Zinc Chloride Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Application, Regional Outlook, Competitive Strategies, And Segment Forecasts, 2019 To 2025

The global zinc chloride market size is projected to witness steady growth in the forthcoming years. Rising demand for the product owing to its chemical characteristics can drive this growth. High demand from industries such as oil and gas and chemical manufacturing can further fuel the demand. The advantages such as low cost, moderate toxicity, easy handling, and broad spectrum acting as a catalyst can bode well for the demand. It also finds a broad scope of applications such as textile processing, chemical synthesis, and metallurgical fluxes, which, in turn, can positively influence demand.

Zinc chloride market (ZnCl2) is a granular solid and deliquescent salt formed either by direct reaction or by evaporating the aqueous solution. It is a highly water-soluble crystalline source of zinc that exhibits compatibility with chlorides. Chloride compounds can exhibit excellent electrical conductivity when dissolved in water or by fusing. It is formed through various chlorination methods wherein at least one chlorine anion (Cl-) is covalently bonded to the suitable cation or metal. It forms acidic solutions in polar organic solvents including ether, ethanol, acetone, and water.

Zinc chloride is extensively used in fluxes for galvanizing, tinning, and soldering. It is capable of removing oxides and salts from surfaces of various metals. It is also known as a cleaning agent. ZnCl2 acts as an electrolyte and moisture absorbent, which is the primary reason for its demand from the battery industry as primary cell batteries and also used in dry cells, owing to its corrosion resistance. Growing consumption of battery grade zinc chloride in commercial and industrial applications is anticipated to significantly propel the market in near future.

Zinc oxide is widely used in oil and gas wells as a packer fluid owing to its higher specific gravity. It has been used as invert emulsion breaker and specialty corrosion inhibitor in these wells. Increased focus on natural gas is anticipated to bolster demand from the oil and gas sector in the Middle East. New capacity additions in Middle East countries such as Saudi Arabia and UAE are expected to drive the demand from oil and gas industries.

The growth of chemical manufacturing industry, mainly driven by top chemical manufacturing countries such as Russia, Germany, France, and the U.K., is anticipated to augment demand for zinc chloride. Increasing consumption for the production of chemicals such as, zinc bacitracin, methylene chloride, ethyl acetate, and diazonium compounds is expected to bode well for the zinc chloride market expansion. ZnCl2 is extensively used in processes like the Azeotropic or Azeotropic Distillation and Friedel Craft Reaction.

Zinc plays a vital role in maintaining proper functioning of the human immune system. It is used in treatment for ulcers and pododermatitis. ZnCl2 is administered parentally or orally as a nutritional supplement and it is necessary for the synthesizing of proteins, cholesterol, and fats in the human body. However, zinc chloride can lead to nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. It is considered hazardous as cited by various regulatory bodies such as OSHA, EPA, IRIS, NIOSH, DOT, and ACGIH.

Zinc chloride reacts with chelating agents to form a micronutrient in liquid fertilizers and as an herbicide for controlling the growth of lichen and moss on the house roofs, fences, driveways, and other domestic places. ZnCl2 also finds applications in water treatments, paints and coatings, odor control, resins, vulcanized fiber, and reclaimed rubber, woodworking, glue, and refining of ore.

Some of the key players in the zinc chloride market include Zaclon LLC, America Elements, TIB Chemicals AG, Global Chemicals Co. Ltd., P.T. Indo Lysaght, Apex Chemicals Corporation, Lipmes, Weifang Dongfangsheng Chemical Co., Ltd., Eurocontal SA, and others. Most manufacturers are venturing into developing economies such as Brazil, Poland, India, and other GCC countries to gain a competitive advantage and to expand their presence.