Methylenebis(2-methylcyclohexylamine), widely recognized in the chemical industry by its acronym MACM or the abbreviation DMDC, is a cycloaliphatic diamine of significant industrial importance. Chemically identified by the CAS No. 6864-37-5 and formally known as 4,4’-Methylenebis(2-methylcyclohexylamine), this substance represents a colorless to slightly yellow liquid that is distinguished by its unique molecular structure. The presence of methyl groups on the cyclohexane rings sterically hinders the amine groups, which results in a reactivity profile that is distinct from other aliphatic amines. This specific chemical architecture imparts exceptional properties to the polymers derived from it, particularly regarding thermal stability, mechanical strength, and optical clarity.
As a high-value intermediate, MACM serves as a critical building block in the synthesis of high-performance polymers. It is primarily utilized as a curing agent for epoxy resins and as a monomer in the production of transparent polyamides (nylons) and polyurethanes. Unlike aromatic amines, which can suffer from yellowing upon UV exposure, the cycloaliphatic nature of MACM ensures superior color stability and weatherability, making it the material of choice for applications requiring aesthetic durability and long-term performance in harsh environments.
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As a high-value intermediate, MACM serves as a critical building block in the synthesis of high-performance polymers. It is primarily utilized as a curing agent for epoxy resins and as a monomer in the production of transparent polyamides (nylons) and polyurethanes. Unlike aromatic amines, which can suffer from yellowing upon UV exposure, the cycloaliphatic nature of MACM ensures superior color stability and weatherability, making it the material of choice for applications requiring aesthetic durability and long-term performance in harsh environments.
Market Size and Growth Forecast
The global market for Methylenebis(2-methylcyclohexylamine) (MACM) is experiencing a period of steady growth, driven by the expanding demand for advanced materials in the renewable energy, automotive, and coatings sectors.- Market Scale: By the year 2026, the global market size for MACM is estimated to reach between 100 million and 150 million USD. This valuation reflects the specialized nature of the chemical, which, while not a commodity chemical in terms of volume, commands a high price point due to the complex hydrogenation technology required for its production and its critical role in high-value end products.
- Growth Trajectory: Looking ahead to the period from 2026 to 2031, the market is projected to expand at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) ranging from 2.8% to 4.8% . This growth rate is underpinned by the rising adoption of wind energy (requiring high-performance composites) and the increasing sophistication of optical and electronic devices necessitating transparent, durable plastics.
Market Segmentation by Application
The utility of MACM is segmented into three primary application areas: Epoxy Curing Agents, Transparent Polyamides, and a cluster of other applications including Polyurethanes and Polyureas.- Epoxy Curing Agents
- Industrial Coatings and Marine Paints: MACM-cured epoxies exhibit outstanding resistance to water, alkalis, acids, and hydrocarbon solvents. This makes them indispensable in heavy anti-corrosion industrial paints and marine coatings used on ships and offshore structures. The chemical structure of MACM provides a hydrophobic character to the cured resin, significantly enhancing moisture resistance.
- Wind Energy Sector: The wind power industry is a critical driver for MACM. It is extensively used in the formulation of curing agents for wind turbine blades and wind mold materials. The manufacturing of large composite blades requires curing systems with low viscosity for effective resin infusion and long pot life to ensure uniform curing of large structures. MACM-based systems meet these requirements while providing the finished blade with the high strength and fatigue resistance needed to withstand turbulent wind loads.
- Electronic Encapsulation and Potting: In the electronics industry, MACM is key to producing non-corrosive, electrically insulating potting compounds. Notable commercial examples utilizing MACM-type chemistries or requiring its performance characteristics include 3M™ Scotch-Weld™ Epoxy Potting Compound/Adhesive DP270 Clear, which utilizes the non-corrosive nature of the amine to protect copper components; SikaBiresin® G439 (formerly EC-439), utilized in tooling and modeling applications; and Henkel LOCTITE EA E-60NC, a non-corrosive epoxy designed for electronic bonding.
