Carbon Fiber Market by Raw Material Type, Fiber Type, Modulus, Application, End-Use

List of Tables

[190 Pages Report] The Carbon Fiber Market size was estimated at USD 7.95 billion in 2023 and expected to reach USD 8.88 billion in 2024, at a CAGR 11.93% to reach USD 17.50 billion by 2030.

Carbon fiber is a lightweight & high-strength type material that encompasses very thin strands of carbon atoms bonded together in microscopic crystals which are further aligned parallel to fiber's long axis. This crystal alignment provides fiber a high strength-to-volume ratio, making it strong for its size. The fibers are typically combined with other materials to form a composite, which can be molded into various shapes and structures.

KEY MARKET STATISTICS
Base Year [2023]	USD 7.95 billion
Estimated Year [2024]	USD 8.88 billion
Forecast Year [2030]	USD 17.50 billion
CAGR (%)	11.93%

Increasing applications across industries such as aerospace, automotive, sports equipment, and construction have fueled the market demand for carbon fiber owing to its superior strength, stiffness, and low-weight properties. Furthermore, advancements in technology and governmental regulations pushing for fuel efficiency and reduced emissions also contribute to the increasing adoption of carbon fiber in vehicle production. However, the high cost of production, processing complexities, and competition from alternative materials such as glass fiber and aluminum may pose challenges for the market. Nevertheless, the development of low-cost production methods and expanding applications in energy storage & transmission may present opportunistic growth for the market. Moreover, Innovations in recycling carbon fiber could also open new avenues in various sectors.

Raw Material Type: High suitability of PAN-based Carbon Fiber owing to their high strength-to-weight ratio and exceptional tensile properties

Acrylonitrile (PAN)-based carbon fiber is the most widely used type of carbon fiber, derived from polyacrylonitrile and known for its high strength-to-weight ratio and exceptional tensile properties, thus making it favorable for use in aerospace, automotive, and sports equipment industries. The manufacturing process involves the stabilization and carbonization of PAN precursor fibers, which is a complex and costly process but results in fibers with high carbon content levels, typically above 90%. PAN-based carbon fibers exhibit excellent fatigue resistance, good vibration damping, and low thermal expansion, which are beneficial for applications that demand high-performance and lightweight materials. Pitch-based carbon fiber is manufactured from pitch, a polyaromatic hydrocarbon-based precursor, a byproduct of petroleum or coal processing. This type of carbon fiber is known for its exceptionally high thermal conductivity and can be engineered to possess highly oriented graphite crystals. Pitch-based carbon fibers are particularly well-suited for applications requiring high thermal and electric conductivity, such as heat dissipation materials in electronic devices and as reinforcement in high-performance carbon composites for brake pads and clutches in motorsport.

Fiber Type: Emerging preferences for use of recycled carbon owing to environmental benefits

Recycled carbon fiber emerges from both post-industrial and post-consumer sources. Post-industrial sources typically consist of scrap material from the production process, whereas post-consumer sources comprise end-of-life products that utilize carbon fiber. The main advantage of recycled carbon fiber is its environmental benefit, as it demands significantly less energy to produce compared to its virgin counterpart and reduces waste sent to landfills. On the performance front, while recycled fibers might display slightly lower mechanical properties than virgin fibers due to the damage sustained during the recycling process, ongoing advancements in recycling technology are narrowing this gap. Recycled fibers are increasingly used in various applications that do not require the ultimate tensile strength of virgin carbon fibers, emphasizing sustainability in the automotive, sporting goods, and industrial sectors. Virgin carbon fiber refers to fibers freshly produced from precursor materials such as Polyacrylonitrile (PAN), rayon, or pitch without going through any lifecycle. These fibers are known for superior strength-to-weight ratio, rigidity, and durability compared to other reinforcement materials. Virgin carbon fiber's consistency and quality make it the preferred choice in high-performance applications such as aerospace, military, and high-end automotive industries. Moreover, virgin carbon fiber can be tailored to specific mechanical properties by controlling factors such as fiber modulus during the manufacturing process.

Application: Increasing suitability of carbon fiber as composite materials in various end use industries including automotive & aerospace

