(July 28, 2026) Recently, the domestic organosilicon new materials industry has made the latest developments, with multiple low-ring, low-VOC high-end polyether silicone oils achieving stable and large-scale supply. Relying on precise molecular structure modification processes, the new generation of environmentally friendly polyether-modified silicone oil fills the gaps of domestic high-end products, continuously promoting import substitution, and benefiting from the expansion of downstream markets such as water-based coatings, beauty and daily chemicals, new energy lithium batteries, and agricultural additives, ushering in a structural growth window for the industry.
Polyether silicone oil (polyether-modified organosilicon) combines the temperature resistance and low surface tension advantages of silicon-oxygen segments with the hydrophilic compatibility of polyether chains. It is a core multifunctional additive in the fine chemical field, suitable as a wetting and leveling agent, emulsifier, dispersant, foaming agent, and spreading additive, earning it the nickname "industrial universal additive."
In water-based industrial paints, wood coatings, and ink systems, polyether silicone oil effectively eliminates shrinkage porosity, orange peel, and pinhole defects, enhancing the gloss and uniformity of the paint film; Daily cosmetics-grade products feel refreshing and non-sticky, widely used in cleansing and sunscreen, skincare formulas; In the textile printing and dyeing sector, integrated hydrophilic softness finishing of fabrics replaces traditional APEO additives, aligning with green dyeing and renovation policies; At the same time, it is widely used for long-term use in pesticide additives and polyurethane foaming systems. Currently, emerging growth points are concentrated in high-end scenarios such as lithium battery slurry wetting and dispersion, and semiconductor low-ion precision cleaning, with demand in emerging fields continuing to grow by more than 15% year-on-year.
Industry research data shows that by 2026, the domestic polyether silicone oil market size is expected to surpass 10 billion yuan. The market shows a pattern of loose production capacity for general products and tight supply of high-end specialty models. Competition for ordinary mid- to low-end products is fierce, while low-residue, food-contact, electronic-grade, and low-foam customized polyether silicone oils still rely on overseas imports, resulting in a clear supply-demand gap. As domestic companies continue to break through continuous synthesis and solvent-free green production processes, domestic high-end products are effectively shortening delivery cycles and optimizing overall procurement costs while benchmarking performance against imported products.
At the policy level, the green evaluation standards for silicone have been fully implemented, and downstream industry environmental standards continue to tighten, forcing the industry chain to eliminate high-residue, highly volatile old products, and driving a rapid increase in the penetration rate of low-ring eco-friendly polyether silicone oil. The RCEP trade dividend continues to be released, and domestic polyether silicone oil exports to the Southeast Asian textile and coatings industry chain have maintained steady growth.
Industry analysts say that medium- to long-term industry development focuses on three main themes: first, greening, with solvent-free synthesis, low DMC residue, and biodegradable bio-based polyether silicone oil becoming key R&D directions; Second, refined functions, developing specialized modified grades for new energy, semiconductors, and medical excipients; Third, industrial chain integration, with leading companies expanding upward into individual raw materials and downward to formula solutions.
Looking ahead to the second half of the year, the traditional peak season for water-based coatings combined with the expansion of new energy material capacity will provide strong support for polyether silicone oil market demand. Domestic silicon chemical companies will continue to increase R&D of specialty polyether silicone oils, further breaking the long-standing monopoly of overseas brands in the high-end additive market, and promoting China's silicone deep-processing industry to move up the value chain.
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