IRAbsorbing Nanocoating Market

IR-Absorbing Nanocoating Market Size

The global IR-Absorbing nanocoating market was estimated at USD 472.3 million in 2024. The market is expected to grow from USD 492.5 million in 2025 to USD 1 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 8.4%.

• Carbon nanotube coatings will continue to dominate the market in large part due to the absorptance strength they have in the IR wavelengths, the mechanical strength, and ability to conform to curves or composite surfaces. Carbon nanotube coatings for instance, could create a revenue of over USD 820 million with addressable coatings by 2034 followed by graphene-based nanocoatings which demonstrate very rapid growth driven by their respective conductivity and flexibility.
  
• The compound growth from 2019 to 2024 rose mainly due to supply chain disruption caused by growing geopolitical tensions and military spending by the U.S. and China along with an increase in military spending by India too.
  
• The pace at which the market is growing is also affected by increased interest in adaptive and smart coating systems where the IR-responsiveness can be adjusted in real time. These developments have been prototyped in military wearables, drone skins, and solar skins, and automotive surfaces with self-regulating thermal properties.
  
• Governments and private players are on the scene investing in sustainable, PFAS-free IR coatings in response to chemicals safety mandates in the EU and U.S. EPA guidance. The large amount of funding, support, and interest is advancing R&D efforts in green nanocoating chemistry, with commercial deployment expected in the mid forecast years (2027–2030).
  
• By volume, the market crossed three million units in 2024, with an anticipated annual growth rate of 6.3%. While defense remains the highest revenue-generating sector, automotive and electronics are contributing to volume-based growth through mass production and integration into consumer-level systems.
  

IR-Absorbing Nanocoating Market Trends

• The growth of stealth and thermal-masking technologies is taking off in defense applications and resulting in mass adoption of IR-absorbing nanocoatings in armor, aerial drones, and other wearables.
  
• The carbon nanotube (CNT) and graphene-based nanocoatings are growing across industries, including electronics, electric vehicles, and aerospace, due to their advantages with superior IR absorption, flexibility, and thermal stability.
  
• Smart and adaptive nanocoatings are gaining traction and the application of active nanocoatings that enable surfaces to change their IR reflectivity in real time. Examples of applications include best practices of surfaces/vehicles being worn by soldiers that are IR responsive, responding facades on building envelopes, and solar windows that regulate IR energy.
  
• The market is undergoing transformation due to dual-use technologies, where new nanocoatings developed for defense buyers are finding crossover civilian uses in on everything from civil aviation and automotive applications through building materials. These military-grade coatings, originally developed for facets of defense, have transitioned to commercial use, where they are being utilized for thermal glare management, hardness, and surface durability in high-performance sectors.
  
• Commercialization of coating technologies aided by strategic partnerships being formed between coating startups and defense contractors, allowing for more rapid product validation and scaling. Under intense customer pressure, companies like Sur met and NEI are partnering with military labs and aerospace OEMs to shorten the time between early testing of flight-ready and combat-tested coatings to full production.
  

IR-Absorbing Nanocoating Market Analysis

Learn more about the key segments shaping this market

Download Free PDF

Based on Technology, the Carbon nanotube-based coatings valued at USD 166.8 million in 2024, and it is anticipated to expand 9.3% of CAGR during 2025-2034.

• Carbon nanotube-based coatings hold the lead in the market segment and are expected to take on a 38.2% share by 2034 because of their remarkable IR absorption, thermal resistance, and use in stealth runway, drone and aerospace applications. Their scalability and versatility on curved and composite surfaces also support their lead positions in the defense and energy sectors.
  
• The graphene based nanocoating segment is the fastest growing section, forecast to take the major share at 21.5% by 2034. However, graphene-based products often have ultra-thin formulations, are highly conductive and can be tuned to specific wavelengths. Their expected usage will be found in semiconductors, Electric Vehicle (EV), and as adaptive thermal coatings.
  
• The market share of metal oxide coatings, while economically priced coatings for the solar and industrial markets, will decline with expectations of only 20.1% of the market since other advanced coating systems that have similar features of flexibility and multi-functionality exist.
  

The IR-Absorbing nanocoating market from defense and military applications valued at USD 168.2 million in 2024, and it is anticipated to expand 7.6% of CAGR during 2025-2034.

• Defense and military applications are the largest sector by revenue share and are estimated to capture approximately 33.1% of total market revenues by 2034, as the applications using thermal camouflage and low-IR coating for vehicles (to reduce IR/heat signature) and sensor shielding (in next-gen warfare systems) are expected to increase. These coatings will remain essential components in the market value of unmanned aerial vehicles and targeting optics, and armor.
  
• Automotive applications expand at a rapid pace, helped by their implementation for thermal shielding in EV battery packs, glare reducing smart glass, and sensor protection in autonomous vehicles. Whether they want to be or not, automotive applications are estimated to grow beyond 16.8% by 2034.
  
