by Indian start-ups, MSMEs, R&D entities, academia, and industry users. This initiative resulted in substantial cost efficiency and reduced design time, positioning Indian 5G products to be globally competitive in the market.
Fused Silica
HPFS (High Purity Fused Silica) emerges as a highly viable option for the substrate material employed in radio-frequency (RF) components like antennas. It facilitates the realization of 5G telecommunications for enhanced streaming speed and improved connectivity across both consumer and infrastructure devices. This suitability is attributed to HPFS's attributes of low dielectric loss, a low dielectric constant, and ease of processing. Fused silica particularly distinguishes itself as an optimal choice, ensuring minimal signal loss during the transmission of RF signals.
Asia Pacific region is expected to show significant growth in this market. In April 2020, Shin-Etsu Chemical launched advanced materials specifically developed for 5G-related products. Shin-Etsu introduced a "Quartz Cloth" and a "Thermoset Ultra-low Dielectric Resin," designed for applications in electronic devices, printed circuit boards, IC substrates, antennas, and radar domes utilized in high-frequency 5G communication, including millimeter-wave communication.
Additionally, the company expanded its range of heat dissipation products. In conjunction with these newly developed materials, Shin-Etsu entered into a licensing agreement with Novoset, LLC, encompassing the manufacturing and sales of high-performance thermoset ultra-low dielectric resins developed by Novoset. Hence, the market for low-loss 5G materials is expected to grow in Japan.
Some of the leading players in the market are Solvay, Covestro AG, and Asahi Kasei Corporation, among others. The product offerings of the major corporations include the following:
|
COMPANY NAME |
PRODUCT NAME |
DESCRIPTION |
|
Solvay |
Solvay Xydar® LCP |
A specially formulated liquid crystal polymer designed to minimize dielectric loss is an excellent material for 5G antenna substrates and housings, thanks to its low moisture absorption and exceptional flow characteristics. Xydar® LCP not only provides robust strength and performance but also withstands extremely high temperatures, ensuring outstanding durability and reliability even in challenging environments. |
|
Covestro AG |
Makrolon® |
Makrolon® polycarbonate grades are robust, resilient, weather-resistant, and capable of withstanding high temperatures, making them suitable for various 5G applications. These versatile polycarbonates exhibit excellent property balance, encompassing durability and moldability. Additionally, serving as a substitute for metal, they contribute to cost and weight reduction in innovative designs. |
|
Asahi Kasei Corporation |
Xyron™ |
XYRON™ by Asahi Kasei is a polymer alloy that blends polyphenylene ether (PPE) with other resins. Apart from having elevated heat resistance, these alloys exhibit remarkable flame retardancy, electrical insulation, dimensional stability, water resistance, and a low specific gravity. By combining the favorable attributes of PPE with the distinctive properties of different resins, these polymer alloys produce innovative functional materials. |
5G Low-Loss Material Market Segmentation: