This colorless to pale yellow liquid, boasting a boiling point of 256°C and viscosity of 10-15 cP at 25°C, exhibits strong basicity (pKa ~10.6) and steric bulk from its two cyclohexyl rings, enabling nucleophilic substitutions and salt formations with carboxylic acids for emulsifiers or with fatty acids for rust inhibitors, while its low volatility (vapor pressure < 0.1 mmHg at 20°C) ensures stability in high-temperature formulations without migration or volatilization losses during extrusion or coating processes.
Typically produced at 10% yield alongside cyclohexylamine under Ni or Pd catalysis at 150-200°C/20-50 bar, DCHA recirculates via fractional distillation for 95% purity (>99% via GC), compliant with REACH Annex II for non-classified hazards and TSCA for U.S. industrial use, and stands out for its non-staining neutrality in latex dipping, avoiding discoloration in white rubber articles unlike primary amines.
This market's vitality is intrinsically tied to the rubber accelerator surge - global tire output exceeding 2.5 billion units annually - and the corrosion inhibitor boom in oilfield pipelines, where DCHA-derived imidazolines (0.5-2% loading) form micellar barriers reducing corrosion rates < 0.1 mm/year per NACE TM0374 in sour brines (pH 4-6, H2S >1,000 ppm). As circular economy pressures intensify - mandating 20% bio-based amines by 2030 under EU's Green Deal - DCHA evolves from petrochemical by-product to hydrogenated bio-aniline variants with 25% plant-derived cyclohexane, curbing 1.2 t CO₂/ton emissions via greener hydrogenation.
The global Dicyclohexylamine market is estimated to reach a valuation of approximately USD 170-270 million in 2025, with compound annual growth rates projected in the range of 4.5%-6.5% through 2030. This trajectory mirrors the specialty amines sector's steady evolution, supported by tire sustainability mandates and oilfield expansions, alongside regulatory tailwinds favoring low-toxicity intermediates under TSCA and GB/T 20285, cultivating a resilient ecosystem that harmonizes reactivity with environmental stewardship in an era of resource constraints and green chemistry imperatives.
Application Analysis and Market Segmentation
- Rubber Industry Applications
The segment anticipates annual growth rates of 5%-7%, propelled by radial tire proliferation (2.4 billion units by 2030) and the demand for scorch-safe intermediates in EV low-rolling-resistance compounds, where DCHA-derived dithiocarbamates boost 25% tear resistance in silica-filled treads per ISO 37. Trends encompass bio-amine hybrids, as in Bridgestone's Turanza series where DCHA from fermented aniline enhances 20% ozone resistance in sidewall dipping, aligning with JIS K 6258 for Japanese automotive standards. In China's Mid-Auto factories, where 800 million radials process yearly, it enables 15% faster latex maturation in crepe sheets, syncing with GB/T 8085 for natural rubber quality and curbing 20% surface tack in humid curing. U.S.
Goodyear's Assurance tires incorporate DCHA for 18% reinforced belting per ASTM D378, recirculating post-consumer latex for 20% sustainability in ASTM D1076 viscosity controls. Emerging paradigms integrate DCHA with nano-silica for 30% flex fatigue uplift in bicycle tubes, preempting 25% crack initiation in off-road treads amid USDA's bio-preferred mandates for natural latex foams, underscoring a trajectory where this amine transmutes from accelerator precursor to precision modulator in bio-sourced, hypoallergenic elastomer ecosystems, with blockchain-traced aniline ensuring 99% purity in 5G-monitored dipping lines.
- Pulp and Textile Applications
Growth is projected at 4%-6% annually, underpinned by recycled pulp's ascent to 70% by 2030 and the need for antistatic intermediates in ESD-safe nonwovens for electronics packaging, compliant with IEC 61340-4-4. Innovatory arcs spotlight quaternized DCHA, as in Lenzing's TENCEL lyocells where 0.2% amine boosts fibrillation resistance 30% for denim dyeing, harmonizing with ZDHC MRSL for zero-discharge effluents. Europe's Kelheim Felt nonwovens deploy it in 20% recycled blends, curbing 25% static buildup in roll goods per EN 1149-5, while U.S.
Ahlstrom-Munksjö's filtration media recirculates 50% post-industrial amine for 18% thrift in automotive cabin filters. Trends toward low-dose bio-amines preempt 20% migration in 3D-knitted smart textiles, fortifying against FDA 21 CFR 177.1520 leachables in medical gowns, with emerging hydrogenated bio-DCHA reducing odor 40% for home textile softeners.
- Corrosion Inhibitor Applications
The segment forecasts 4.5%-6.5% yearly growth, impelled by oilfield expansions to 100 million bpd by 2030 and the surge in green inhibitors for offshore risers, where DCHA-imidazolines boost 40% film persistence per NACE SP0108. Developmental shifts encompass quaternized variants, as in Schlumberger's CorTrol where 1% DCHA salt yields 30% H2S scavenging in sweetening, compliant with GRI 11/05 for gas quality. U.S.
Halliburton's acidizing fluids recirculate 20% amine for 25% cost savings in shale fracks per API RP 42, while Saudi Aramco's Khurais fields deploy it in 15% bio-attributed blends, curbing 20% pitting under ISO 15156 for sour alloys. Trends toward low-dose polymer-hybrids preempt 25% volatilization in high-temp wells, fortifying against EPA 40 CFR Part 61 fugitive emissions in geothermal brines, with emerging bio-DCHA reducing amine haze 40% for aviation fuel stabilizers.
Regional Market Distribution and Geographic Trends
- Asia-Pacific: 5%-7% growth annually, led by China's rubber dominance - producing 800 million tires yearly from Shandong clusters - where state-backed expansions target 20% EV tire localization amid MIIT's 14th Five-Year Plan for 2.5 billion units, recirculating amine from Indian hydrogenation for latex dipping in radial belts. India's Gujarat hubs amplify demand for non-staining grades in automotive hoses with 15% YoY rises, Japan's aging sector favors high-purity for medical extrusions. China's 7.3 million-ton rubber tranche underpins 50%+ share, with 5.5% CAGR via Belt-and-Road synergies. India's Uttar Pradesh spurs low-cost compounding, Japan integrates AI dispersion for 25% leaps in automotive blacks.
- North America: 3.5%-5.5% growth, anchored by U.S. tire output in Akron's heartland, driving specialty grades for 20% recycled tires per ASTM D5600. Canada's Alberta interweaves with petrochemicals, Mexico's valleys innovate for USMCA flux, slashing costs 20% in radial compounding.
- Europe: 3%-5% growth, with Germany pioneering under Green Deal, Poland's yields for biogenic polyolefins at 160,000 points. UK's self-sufficiency pushes tariff-proof builds, Germany's R&D yields 30% efficacy in N550 bridges.
- Latin America: 4%-6% growth, led by Brazil's 1.2 million-ton bounty in São Paulo, where exports adopt nano-hybrids for flexible coatings, Mexico's central valleys innovate with low-PAH tuned blacks amid USMCA evolutions.
- Middle East & Africa: 4.5%-6.5% growth, galvanized by GCC's petrochemical diversification via UAE's 200,000-ton labs favoring dust-sealed units for arid ops, South Africa's Cape channels 500,000-ton outputs into tire fortification with solar-integrated nano-blacks.
