Adiponitrile Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Application (Nylon Synthesis, HDI), By End-Use (Automobile, Chemical Intermediate), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030

Report Overview

The global adiponitrile market size was valued at USD 9.69 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.2% from 2022 to 2030. This is attributable to its increasing application as feedstock in the manufacturing of HDI & nylon 6,6, which are further used in different end-use industries including automobile, chemicals, and electric and electronics. Adiponitrile is a specific organic chemical that serves as an essential component in the production of nylon 6,6, a prominent synthetic polymer used in various applications such as textiles, automotive components, and engineering plastics.

The global increase in airbag production in the automobile industry, driven by regulations mandating airbag inclusion in automobiles in different countries, is expected to further boost the demand for nylon-66. This, in turn, will contribute to the growing need for adiponitrile, as it remains a fundamental precursor in the production of this vital automotive material.

Adiponitrile is used in certain electrolyte solutions, which are primarily utilized in electrochemical applications and batteries. It serves as a solvent or cosolvent in specific electrolyte formulations. For instance, adiponitrile can be incorporated into the electrolyte formulations of lithium-ion batteries as a cosolvent. It is often mixed with other solvents such as ethylene carbonate (EC) and dimethyl carbonate (DMC) to improve the overall performance of batteries. Adiponitrile can enhance the thermal stability of electrolytes, reduce the risk of dendrite formation on lithium electrodes, and extend the lifecycle of batteries.

The production of adiponitrile often involves the use of hazardous chemicals that can generate harmful byproducts. Increasing environmental regulations and growing awareness about sustainability across the world have led to stringent environmental compliance requirements. For instance, the adiponitrile manufacturing process often relies on the hydrocyanation of butadiene that involves the use of toxic hydrogen cyanide (HCN). Managing HCN safely can be environmentally challenging for the manufacturers.

Sustainability considerations in the production of adiponitrile (ADN), as well as its downstream applications like nylon 6,6, are becoming increasingly important due to the growing emphasis on environmental responsibility and resource conservation. For instance, Asahi Kasei Corporation in January 2022, announced to produce bio-adiponitrile using biomass propylene.

Furthermore, the advent of nylon substitutes such as polypropylene, bioresorbable polymers, para-aramid synthetic fibers, and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) is anticipated to hamper the growth of the global nylon market owing to their low prices. This is expected to further affect the growth of the product market.

Application Insights

Nylon synthesis application dominated the market, with the highest revenue share of 86.2% in 2022. This is attributable to its exceptional tensile strength and resistance to abrasion, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, from clothing and carpets to mechanical parts and industrial components.

The synthesis of Nylon-6,6 commences with the hydrogenation of adiponitrile, yielding hexamethylenediamine, another essential component in the process. Hexamethylenediamine, derived from adiponitrile, combines with adipic acid to initiate a polycondensation reaction. This reaction leads to the formation of nylon-6,6, distinguished by its long-chain polymer structure characterized by alternating amide linkages. This chain structure imparts the polymer with its exceptional mechanical properties such as high tensile strength and excellent resistance to wear and tear.

The nylon produced through the utilization of adiponitrile finds application in various sectors. In textile industry, it is favored for making durable and lightweight fabrics, while in the automotive and aerospace sectors, it plays a pivotal role in the manufacture of engine components, gears, and bearings due to its excellent mechanical properties and resistance to high temperatures.

Adiponitrile plays a significant role in the production of Hexamethylene Diisocyanate (HDI), an essential component in the manufacture of high-performance polyurethane products. The synthesis of HDI commences with the reaction of adiponitrile, also known as hexanedinitrile, with formaldehyde. This chemical reaction yields 1,6-diaminohexane, a crucial intermediate compound. Subsequently, this intermediate undergoes cyclization, resulting in the formation of HDI.

HDI is primarily utilized as a key component in the production of polyurethane coatings and adhesives. Polyurethane coatings, owing to their excellent durability, resistance to chemicals, and versatility, find extensive use in automotive refinishing, industrial equipment coatings, and architectural applications. HDI-based coatings are known for their ability to provide a robust protective layer that enhances the longevity of surfaces while maintaining an attractive appearance.

