Breakthrough in Silicone Chemical Recycling Enables "Infinite Loop" Material Recovery

A revolutionary technology developed by researchers at the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) can efficiently convert waste silicone materials into chlorosilane monomers, achieving true closed-loop recycling. The process utilizes a boron trichloride (BCl₃) and gallium chloride catalytic system to depolymerize siloxanes at low temperatures, producing industrial-grade monomers suitable for high-end applications like medical devices and electronics.

Key Advantages:

Low-Carbon Process: Reduces energy consumption by 70% compared to traditional production, significantly lowering the carbon footprint of silicone materials.

Broad Compatibility: Capable of processing complex waste streams, including cross-linked silicone rubbers and additive-containing materials.

Industrial Scalability: Successfully tested at 100kg scale, with commercialization targeted for 2026.

Industry Impact:

With global silicone consumption exceeding 4 million tons annually, this technology addresses critical environmental challenges posed by landfilling and incineration. It aligns with growing demand for sustainable materials in electric vehicles, solar energy, and electronics. Researchers are now optimizing catalyst systems and exploring alternative chlorine sources to improve cost efficiency and environmental performance.

Market Trends: Structural Recovery in Silicone Demand Driven by Emerging Applications

The global silicone market is experiencing a turnaround in 2025, with surging demand for photovoltaic sealants, high-temperature EV silicones, and flexible materials for AI devices shifting the industry from oversupply to tight balance. Key developments include:

35% YoY growth in room-temperature vulcanizing (RTV) silicones for battery encapsulation

20% demand increase for high-temperature vulcanizing (HTV) silicones in power grid infrastructure

Expanding applications in third-gen semiconductor (SiC) packaging

Analysts project the global silicone market to exceed $30 billion by 2025, with an 8.2% CAGR, driven by renewable energy and advanced electronics sectors.