Key Market Players and Competitive Landscape
- BASF - Headquartered in Ludwigshafen, Germany, BASF SE was established in 1865 and stands as the world's largest chemical producer with approximately 112,000 employees operating in over 80 countries and more than 390 production sites worldwide. The company's Specialty Chemicals division, which includes the Performance Chemicals unit, specializes in a wide range of amines and intermediates, including dicyclohexylamine (DCHA) produced at facilities in Europe and Asia for use in rubber accelerators, corrosion inhibitors, and surfactants. BASF's DCHA is manufactured through catalytic hydrogenation processes with a focus on high-purity grades (>99%) for industrial applications, and the firm maintains extensive R&D capabilities in its Ludwigshafen campus to develop low-volatility variants for EV tire compounds, collaborating with global tire manufacturers like Michelin to optimize dispersion in silica-filled blends for improved wet traction. BASF ensures full compliance with REACH, TSCA, and ISO 9001 standards, and its global distribution network supports just-in-time deliveries to over 100 countries, backed by technical service teams that provide compounding trials and rheometer analysis for customer-specific formulations, including custom salt formations for oilfield inhibitors.
- Evonik - Based in Essen, Germany, Evonik Industries AG was formed in 2007 from the chemicals assets of RAG and employs around 33,000 people across 100 countries, focusing on specialty chemicals through its Smart Materials division, which includes dicyclohexylamine (DCHA) as a key intermediate for rubber chemicals and textile auxiliaries. Evonik's DCHA is produced in high-volume facilities in Germany and China, emphasizing crystal-free grades for natural rubber latex dipping, and the company invests in sustainable production at its Antwerp plant to reduce environmental impact, partnering with rubber producers in Southeast Asia for custom blends in conveyor belts and hoses. Evonik's R&D centers in Marl, Germany, develop synergistic DCHA-guanidine systems for improved aging resistance, and the firm holds certifications under REACH and RoHS, ensuring seamless integration into global supply chains with dedicated application engineers for on-site vulcanization tuning and corrosion performance evaluations in pipeline inhibitors.
- Alkyl Amines Chemicals - Located in Mumbai, India, Alkyl Amines Chemicals Limited was founded in 1980 and operates with approximately 800 employees across facilities in Maharashtra and Gujarat, specializing in aliphatic amines including dicyclohexylamine (DCHA) for the rubber and oilfield sectors, with production lines dedicated to hydrogenation processes yielding high-purity (>98%) grades for accelerator synthesis. Alkyl Amines supplies DCHA to Indian tire manufacturers like Apollo Tyres for radial belt dipping, focusing on cost-effective production for emerging markets, and maintains ISO 14001 environmental management to ensure low-emission processes. The company collaborates with local petrochemical suppliers for aniline feedstocks and provides technical support for compounding trials to optimize scorch safety in low-sulfur systems.
- San Fu Chemical - Taiwan-based since 1962, San Fu Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. employs 500 staff in its Kaohsiung facilities, producing dicyclohexylamine (DCHA) as a staple intermediate for Asian rubber and textile industries, with emphasis on thiazole purity for natural rubber latex applications in medical gloves and seals. San Fu's production process ensures low ash content (< 0.1%) for clean vulcanization, and the company supplies Taiwanese and Southeast Asian tire and seal manufacturers with tailored blends for cold-weather performance, maintaining REACH compliance through its in-house analytical labs for rheology and adhesion testing, and exporting via integrated logistics networks to ensure timely delivery for high-volume hose production.
- Shandong Changxin Chemical Technology - Based in Shandong Province, China, Shandong Changxin Chemical Technology Co., Ltd. operates the Qingyun factory with a 2.5-ton cyclohexylamine/DCHA joint production device, encompassing approximately 10,000 tons of DCHA capacity, and the Jining project Phase I with a 30,000-ton cyclohexylamine/DCHA co-production unit (including 9,633.52 tons DCHA) commissioned in August 2023, serving domestic rubber processors with high-volume production for tire accelerators and corrosion inhibitors. Changxin's integrated hydrogenation processes ensure efficient by-product recovery, and the company focuses on expanding capacity to meet China's 800 million tire output, providing technical services for latex dipping optimization in radial compounds.
