The processes behind many modern technologies are underpinned by the advanced materials responsible for their function, many of which are covered in-depth in IDTechEx's portfolio of Advanced Materials & Critical Minerals Research Reports and Subscriptions. Conductive inks, advanced coatings, and low-loss materials are amongst the materials that are enabling key technologies from photovoltaics to devices with high frequencies, each facing with their own benefits and drawbacks.
Conductive inks and the silver squeeze
Conductive inks are a versatile technology enabling thin, printed, and flexible designs for applications such as consumer electronics, in-mold products, wearables, and thin photovoltaic panels. Miniaturization and streamlining are huge trends amongst many sectors, which is where conductive inks can bring electronic functionality to devices without the need for bulky materials or compromise on size.
Higher value products with more specific requirements are bringing about opportunities for conductive ink manufacturers to create inks that can meet conductive, dielectric, and adhesive needs, to widen their portfolio and establish market share. However, in meeting these customer needs, many manufacturers might face difficulties in the processing requirements of different inks. Moving from one ink type to another may bring about changes to a production line, which could be both time consuming and costly, while hindering ease of adoption. IDTechEx's report, "Conductive Inks Market 2026-2036: Technologies, Applications, Players", highlights a potential resolution to this as being to differentiate inks by durability, conductivity, or other performance metrics, which could be processed interchangeably.
Silver is one of the most common conductive ink types, favored for its high conductivity amongst electric vehicle, energy storage, and battery applications in particular. The recent rise in the cost of silver, however, is changing the commercial viability of the conductive inks. IDTechEx's research also encompasses responses from multiple companies to this challenge, including decisions to switch to low-silver inks or make smaller but more regular orders.
The wide landscape of advanced coatings
Enhancing performance, appearance, and protective qualities of a product can be achieved with the use of advanced coatings, which can come in solid, liquid, or gas forms depending on application type. Methods of application include spraying, dipping, and rolling, amongst others, with controlling the thickness of coatings being a main consideration.
Technological advancements and requirements for optimized performance are two of the biggest drivers behind the development of advanced coatings, such as for nanotechnologies, smart coatings, or advanced polymers. Some of the largest markets including automotive, energy, and aerospace, are also driving demand, as they require high-performance coatings that can meet specific needs. For example, for aerospace applications, coatings will need to be lightweight while being able to uphold good performance in extreme temperatures.
Amongst the group of advanced coatings, there are more sustainable options available that are water-based or PFAS free, which may see growth in sectors prioritizing sustainability as a result of consumer demand and regulations tightening. IDTechEx's report, "Advanced Coatings 2026-2036: Market, Technologies, Players", explores the diverse range of coating types, along with other factors driving demand and the challenges that advanced coatings can address.
High frequencies and delicate signals
Low-loss materials are deployed for reducing transmission losses between devices and maintaining signal integrity and are becoming increasingly necessary as communications reach higher frequencies. Next-generation technologies like 5G and 6G communication, automotive radar, and high-speed digital devices are the main examples of applications that these materials are targeting. The development for 6G is coming about as a result of the demand for greater bandwidth, higher speeds, and ultra-low latency, which are becoming highly sought after qualities in the consumer electronics sector as communications grow worldwide.
Some examples of low-loss materials included in IDTechEx's report, "Low-Loss Materials for 5G/6G, Radar, and High-Speed Digital 2026-2036: Markets, Trends, and Forecasts", such as specialized epoxies, PTFE, LCP, PPE, and hydrocarbons. The report also identifies that the demand for low-loss materials is expected to jump from 2.98 million m2 in 2025, to 10.6 million m2 in 2030, and 25.7 million m2 in 2036, highlighting the importance of these materials to many industries.
For more information, visit IDTechEx's portfolio of Advanced Materials & Critical Minerals Research Reports and Subscriptions for the latest research and developments across different types of advanced materials and their main applications.
