Water-Soluble Polymers

Published March 2023

The term water-soluble polymer encompasses a variety of synthetic, semisynthetic, and natural materials. Although they differ in molecular structure, these polymers share an important attribute: all are soluble in water, at least under some conditions. For the category as a whole, the range of applications is broad, but individual polymers generally have a smaller set of end uses.

The following pie chart shows world consumption of water-soluble polymers by region:

Building products represent the single most important end use for water-soluble polymers, especially polyethylene glycols and cellulose ethers. Polyethylene glycol is a starting material for polycarboxylate ethers (PCEs), a family of concrete additives. PCEs function as dispersants and water-reducing agents (superplasticizers) in concrete, improving its compressive and flexural strength. Demand for PCEs (and their polyethylene glycol precursors) will see strong growth, especially in mainland China, the Indian Subcontinent, and Southeast Asia, as PCEs replace less efficient first- and second-generation superplasticizers.

Food applications—the second-largest end use for water-soluble polymers—are dominated by natural watersoluble polymers, including gelatin, casein/caseinates, xanthan gum, guar gum, and gum arabic. Some of these polymers provide physiological benefits as well as functional attributes. As dietary fibers, they help reduce cholesterol levels; in addition, they serve as thickeners and suspending agents in yogurt, almond milk, and other foodstuffs. Demand for natural water-soluble polymers will benefit from major trends in the food industry, including consumer preferences for natural ingredients and foods that promote health and wellness.

Water treatment relies primarily on synthetic materials such as polyacrylamide, polyacrylic acid, polyamines, and quaternary ammonium polymers. In North America, Western Europe, and Japan, the municipal, wastewater, and industrial water treatment markets are large and well-established; therefore the outlook for consumption growth is moderate. In contrast, demand growth in mainland China, the Indian Subcontinent, and Southeast Asia will be more robust, stimulated by the government’s growing attention to water resources.

Oil field applications, paper production, pharmaceuticals, detergents, polymerization, and adhesives are additional end uses for water-soluble polymers.

For more detailed information, see the table of contents, shown below.

S&P Global’s Specialty Chemicals Update Program –Water-Soluble Polymers is the comprehensive and trusted guide for anyone seeking information on this industry. This latest report details global and regional information, including

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S&P Global’s Specialty Chemicals Update Program – Water-Soluble Polymers has been compiled using primary interviews with key suppliers and organizations, and leading representatives from the industry in combination with IHS Markit’s unparalleled access to upstream and downstream market intelligence and expert insights into industry dynamics, trade, and economics.

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