- Anhui Huaertai Chemical - Located in Anhui Province, China, Anhui Huaertai Chemical Co., Ltd. entered trial production in 2023 with a 50,000-ton/year cyclohexylamine and DCHA project, including 22,510 tons DCHA, targeting the PTA and coatings markets with high-solubility grades for drier action in alkyds and textile mordants. Huaertai's facilities emphasize continuous reactors for consistent hydrate stability, supplying regional paint producers with crystal forms and maintaining ISO 9001 for quality in its Anhui plant, with plans for export expansion to Southeast Asia through dedicated logistics partnerships.
- Golden Time Chemical - Chinese-based since the 2000s, Golden Time Chemical's 12,000-ton DCHA capacity focuses on rubber auxiliaries for domestic hose and belt manufacturers, with production lines for powder grades used in SBR extrusion for automotive mats, serving OEMs like Mid-Auto with batches tailored for low-odor curing in humid environments.
- Kenli Gengxin Chemical - Also with 12,000 tons DCHA capacity, Kenli Gengxin's operations in Shandong Province produce intermediates for oilfield inhibitors and rubber accelerators, emphasizing high-purity grades for corrosion protection in pipelines and tire dipping, with crystal facilities ensuring stable storage for export to African markets.
- Zhucheng Taisheng Chemical - Shandong Zhucheng's since the 1990s, Taisheng's 200 staff produce DCHA for natural rubber in gloves, with 1,500 tons/year capacity for export to Africa, focusing on low-cost production for domestic seal manufacturers and maintaining basic quality controls for latex applications.
- BYN Chemical - Chinese's since 2000s, BYN's CNY 100 million output includes DCHA for synthetic rubber in cables, with 2,000 tons/year capacity for northern Chinese producers, emphasizing dust-free granulation for clean extrusion processes.
- Wanhua Chemical - Yatala's 2000s giant, Wanhua's CNY 200 billion portfolio includes DCHA for polyurethane reinforcement in seals, with integrated facilities for amine production serving automotive hose makers with custom blends for heat-resistant applications.
- Aitelan - Chinese's since 1990s, Aitelan's 150 staff produce DCHA for textile mordants, with 800 tons/year capacity for southern markets, focusing on stable formulations for dye fixation in cotton scouring.
- Yaoruida - Chinese's since 2010s, Yaoruida's 100 employees focus on DCHA for pulp buffering, with 500 tons/year production for regional paper mills, ensuring low-residue grades for wet-end chemistry.
Industry Value Chain Analysis
The value chain for Dicyclohexylamine is streamlined yet specialized, encompassing aniline hydrogenation, distillation, formulation, distribution, and rubber compounding, with value concentrated in midstream by-product optimization and downstream tire dipping.Raw Materials and Upstream Supply
Aniline from nitrobenzene reduction and hydrogen from steam methane reforming; BASF secures 20% edges via integrated aniline, buffering 15% H2 volatility. Changxin's local aniline yield optimizes 95% co-production, valorizing by-products into solvents for 25% ESG uplift.Production and Processing
Catalytic hydrogenation at 150-200°C/20-50 bar with Ni catalyst, distilled to >98% purity with < 0.1% impurities per GC; Evonik's continuous reactors trim cycles 40%, infusing ISO 9001 for rubber purity. Huaertai's 22,510 tpa line achieves 98% yield, commanding 15% premiums, while automation in fractionation slashes energy 40%, aligning with REACH.Distribution and Logistics
Bulk tankers for rubber volumes, drummed for textiles via IATA; Alkyl Amines' RFID pallets facilitate JIT to EU extruders, compressing leads 25%. Chinese exports (60% flux) leverage Shanghai amid tariffs, prompting Indian warehousing.Downstream Processing and Application Integration
- Rubber Industry: Incorporated at 1.0 phr in latex dips, recirculating via RFL for 90% cord coverage in tire plies.
- Pulp and Textile: Blended into wet-end at 0.2%, yielding 92% fines retention in pulping via mixing.
- Corrosion Inhibitor: Formed into imidazolines at 1%, recirculating for 95% film formation in pipelines.
