Barium nitrate is used in a considerable amount in the production of ceramic powder that is an important ingredient of electronic components, such as superconductors, capacitors, and semiconductors. The ceramic powder coating is used for device packaging, specialized mechanical components, and semiconductor devices. Besides, its application is increasing in the glass industry, as this compound helps in improving opacity and homogeneity of glasses. Moreover, it is used as an oxidizing agent during the production of glass, as it prevents crystallization of glass, thus, leading to better productivity and output.
Moreover, stable and continuous demand for barium nitrate products from the pyrotechnics/fireworks sector is expected to boost the adoption of this chemical in coming years. Barium nitrate acts as an intermediate chemical in the pyrotechnic industry and as an oxidizing agent to manufacture green fireworks. It is also used as a pyrotechnic colorant compound, which gives a specific color to the burning flame. Besides, the chemical is utilized in tracer bullet that allows shooter to detect the trajectory of a bullet with the naked eye.
Also, barium nitrate is used in the manufacturing sector to produce cement, electrical machinery, and aerospace machinery. Other applications of the compound include the production of metals, casting of metals, and surface treatment of metals. Apart from these, a significant volume of the chemical is used in manufacturing of pesticides, as it helps in destroying, preventing, and migrating pests. Moreover, barium nitrate is widely used in sporting equipment like soccer balls, boats and boating equipment, fishing rods, tents, and basketball rims.
Thus, the broadening application base of barium nitrate is fueling the demand for this compound. This has led to the exponential growth in the production capacity of established market players, such as Angene International Ltd., Hebei Xinji Chemical Group Co Ltd., Jiaocheng Sanxi Chemical Co. Ltd., SNDB, Tennants Distribution Ltd., Basstech International Llc, Sakai Chemical Industry Co. Ltd., Solvay, and Xilan Chemicals Co. Ltd. Due to the strong presence of these companies, new players will face a lot of competition in terms of cost competitiveness, product quality, and supply reliability.
In 2015, the APAC region adopted the maximum quantity of barium nitrate products, due to the spurring demand from the fireworks/pyrotechnics industry and the expanding electronics sector. Moreover, surging application of barium nitrate for military applications in the region supported the barium nitrate market growth. Among APAC nations, India and China will register the major consumption for barium nitrate, due to the growth of the firecracker industry in India and the electronics sector in China.
Therefore, the expansion of the military, electronics, and pyrotechnics industries will propel the demand for barium nitrate products in future.