- Transparent Polyamides (Nylons)
- Performance Characteristics: These engineering plastics offer a unique combination of high transparency, high chemical resistance (specifically to stress cracking), and high glass transition temperatures.
End-Use Applications:
- Optical and Eyewear: Used in high-end eyeglass frames and safety goggles where impact resistance and clarity are paramount, and where resistance to skin oils and sunscreens is required.
- Medical Devices: Utilized in tubing, connectors, and masks where visibility of fluids is necessary, alongside resistance to sterilization chemicals.
- Consumer Electronics: Used in monitoring windows, flow meters, and sensor housings.
- Automotive: Applied in fluid reservoirs (oil, brake fluid) where the level needs to be visible, and the material must withstand high engine temperatures and aggressive fluids.
- Others (Polyurethane and Polyurea Chain Extenders)
Value Chain and Supply Chain Analysis
The MACM value chain is characterized by a high technological barrier to entry, particularly at the upstream production stage.- Upstream (Raw Materials and Synthesis): The production of MACM typically involves the catalytic hydrogenation of Methylene Dianiline (MDA) or related precursors at high pressures and temperatures. This process requires advanced catalytic technology to control stereochemistry and minimize by-products. The availability and pricing of upstream petrochemicals, particularly benzene and propylene derivatives used to make the precursors, directly influence MACM production costs.
- Midstream (Manufacturing): The market is concentrated among a few global chemical giants and a growing number of specialized Chinese manufacturers. These producers focus on achieving high purity levels, as impurities can severely affect the color and curing performance of the final product.
Downstream (Formulation and End-Use):
- Formulators: Companies like 3M, Sika, Henkel, and specialized epoxy system houses purchase MACM to blend it into ready-to-use curing agent packages or resin systems.
- OEMs: The ultimate end-users are Original Equipment Manufacturers in wind energy (e.g., blade manufacturers), shipyards, automotive tier-1 suppliers, and electronic component manufacturers.
Regional Market Analysis
Asia-Pacific (APAC):
APAC is the dominant region in terms of both production capacity and consumption. China, in particular, acts as a global manufacturing hub for MACM. The region's massive shipbuilding industry, coupled with aggressive targets for wind energy installation in China, drives significant domestic demand. The concentration of chemical manufacturing in provinces like Jiangsu allows for integrated supply chains.Europe:
Europe remains a stronghold for high-performance polymer technology. Major players like BASF and Covestro have deep roots here. The European market drives the demand for MACM in high-end engineering plastics (transparent polyamides) and eco-friendly coatings. Stringent environmental regulations in the EU also push for high-durability materials that extend the lifecycle of infrastructure, favoring the high-performance properties of MACM-cured systems.North America:
The North American market is characterized by high-value consumption in the aerospace, defense, and electronics sectors. The demand for advanced epoxy potting compounds and medical-grade transparent plastics sustains a steady market for MACM.Middle East and Africa (MEA) / South America:
These regions are currently smaller markets but show potential, particularly in the marine coatings sector (MEA) and emerging industrial development.Key Market Players and Competitive Landscape
The competitive landscape is bifurcated between established multinational corporations and rapidly expanding Chinese manufacturers who are increasing their market share through capacity expansions.Global Leaders:
- BASF SE: A dominant force in the amines market, leveraging its global footprint and vertical integration to supply high-quality MACM for diverse applications.
- Covestro: A key player in the high-performance polymers sector, particularly utilizing cycloaliphatic amines for advanced coating and plastic applications.
Key Chinese Manufacturers and Capacity Updates:
- Jiangsu Qingquan Chemical Co. Ltd.: A leading producer in the niche amine sector. The company currently boasts a production capacity of 6,500 tons . Demonstrating strong confidence in market growth, Jiangsu Qingquan released plans in 2025 to expand capacity by an additional 5,000 tons, signaling a move to consolidate its position as a major volume supplier.