• Electronics and semiconductors are growing not surprisingly due to miniaturization and the pressure of heat management, leading nanocoating’s to become more widely adopted in thermal interface materials, MEMS, and infrared detectors.

Learn more about the key segments shaping this market

Download Free PDF

The IR-Absorbing nanocoating market from military and defense valued at USD 170.8 million in 2024, and it is anticipated to expand 7.6% of CAGR during 2025-2034.

• The military and defense market continues to be the largest end-use sector and is projected to generate more than 33.5% of all revenue by 2034 due, in part, to new defense spending patterns including a focus on stealth platforms, thermal masking systems, and infrared-invisible combat gear.
  
• Justifying a future dual-use product(s) appears reasonable when we consider that compliance with defense-grade performance standards expected to continue to remind customers of the dollar value of continued demand in these regions (i.e., U.S., India, and Israel).
  
• The automotive sector is also growing, changing due to the emergence of EVs and autonomous vehicles. Examples of where IR nanocoating can be used are sensor modules, glare-free windshields and battery thermal shields. Similarly, electronics and semiconductors are a major group of users due to higher heat loads in the ever-tightening footprint of miniaturized circuits.

Looking for region specific data?

Download Free PDF

In 2024, North America was the main area in the IR-absorbing nanocoating’s space with a whopping 37% share. This is primarily due to extensive procurements by the U.S. Department of Defense, and North America's first-mover advantage, using nanomaterials across the aerospace, homeland security and advanced industrial R&D, including higher education. The U.S. military's commitment to developing next generation defense technologies will ensure steady demand for high performance, defense-class IR coatings. North America also has a fully developed ecosystem of nanotechnology innovators, robust intellectual property protection, and a fully established supply chain, already making way for the rapid commercialization and deployment of advanced nanocoating solutions. North America has also clearly demonstrated its market leadership with leading players in the market, and a focus on energy efficiency in both the public and private sectors.

Moving forward, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to be the fastest growing market for IR-absorbing nanocoating and will account for approximately 25% of the market share by 2034. China's, South Korea's and India's focus on substantial investments into semiconductors, electric vehicles, solar energy, and local military modernization programs position these countries as core growth markets. These countries are not only focusing and growing their manufacturing but growing innovation from partnerships between government-backed R&D and sometimes public-private partnerships. Rapid industrialization, rapid urbanization and a growing emphasis on energy-efficient technologies will generate considerable demand for advanced nanocoating in the Asia-Pacific region, allowing them to operate on a different growth trajectory than other global markets in the next decade.

IR-Absorbing Nanocoating Market Share

• Nanotech Coatings Inc. clearly dominates the global market for IR-absorbing nanocoatings with a 13% market share as opposed to the second-place competitor with an 11% share with multiple competitors at 10% or lower market shares. Nanotech’s advantage clearly lies in their extensive R&D knowledge in a rapidly growing teleshop and valued existing product range along with strategic customer relationships in the defense and commercial aerospace sectors. The top five players in the market are Nanotech Coatings Inc., Surmet Corporation (11%), NEI Corporation (10%), Tripleo Coatings (9%), and Advenira Enterprises Inc. (8%) are accounted for 51.2% of the market which is a clear indicator that the market is at least moderately consolidated, Botanical Gardens, 2023). Nanotech Coatings Inc. continues to maintain this dominant market position due to their continued investment in innovation and multiple patents for functional/craft high performance coatings for IR protection while also focusing on development with productions in North America and Europe. Nanotech Coatings, Inc.’s market and sales momentum, demonstrated greater than 10% year-over-year revenue growth for the previous two years, driven by large contracts with both Industrial and Government customers. NEI Corporation maintained very strong financials with strong revenue growth during the same period due to their specialization in nanomaterial and nanotechnology synthesis and wise partnerships and strategic approaches with both automotive and electronics manufacturers.
  
• The competitive environment is established through deliberate R&D investments, partnerships, and targeted acquisitions. Surmet Corporation gained market share by introducing the next generation of infrared absorbing coatings that focus on the automotive and construction markets, while Tripleo Coatings focused on globalization through joint ventures and acquisitions in the Asia-Pacific region. Advenira Enterprises Inc. had a different focus on sustaining their differentiation through an emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly formulations for consumers who are conscious of their environmental impact.
  
• Consolidation has grabbed headlines lately in the merger and acquisition world, especially in coatings with prominent companies acquiring innovative startups to gain access to novel technologies and gain strength in the product lines they offer. Nanotech Coatings Inc., for example, recently acquired a specialty coatings company allowing it to capitalize on new capabilities in Defense-grade applications. The coatings industry has, and will continue to, demonstrate a moderate amount of consolidation. However, many new entrants are continuing to enter the market, including many Asian companies who have substantial amounts of R&D investment and manufacturing scale. Additionally, many disruptive exist - multifunctional nanocoating’s and self-healing surfaces, for example - which serve as both threats and opportunities for existing players in the coatings industry. The strategic direction of market leaders in coatings is to develop partnerships, expansion globally, and innovate thought incremental and radical innovations. This ensures they remain ahead of, or on par with, the rapid changes and developments within their marketplace.
  