End Use Insights

Automotive end use dominated the market, with the highest revenue share of 42.9% in 2022. This is attributable to the increasing use of the product in the automotive industry for various applications. Its applications span from the production of lightweight and fuel-efficient components to improving vehicle safety and comfort. Adiponitrile serves as a precursor in the creation of polyurethane foams used in automotive seating and insulation, providing not only comfort but also reducing vehicle weight to enhance fuel efficiency. In addition, adiponitrile plays a significant role in the production of fuel system components such as fuel tanks and fuel lines.

Moreover, adiponitrile is utilized in the production of airbag fabrics. Airbags are crucial safety components in vehicles, and their fabrics must possess high tensile strength, tear resistance, and flame retardancy. Adiponitrile is involved in the production of nylon-6,6 fibers, which are used to manufacture airbag fabrics. These fabrics offer high performance, ensuring rapid and reliable deployment of airbags during a collision, thus enhancing passenger safety.

Adiponitrile’s primary application lies in the synthesis of hexamethylenediamine, a key building block for Nylon-6,6, which is extensively used in textile manufacturing. Nylon 6,6's exceptional properties, such as durability, strength, and resistance to abrasion, make it an ideal choice for producing fabrics, threads, and fibers. These nylon-based textiles find application in various industries including fashion, sports, and industrial textiles. Adiponitrile's involvement in the creation of nylon textiles not only ensures the production of robust and long-lasting fabrics but also contributes to the development of innovative textile materials that meet the diverse demands of today's textile market, from high-performance sportswear to durable industrial fabrics.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific region dominated the product market with the highest revenue share of 39.7% in 2022. This is attributed to ongoing industrialization, growing population, and expanding manufacturing base in Asia Pacific. The region is home to some of the largest manufacturing economies in the world, including China, Japan, South Korea, and India.

The countries of the region, including China, India, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Malaysia, hold the distinction of being the largest manufacturers of electrical and electronic products in the world. According to ZEVI, the Asian electro market experienced a notable growth of 10% in 2021, reaching a total value of USD 3,674 billion in the same year. Thus, the market for adiponitrile is expected to rise in the upcoming years owing to the growth of the electronics industry in this region.

Manufacturers are expanding and entering the market for producing nylon 6,6 in Asia Pacific countries. For instance, in April 2022, Shandong Longhua New Material publicized an investment of around USD 1.1 billion to develop the largest nylon 6,6 factory in China having a production capacity of more than 1 million tons. Nylon 6,6 resin is one of the major constituents for manufacturing different chemical intermediates, electrical and electronic products, and automobiles and their components.

Construction industry is one of the major drivers for adiponitrile in North America owing to the high demand for non-residential construction projects such as hospitals, commercial buildings, and colleges. The implementation of the "Affordable Healthcare Act” (reform law enacted in March 2010 by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services) also stimulates the construction of a greater number of healthcare units and hospitals, which, in turn, is expected to boost the demand for architectural adiponitrile in the region over the forecast period.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The adiponitrile market is consolidated, with international & domestic players operating globally. Players operating in this market have adopted the strategy of expansions to increase their production capacities and meet the surging demand for their products. For instance, in January 2022, Invista announced a strategic partnership with China-based Pingmei Shenma Group to upgrade its nylon 6,6 value chain and enhance local raw material supply. Some prominent players in the global adiponitrile market include:

• Asahi Kasei Corp

• Ascend Performance Materials

• BASF SE

• Butachimie

• Invista

• Kishida Chemical Co., Ltd

• Spectrum Chemical

• Tokyo Chemical Industry

• Vizag Chemical

• Asahi Kasei Corp

Adiponitrile Market Report Scope

Global Adiponitrile Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at regional levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the adiponitrile market report based on application, end use, and region:

• Application Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Nylon Synthesis

  • HDI

  • Electrolyte Solution

  • Others Applications

• End-Use Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Chemical Intermediate

  • Automotive

  • Electrical & Electronics

  • Textile

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Volume, Kilotons, Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • UK

    • France

    • Itay

    • Spain

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

    • South Korea

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil

    • Argentina

  • Middle East & Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • South Africa