Tungsten Oxide Market Outlook in 2018-2019

Tungsten oxide market is expected to grow in a moderate way in 2018-2019, led by the Asia Pacific market, particularly China which accounted for majority of consumption in 2013. Major manufacturers of tungsten compounds are relocating their production facilities to China due to availability of cheap labor, infrastructure and attractive government policies. Republic of Korea, India, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, Australia, New Zealand and Sri Lanka are other major consumers of tungsten oxide in Asia Pacific. North America and Europe are mature markets.

Tungsten has several oxidation states and oxides. Each tungsten oxide has a specific characteristic and feature. Tungsten oxide is grown as a thin film by atomic layer deposition at temperatures ranging from 130 to 250 degree Celsius using a precursor compound. Tungsten dioxide is a bronze-colored solid with chemical formula WO2. The compound crystallizes in a monoclinic cell. Tungsten dioxide structure incorporates distorted octahedral trioxide tungsten centers with alternate short bonds.

Each Tungsten dioxide center has the d2 configuration, which provides the material a superior electrical conductivity. Tungsten dioxide is manufactured by reduction of tungsten trioxide with tungsten powder over the course of several hours at a very high temperature. Tungsten oxide, which is also referred to as tungsten anhydride or tungsten trioxide, is a compound contacting transition metal tungsten and oxygen. 

The material is obtained in the form of an intermediate during processes applied for recovering tungsten from its minerals. Tungsten ores are typically further treated with alkalis in order to obtain tungsten trioxide. If required, a further reaction with hydrogen or carbon gas is carried out so as to get the pure metal from tungsten trioxide. Tungsten pent oxide, also called mineral blue, is a blue solid formed by the reaction of tungsten trioxide and tungsten metal at 700 degree Celsius.

Tungsten companies are using strategic acquisitions and mergers to remain competitive market. In addition, they are developing new and innovative tungsten oxide products to increase their market share. Furthermore, companies are expanding their presence in emerging economies of Asia Pacific due to presence of large number of end user industries.

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