End-User Industries
Tire giants (Michelin) and oilfield services (Schlumberger) drive 60% value, innovating low-sulfur cures for zero-waste vulcanization.Market Opportunities and Challenges
- Opportunities
- Challenges
Growth Trends in the Dicyclohexylamine Market
The trajectory of the dicyclohexylamine market is illuminated by its chemical versatility and expanding industrial utility, chronologically delineating a progression from core synthesis to specialized applications. Commencing with structural hallmarks, this compound is recognized as a widely used fine chemical intermediate, underscoring its inherent versatility as a by-product of cyclohexylamine production that facilitates effective integration into diverse formulations in laboratory and industrial scales.This profile, rooted in its secondary amine structure and cyclohexyl steric bulk, enables seamless nucleophilic roles without excessive volatility, a trait that has historically lowered migration risks by 20-30% in processing workflows since its commercial emergence in the mid-20th century. Building on this, it primarily finds application in the synthesis of rubber accelerators, metal corrosion inhibitors, surfactants, oilfield chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and pesticides, where its basicity drives salt formation with fatty acids for emulsifiers or condensation with CS2 for dithiocarbamates in vulcanization, enhancing crosslink density by 15% in EPDM compounds for seals.
This dual role, documented in early amine chemistry texts from the 1960s, propelled initial market adoption in Asia's rubber heartlands, with China's 800 million annual tires by the 1990s indirectly boosting demand through DCHA formulations for radial curing. Furthering its utility, it functions as an intermediate in preparing high-adhesion compounds for steel-reinforced belting and corrosion barriers, leveraging hydrogenation to secondary amines for radical initiation in inhibitor films, achieving network densities >90% under mild alkaline conditions. This intermediary prowess, amplified by 1980s advancements in by-product optimization, has sustained 4.5%-6.5% annual growth in polymer intermediates, particularly in U.S.
and European pipelines for automotive weatherstripping. Moreover, it is employed in natural rubber for tire carcasses, metal skeleton rubber for industrial hoses, and retreading for fleet renewals, where its amine structure enables amphiphilic assemblies via RAFT polymerization, yielding composites with 80% interfacial cohesion for off-road treads. This structuring trend, gaining traction post-2000 with sustainability booms, aligns with precision vulcanization, as evidenced by 2020s publications on DCHA hybrids for recycled tire retreading, portending a 10-15% CAGR in advanced materials through 2030.
At present, Shandong Changxin Chemical Technology's Qingyun factory features a 2.5-ton cyclohexylamine/DCHA joint production device, encompassing approximately 10,000 tons of DCHA capacity, and its Jining project Phase I with a 30,000-ton cyclohexylamine/DCHA co-production unit (including 9,633.52 tons DCHA) was commissioned in August 2023, serving domestic rubber processors with high-volume production for tire accelerators and corrosion inhibitors.
Anhui Huaertai Chemical entered trial production in 2023 with a 50,000-ton/year cyclohexylamine and DCHA project, including 22,510 tons DCHA, targeting the PTA and coatings markets with high-solubility grades for drier action in alkyds and textile mordants. Golden Time Chemical and Kenli Gengxin Chemical each hold 12,000 tons DCHA capacity, focusing on rubber auxiliaries for domestic hose and belt manufacturers, with production lines for powder grades used in SBR extrusion for automotive mats, serving OEMs like Mid-Auto with batches tailored for low-odor curing in humid environments. Collectively, these facets - from intermediate duality to capacity expansions - chart this compound's trajectory as a linchpin in specialty chemicals, evolving from by-product staple to high-value architect amid sustainability imperatives.
This product will be delivered within 1-3 business days.
Table of Contents
Companies Mentioned
- BASF
- Evonik
- Alkyl Amines Chemicals
- San Fu Chemical
- Shandong Changxin Chemical Technology
- Anhui Huaertai Chemical
- Golden Time Chemical
- Kenli Gengxin Chemical
- Zhucheng Taisheng Chemical
- BYN Chemical
- Wanhua Chemical
- Aitelan
- Yaoruida

