Carbon fiber is an inorganic polymer material composed of over 90% carbon. It is produced from raw materials such as polyacrylonitrile (PAN), pitch, or viscose through high-temperature oxidation and carbonization. Carbon fiber boasts the highest specific strength and modulus among all high-performance fibers and is resistant to high temperatures, outperforming all synthetic fibers.
Global Research HotspotsIn recent years, significant scientific advancements in carbon fiber have emerged, primarily from the USA and Japan. Cutting-edge technologies focus not only on the production of carbon fiber but also on its applications in lightweight automotive materials, 3D printing, and energy generation materials. Notable achievements include:
The Georgia Institute of Technology (USA) made breakthroughs in third-generation carbon fiber development.
The Japanese organization NEDO developed electromagnetic wave heating technology.
Toray (Japan) employs traditional PAN spinning technology while precisely controlling the carbonization process.
Teijin (Japan) created plasma surface treatment technology for carbon fiber, allowing rapid control over fiber appearance.
The Ningbo Materials Institute studies the retention of carbon fiber strength under high-temperature graphitization.
The Taiwanese company Ever Bright Advanced Materials developed a unique super high-temperature graphitization technology for mass production of mid- to high-grade carbon fiber in the USA.
China as the Largest ConsumerIn 2023, China’s domestic demand for carbon fiber reached approximately 98,600 tons, a 32.6% increase from the previous year. From 2008 to 2023, the average annual growth rate (CAGR) was 17.1%, significantly surpassing the 9.8% CAGR seen abroad. In 2022, China accounted for about 55.1% of global carbon fiber demand, up from 20% in earlier years, establishing itself as the largest market for carbon fiber consumption. The replacement of imported products with domestic ones is accelerating; in 2022, domestic production exceeded imports, with around 54,600 tons produced within China in 2023.
Domestic Production Capacity Exceeds 100,000 TonsAs of June 2023, the total production capacity of Chinese carbon fiber manufacturers was 117,000 tons, an 86.6% increase from the end of 2021 (62,700 tons). Most manufacturers are operating at full capacity. Companies like Jilin, Zhongfu Shenying, and Newstar Carbon Valley have already achieved production capacities exceeding 10,000 tons, leading the domestic market. With supportive policies for carbon fiber development, China's production capacity may rise to 184,000 tons by 2024.
Quality and Performance Approaching Global StandardsCarbon fiber can be categorized into large and small tow fibers: large tows contain over 48,000 filaments (48K), while small tows range from 1,000 to 12,000 filaments (1-12K). The advantage of 48K tows is their ability to significantly enhance the productivity and quality of carbon fiber while reducing costs. However, China predominantly produces small tows, leading to higher costs and hindering the material's application across various industries. Previously, the production of large tows was dominated by a few major companies in the USA, Germany, and Japan. The launch of China’s first 48K carbon fiber production line at Sinopec Shanghai Petrochemical marked a significant shift in reducing China’s reliance on imports.
Low-Altitude EconomyOn March 28, 2023, China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Finance, and Civil Aviation Administration published the "Plan for Innovative Application of General Aviation Equipment (2024-2030)," forecasting that by 2030, the low-altitude economy market will reach trillions of yuan. Carbon composite materials are lightweight, high-strength, and corrosion-resistant, making them sought after in the aerospace industry. In 2023, global carbon fiber consumption reached 115,000 tons, with 19.1% used in aviation and defense. Companies like XPeng and Volocopter have started mass use of carbon composite materials, including the world's first drone EH216-S by EHang, certified by the Civil Aviation Administration of China, which incorporates epoxy resin-based carbon composites.
Sports and RecreationCarbon fiber is extensively used in sports and recreational products, such as golf clubs, fishing rods, tennis and badminton rackets, bicycles, ski poles, skis, masts for sailing boats, and boat hulls. Global production of carbon fishing rods is estimated at around 20 million units annually. Additionally, carbon fiber is utilized in everyday items like speakers, heaters, and home appliances, as well as in electronics like mobile phones and laptops.
Wind and Solar EnergyWind energy and sporting goods are leading sectors in carbon fiber consumption in China, accounting for 30.9% and 23.5%, respectively. With key patents expiring, rapid expansion of China's carbon fiber industry, reduced costs, and the trend toward larger wind installations, significant growth in carbon fiber demand for wind energy is expected, further stimulating the domestic market. Manufacturers of solar panels have also shifted from using graphite crucibles to carbon composite crucibles, which offer longer lifespans, high thermal stability, and consistent crystallization properties, making them preferable for mono- and multicrystalline casting furnaces.
Reinforcement of Structures with Carbon FiberCarbon fiber reinforcement involves methods such as using carbon fabric and carbon plates. Research on carbon fiber reinforcement for concrete structures began in the 1980s in developed countries like the USA and Japan. In China, this technology emerged later, but with rapid economic and transportation infrastructure development, the demand for carbon fiber reinforcement has significantly increased.
Industrial ApplicationsWith advancements in technology, carbon fiber will find extensive use in the production of high-tech products such as aircraft, automobiles, and ships. It can be employed to create lightweight yet strong materials for car bodies, aircraft components, and ship hulls, significantly reducing weight and enhancing structural strength.
Energy SectorCarbon fiber will have broad applications in the energy sector, creating lighter and stronger components for wind and solar installations, improving their efficiency and durability.
Medical ApplicationsCarbon fiber can be utilized to develop lightweight and durable prosthetics, enhancing patients' quality of life. It may also be used in medical equipment such as X-ray machines and MRI scanners, increasing their strength and longevity.
ConstructionCarbon fiber will see wide application in the construction industry, particularly for reinforcing concrete structures, improving their strength and durability.
Sports and RecreationCarbon fiber will be used to create lightweight and durable sports products such as bicycles, tennis rackets, and ski poles, enhancing their performance and lifespan.
ElectronicsCarbon fiber will be incorporated into lightweight and durable casings for mobile phones, laptops, and other electronics, improving their strength and longevity.
Carbon fiber has a broad range of applications and significant development potential for the future. As technology progresses and production increases, its applications will continue to expand, opening new opportunities across various industries.