IR-Absorbing Nanocoating Market Companies

Top 5 IR-Absorbing nanocoating industry leaders:

• Nanotech Coatings Inc. has approximately 13% of the market share with an estimated revenue of USD 61.4 million in 2024. The focus areas of this company's product development in multi-surface, PFAS-free IR coatings have made tactical strides in automotive and smart glass sectors, with recent developments in heat-reflective facade coatings.
  
• Surmet Corporation is the market leader with an estimated USD 52 million in revenue in 2024, with a 11% market share. The company's strength is its transparent ceramics based on ALON® and its IR stealth nanocoatings used in aerospace optics and armored vehicles. The company recently scaled its DoD-certified facility for programs with volume needs for defense.
  
• NEI Corporation holds a 10% market share and generated approximately USD 47.2million in revenue. The company has patented the hybrid nanocomposite coatings for electronics, EVs and solar modules, grant limited access to innovative modular-style R&D, and fast design—formulation—scale-up operation capabilities.
  
• Tripleo Coatings has a 9% share USD 42.5 million, recognized for its engineered stealth solutions for UAVs and military-grade optics: high-temp/high-emissivity adaptive systems.
  
• Advenira Enterprises Inc. has a market share of about 8% for USD 37.8 million in revenue. Advenira is developing coatings and solutions using its Solution Derived Precursor (SDP) platform that employ IR-blocking, abrasion-resistant coatings in applications ranging from defense to infrastructure.
  

IR-Absorbing Nanocoating Industry News

• On June 12, 2024, Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute have developed an IR-absorbing nanocoating that greatly improves the efficiency of solar panels by diminishing heat buildup. The nanocoating is composed of engineered nanoparticles that absorb infrared radiation while allowing visible light to pass through the coating, which keeps the solar panel cooler and in turn, converts the energy from the sun with a rate that increased 15%. The researchers believe this will allow solar technology to flourish in harsh, hot environments as well as urban areas.
  
• On May 28, 2024, A consortium of European automakers is using IR-absorbing nanocoatings on the glass of vehicles, which will keep the items inside cooler by absorbing the solar radiation absorbed by the glass windows of vehicles. The new transparent coating uses engineered nanoparticles (in partnership/export from NanoTech Solutions) and blocks over 80% of infrared radiation, resulting in lower interior temperatures and the reliance on air-conditioning in vehicles. Interior comfort as a reason for vehicle purchases will enhance and lower fuel consumption emissions (and fuel use) may also align with new sustainability initiatives.
  

This IR-absorbing nanocoating market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD Million) & volume (Units) from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:

Click here to Buy Section of this Report

Market, By Technology

• Carbon nanotube-based coatings
  • Single-wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) coatings
  • Multi-wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) coatings
  • Carbon nanotube composite coatings
• Graphene-based nanocoating
  • Graphene oxide coatings
  • Reduced graphene oxide coatings
  • Graphene nanoplatelets coatings
• Metal oxide nanocoatings
  • Titanium dioxide (tio2) based
  • Zinc oxide based
  • Iron oxide based
  • Other metal oxides
• Polymer-based nanocoatings
  • Conducting polymer coatings
  • Polymer-nanoparticle composites
• Hybrid and composite systems
  • Carbon-metal oxide hybrids
  • Polymer-carbon composites
  • Multi-layer systems

Market, By Application

• Defense and military applications
  • Stealth aircraft coatings
  • Naval vessel coatings
  • Ground vehicle stealth systems
• Automotive applications
  • Thermal management systems
  • Engine component coatings
  • Body panel applications
  • Electric vehicle components
• Electronics and semiconductors
  • Thermal interface materials
  • Electronic device coatings
  • Semiconductor packaging
  • Display technologies
• Solar energy applications
  • Solar panel coatings
  • Concentrated solar power systems
  • Solar thermal collectors
• Aerospace applications
  • Aircraft thermal management
  • Satellite and space systems
  • Engine component coatings
• Industrial applications
  • Manufacturing equipment
  • Process industry applications
  • Energy infrastructure
• Other applications
  • Building and construction
  • Medical and healthcare

Market, By End Use

• Military and defense
  • Government defense spending impact
  • Stealth technology requirements
  • Regional defense market analysis
• Automotive industry
  • Traditional automotive segment
  • Electric vehicle segment
  • Autonomous vehicle applications
• Electronics and semiconductors
  • Consumer electronics
  • Industrial electronics
  • Telecommunications equipment
• Energy and power
  • Renewable energy sector
  • Traditional power generation
  • Energy storage systems
• Aerospace and aviation
  • Commercial aviation
  • Military aviation
  • Space and satellite industry
• Industrial manufacturing
  • Heavy industry
  • Process industries
  • Manufacturing equipment
• Other end use industries
  • Healthcare and medical
  • Construction and infrastructure
  • Consumer goods

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Uk
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia pacific 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
  • Rest of Latin America 
• MEA
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • Rest of middle east and Africa