Recent developments
Portfolio realignment moves
Portfolio moves targeted tech-oriented materials. CABB exited U.S. custom manufacturing via the sale of Jayhawk Fine Chemicals Corporation to Anupam Rasayan India Ltd as it pivots to Life Sciences. Air Liquide reinforced electronics exposure with the acquisition of DIG Airgas in South Korea. Distribution reach widened through Brenntag’s agreement with Nanum Nanotechnology in Brazil and its expanded partnership with Westlake Epoxy in India. Composites capacity gained capital with Sinopec Capital participating in Jushi's Shanghai listing.
Battery and e-mobility
EV and storage materials advanced. Renault’s Ampere partnered with Basquevolt on lithium‑metal batteries aiming higher energy density and lower capex per GWh. Arkema and Senior agreed to collaborate on adhesion, coatings, low‑temperature assembly, and semi‑solid manufacturing using Kynar PVDF and Incellion solutions with separator films. LOTTE Chemical outlined 2026 expansions in Super EP compounding and a U.S. cathode foil plant. UBE invested in CheomdanLab to scale SRBSN silicon nitride powders and ceramic balls for high‑speed, high‑temperature uses.
Additive manufacturing advances
Additive polymers progressed. Toray’s Toraypearl PA12 spherical particles for PBF improved surface smoothness and impact strength versus conventional powders. Arkema reported growth in 3D printing and commissioned Rilsan Clear capacity in Asia, while also starting up U.S. DMDS and 1233zd projects.
Digital infrastructure materials
Cooling and electronics supply developed. Perstorp broadened dielectric and immersion fluids via Synplate and new Synmerse DC grades for cold‑plate and immersion cooling. Linde highlighted ultra‑high‑purity gases for semiconductor manufacturing in its 2025 results, while a larger electronics backlog tied to South Korea’s semiconductor market was outlined by Air Liquide. IEEE recognized AKM’s commercialization of thin‑film Hall elements, and separately noted the IEEE Milestone recognition of AKM’s thin‑film Hall elements.
PFAS-free and circularity
Materials targeting regulation and circularity progressed. Toray introduced a PFAS‑free flexible PPS with UL94 V‑0 for EV and data‑center components. SABIC presented non‑PFAS medical polymers, including ULTEM HU and SILTEM HU tubing alternatives and UL746G‑certified device resins. BASF’s Tinuvin 2730 ED was integrated into Xfloat’s HDPE floats to extend FPV lifetimes with drinking‑water compliance. QEMETICA and the Łukasiewicz Research Network formed a partnership to develop advanced materials and energy‑efficient processes supporting industrial transformation.