Recent developments
Portfolio realignments continue
Portfolio realignments intensified as the CABB Group agreed to divest its US Jayhawk Fine Chemicals site to Anupam Rasayan, signaling a step back from electronics-facing applications. Asahi Kasei further reshaped its portfolio by having lead battery separator business, Daramic change hands to Kingswood Capital, while committing capital toward Hipore wet-process lithium-ion technology for automotive markets. In displays, AGC will wind down the Dragontrail series. Upstream, magnet criticality was addressed through Solvay’s strategic agreement with Permag and Less Common Metals to secure Samarium supply.
Semiconductor materials advances
Semiconductor materials advanced with recognition for PIMEL photosensitive dielectric products in advanced packaging, including capacity investments. For wafer thinning, Toray began sampling a new semiconductor back-end process material combining high modulus and PFAS- and NMP-free formulation, targeting AI and memory. Complementing device assembly and electronics chemistries, the WACKER SICO Application Development Center in Jining will develop organofunctional silanes for hybrid polymers used in electromobility, electronics, and telecommunications.
Battery components development
Battery components development focused on safety and manufacturability. Arkema and Semcorp signed an MoU to co-develop next-generation separators for EVs, ESS, and consumer electronics, leveraging PVDF and acrylic chemistries. Trinseo introduced its Fourth-Generation SBR Binder Platform, reporting higher peel strength and compatibility with graphite and silicon anodes, with multi-region production to support cell makers.
Sustainable materials distribution
Materials distribution and sustainability expanded. Brenntag will market Calyxia microencapsulation technology for CASE and composites, including ambient-stable latent curing for epoxies and PFAS- and silicone-free lubricants. In electrical protection, TE Connectivity’s BIOFUSE Tubing portfolio adopts Braskem’s sugarcane-derived polymers, targeting flame-retardant, insulating heat-shrink with lower life-cycle carbon.
Regional capacity and applications
SDC Technologies is relocating its headquarters to scale abrasion-resistant and functional coatings across optics, automotive, and medical uses. In critical infrastructure, Shanghai Petrochemical materials entered the nuclear power pipeline sector via Huaxiao East China’s channel. In the US, Aramco’s agreements include an MoU with Syensqo on the localization of carbon fiber and advanced composites, alongside broader procurement and LNG initiatives.
Computing and market signals
Computing investments targeted materials innovation as selected projects access Eni's HPC6 supercomputer resources. Aramco and Pasqal deployed a 200-qubit system for industrial problem-solving and training. In life sciences, FRONTEO and UBE plan AI-supported drug discovery research. On performance foils, LOTTE Energy Materials reported losses but aims to expand strategic sales of AI circuit foil and ESS battery foil.