As a global silicones supplier, Dow Corning provides products and solutions for household appliances, automobiles, electronic components, semiconductors, displays, etc. This year, the corporation will delve into research and development, introducing a new series of LED solutions. To gain a better understanding of silicone electronic products, LEDinside interviewed Qian Nanfang, commercial manager at Dow Corning Electronics Greater China.
With superior ability to withstand high and low temperatures as well as external pressure, Dow Corning’s silicone products provide solutions such as semiconductor die attach adhesives/sealant adhesives, optical encapsulant materials, thermal interface materials, etc. for electronic components, semiconductors, and electronic equipment. As for the LED industry, Dow Corning’s products are widely used in LED lamps, high-efficiency LEDs, and LED streetlights.
LED Lamp Materials
LED Packaging Materials
LED Streetlights
In 2011, Dow Corning’s total sales reached US$6.43 billion, with a net profit of US$806 million. LED manufacturers were the main contributors to the company’s high revenue growth. In 2012, Dow Corning’s LED business will focus on researching the stabilization of moisture-resistant materials and peripheral materials, as well as new product development.
With the gradual unfolding of government’s green lighting policy, the future looks bright for China’s LED market. The number of LED suppliers is growing and capacity is increasing as well, creating a market opportunity for Dow Corning. As market demand increases, the corporation will continue investing in LED research and development. Dow Corning indicates, 4-5% of its yearly revenue will go to research and development . Based on 2011 sales figures, this year the company’s R&D expenditures will be in the US$257-320 million range.
China is an important foreign market for Dow Corning, as the company currently has a total investment of over US$1.5 billion in China. With offices in Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Hong Kong, and Taipei as well as two manufacturing sites and a commercial and technology center in Zhangjiagang and Shanghai. The integrated manufacturing site in Zhangjiagang is China’s largest silicone manufacturing facility, with investments totaling US$1.8 billion. The site includes a siloxanes plant and a fumed silica plant, with a combined capacity of 210,000 metric tons per year. Besides China, the main markets for Dow Corning’s silicone products are Brazil, Russia, and other European and U.S. regions, while the company’s manufacturing plants are spread throughout Japan, China, Korea, Europe, and the U.S. to meet global demand.
Dow Corning, a joint venture between the Dow Chemical Company and Corning, Incorporated. With 45 manufacturing and warehousing sites located across the globe, Dow Corning provides services via the Dow Corning and XIAMETER brands to 25,000 clients around the world.