The nascent global electroactive polymers product market is forecast to be worth USD 2.78 bn by 2014, growing annually at 8.3% from 2009 to 2014, with the North American market accounting for almost 65% of total sales, according to a new market research report “Global electroactive polymers market (2009 - 2014)” published by MarketsandMarkets (Wilmington, Delaware / USA; www.marketsandmarkets.com). Electroactive polymers change shape on the application of voltage and have potential future use as actuators and sensors, opening up applications in electronics, healthcare, sensing, and solar energy generation. North America held a 64% share of the global electroactive polymers product market in 2008, followed by Europe with 22%.

The conductive plastics segment makes up the largest submarket of the overall electroactive polymers market, with sales of USD 2.25 bn expected by 2014, growing at 7.3% annually from 2009 to 2014, the researcher says. Conductive plastics are used extensively in electrostatic discharge and electromagnetic interference protection.