Conducting polymers have a prolonged pi conjugated system made up of singly occupied p orbital overlap in the backbone of polymer chain. These polymers exhibit conduction, optical, electronic, magnetic, microwave-absorbing, wetting, and mechanical properties. The actual conductivity of such polymers depends upon the conjugation length, arrangement of polymer chains, percentage of doping, and sample purity. The unique property of conducting polymers is that, the polymer main chain has a conjugated molecular structure, which attains conducting properties when doped. The conjugated polymers possess neutral semiconducting state and doped conducting state leading to different end-applications. In the doped conducting state, the application areas include electro-chromic and supercapacitor, electrode material for batteries, electrolyte capacitor, anti-static and anti-corrosion material, chemical and biosensors, and others. In the neutral semiconducting state, the application areas include polymer solar cells, polymer light emitting diodes, polymer field effect transistor, and others.

The global conducting polymers market is valued at USD 4.39 Billion in 2017. The increasing demand for smart and compact electronic components primarily in the electronics industry is expected to drive the growth of the global conducting polymers market. Based on type, the global conducting polymers market has been segmented into electrically conducting and thermally conducting. The thermally conducting segment is projected to grow at a higher CAGR due to increasing miniaturization of electronic components requiring advanced and compact conducting polymers for conduction of heat in confined space. Thermally conducting polymers find major use in LED fixtures, heat sinks, interface materials, radiator end caps, fuel pumps, heat exchangers, medical devices, and instrument housing. Based on application, the global conducting polymers market has been segmented into ESD/EMI shielding, electrostatic coating, antistatic packaging, capacitor, and others. The ESD/EMI shielding application of the electrical & electronics industry accounts for a huge demand for conducting polymers. The major benefit of ESD/EMI shielding is that it increases the safety of air-gapped systems. It also helps prevent the sensitive electronic components and devices from static discharge and magnetic interference. By region, the global conducting polymers market has been classified into Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, Middle East & Africa, and Central & South America. The North America region is the largest market for conducting polymers in 2016. The North America conducting polymers market is largely driven by the increasing construction activities along with higher real disposable income of consumers. This is primarily due to the increased demand for electrostatic coatings on door panels and window panes, along with the sensors required in the building & construction industry. The major factor restraining the growth of the global conducting polymers market is the lower thermal conductivity of polymers as compared to conventional materials such as ceramics and metals.

Conducting Polymers Market vendors are placed into 4 categories based on their performance and reviews in each criterion: “visionary leaders,” “innovators,” “dynamic differentiators,” and “emerging companies".

Visionary leaders are the leading market players in terms of new developments such as product launches, innovative technologies, and the adoption of growth strategies. These players have a broad product offering that caters to most of the regions globally. Visionary leaders primarily focus on acquiring the leading market position through their strong financial capabilities and their well-established brand equity.

Dynamic Differentiators are established players with very strong business strategies. However, they have a weaker product portfolio compared to the visionary leaders. They generally focus only on a specific type of technology related to the product.

Innovators in the competitive leadership mapping are vendors that have demonstrated substantial product innovations as compared to their competitors. The companies have focused on product portfolios. However, they do not have very strong growth strategies for their overall business, when compared with the visionary leaders.

Emerging companies have niche product and service offerings. Their business strategies are not as strong as that of the established vendors. The emerging vendors include the new entrants in the market, emerging in terms of product portfolio and geographic reach, and require time to gain significant traction in the market.