- Jinta Haituo Chemical Co. Ltd.: An emerging aggressive player in the supply chain. In 2025, the company commenced the construction of a new facility with a 4,000-ton MACM capacity. This project is expected to be commissioned and enter production by 2026, adding significant supply to the market.
- Shenzhen Xuhua Biotechnology Co. Ltd.: Another active participant contributing to the regional supply availability.
- Wanhua Chemical (often involved in related isocyanate/amine chains).
- Feicheng Acid Chemicals.
Market Opportunities
- Green Energy Transition: The global push for renewable energy is the single largest opportunity for MACM. As wind turbines become larger and are installed in more hostile offshore environments, the requirement for ultra-durable, hydrolysis-resistant curing agents for blades and foundations increases, directly benefiting the MACM market.
- Lightweighting in Automotive: The automotive industry’s shift toward Electric Vehicles (EVs) necessitates lightweight materials to improve range. Transparent polyamides based on MACM offer a lightweight alternative to glass and metal for various interior and under-the-hood components, providing optical clarity with the toughness of plastic.
- 5G and Electronics: The expansion of 5G infrastructure requires potting compounds that can protect sensitive electronics from heat and moisture without interfering with signal transmission. MACM-based epoxies are ideal for these outdoor and high-stress applications.
Market Challenges and Risks
- Raw Material Volatility: The price of MACM is sensitive to fluctuations in crude oil prices and the supply-demand balance of upstream intermediates like MDA. Supply chain disruptions can lead to significant cost spikes for manufacturers.
- Technical Barriers: The hydrogenation process to produce MACM is technically demanding, requiring high-pressure vessels and specialized catalysts. This creates a high barrier to entry for new competitors, potentially limiting supply diversity.
- Environmental and Safety Regulations: As an amine, MACM is subject to strict handling and safety regulations. While it is safer than some aromatic amines, increasing scrutiny on chemical toxicity and REACH compliance in Europe requires manufacturers to maintain rigorous stewardship, adding to compliance costs.
Industry Trends
- Localization of Supply: There is a clear trend toward localizing supply chains, particularly in China, to serve the domestic wind power and industrial coating markets. The capacity expansions by Jiangsu Qingquan and Jinta Haituo are evidence of this shift to reduce reliance on imports and capture domestic value.
- Shift to High-End Formulations: Formulators are increasingly moving away from basic curing agents toward cycloaliphatic amines like MACM to differentiate their products with "non-yellowing" and "long-lifecycle" claims, particularly in the premium flooring and countertop coating markets.
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Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Executive SummaryChapter 2: Abbreviation and Acronyms
Chapter 3: Preface
Chapter 4: Market Landscape
Chapter 5: Market Trend Analysis
Chapter 6: Industry Chain Analysis
Chapter 7: Latest Market Dynamics
Chapter 8: Trading Analysis
Chapter 9: Historical and Forecast Methylenebis(2-methylcyclohexylamine) (MACM) Market in North America (2021-2031)
Chapter 10: Historical and Forecast Methylenebis(2-methylcyclohexylamine) (MACM) Market in South America (2021-2031)
Chapter 11: Historical and Forecast Methylenebis(2-methylcyclohexylamine) (MACM) Market in Asia & Pacific (2021-2031)
Chapter 12: Historical and Forecast Methylenebis(2-methylcyclohexylamine) (MACM) Market in Europe (2021-2031)
Chapter 13: Historical and Forecast Methylenebis(2-methylcyclohexylamine) (MACM) Market in MEA (2021-2031)
Chapter 14: Summary for Global Methylenebis(2-methylcyclohexylamine) (MACM) Market (2021-2026)
Chapter 15: Global Methylenebis(2-methylcyclohexylamine) (MACM) Market Forecast (2026-2031)
Chapter 16: Analysis of Global Key Vendors
List of Tables and Figures
Companies Mentioned
- BASF
- Covestro
- Jiangsu Qingquan Chemical Co. Ltd.
- Shenzhen Xuhua Biotechnology Co. Ltd.
- Jinta Haituo Chemical Co. Ltd.