Carbon fibers play an important role in the field of catalysis owing to their large surface area, excellent conductivity, and chemical stability. Activated carbon fibers, in particular, are employed as support materials for various catalysts due to their ability to facilitate electron transfer and to spread catalytically active components uniformly. They can be used in both gas-phase and liquid-phase reactions, including those in environmental applications such as the removal of NOx gases from exhaust streams or the purification of industrial wastewater. Composite materials represent one of the most significant areas where carbon fibers are utilized. By reinforcing polymers with carbon fibers, the resulting composite materials feature an extraordinary strength-to-weight ratio, stiffness, and durability, which makes them ideal for applications in aerospace, automotive, military, and sports equipment. In the automotive sector, carbon fiber composites aid in reducing vehicle weight which improves fuel efficiency and reduces emissions without compromising safety or performance.Carbon fibers have been miniaturized into microelectrodes that are extensively used in bioelectrical applications such as neural and muscular tissue stimulation and in the measurement of electrophysiological signals. Their small diameter allows for high spatial resolution, while their inert nature minimizes the tissue response making them suitable for chronic implants.The textile industry leverages carbon fibers for their high tensile strength, low weight, and thermal conductivity, which can be woven into fabrics for specialized uses. These textiles are flame-retardant and display reduced thermal expansion, making them stable under varying temperature conditions. Such properties make carbon fiber textiles highly valuable for fireproof military or racing uniforms, heat-resistant gloves, and protective gear for firefighters.

End-Use: High penetration in aerospace and defense industry owing to lightweight & high-strength materials

The aerospace and defense industry is one of the primary end-users of carbon fiber due to its crucial need for lightweight and high-strength materials. In this sector, carbon fiber composites are extensively used in aircraft and spacecraft manufacturing, where weight reduction is paramount. The materials contribute significantly to fuel efficiency and effective performance, especially in commercial, military, and private aircraft structures, including wings, fuselage components, and empennages. In the automotive industry, carbon fiber is valued for its lightweight properties, proven to improve vehicle dynamics, reduce emissions, and enhance fuel efficiency. High-performance vehicles and premium automakers use carbon fiber to decrease overall car weight and for aesthetic purposes, given its modern and high-tech appearance. Furthermore, with the transition towards electric vehicles and the demand for longer battery ranges, carbon fiber's role in reducing car weight and thus enabling extended range is just as critical. Carbon fiber finds utility in the construction and infrastructure sector primarily due to its strength, durability, and lightweight characteristics. It's used to reinforce concrete and other construction materials through carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRPs), contributing to the longevity and resilience of buildings and infrastructure. These composites are particularly advantageous in seismic retrofitting, bridge construction, and reinforcement of aging structures. Carbon fiber's application in the medical and healthcare sectors is growing, mainly due to its biocompatibility, radiolucency, and lightweight properties. It is used in surgical instruments and diagnostic equipment, including imaging tables, prosthetic limbs, and support structures for patients undergoing scans with MRI or CT machines. The high-strength-to-weight ratio of carbon fiber composite materials also makes them ideal for mobilization aids such as wheelchairs, providing mobility solutions with less effort due to the material's lighter weight. The renewable energy industry, particularly wind energy, significantly benefits from using carbon fiber. It is utilized to manufacture wind turbine blades where its high strength and lightweight properties allow for larger and more efficient blade designs that can operate at lower wind speeds and deliver higher energy output. Carbon fiber's durability also contributes to the longevity and reduced maintenance costs of wind turbines. Moreover, in solar panel frameworks and other renewable energy equipment, carbon fiber composites help reduce transportation and installation costs due to their lightness and resistance to environmental degradation.

Regional Insights

In the Americas, the United States leads the carbon fiber market, leveraging its advanced aerospace and automotive industries. A combination of technological innovation, a well-established industrial base, and the presence of significant market players drives the market. The demand for high-performance and lightweight materials for use in the automotive, defense, and wind energy sectors further stimulates the market growth in this region. The EMEA region features a diverse market with strong carbon fiber demand from the automotive, aerospace, and wind energy industries. Europe registers a high demand for carbon fibers owing to the many economies being hub for automotives and stringent environmental regulations driving the need for lightweight materials. The development of green energy solutions, including wind and solar energy infrastructure, is poised to boost the carbon fiber demand in the realm of renewable energy markets. The Asia Pacific region depicts opportunistic landscape for the carbon fiber market, with demand from industries of economies of China, Japan, and South Korea. The expanding middle class and a corresponding rise in consumer goods production, as well as increased infrastructure development projects, demand the strength and lightweight characteristics of carbon fiber composites. High growth rates in the region's automotive, aerospace, and construction industries are the major drivers of carbon fiber demand. R&D investments in carbon fiber technology and scaling production capabilities are vital opportunities for growth, with the potential to reduce overall production costs and increase adoption in various industries.

FPNV Positioning Matrix

The FPNV Positioning Matrix is pivotal in evaluating the Carbon Fiber Market. It offers a comprehensive assessment of vendors, examining key metrics related to Business Strategy and Product Satisfaction. This in-depth analysis empowers users to make well-informed decisions aligned with their requirements. Based on the evaluation, the vendors are then categorized into four distinct quadrants representing varying levels of success: Forefront (F), Pathfinder (P), Niche (N), or Vital (V).

Market Share Analysis

The Market Share Analysis is a comprehensive tool that provides an insightful and in-depth examination of the current state of vendors in the Carbon Fiber Market. By meticulously comparing and analyzing vendor contributions in terms of overall revenue, customer base, and other key metrics, we can offer companies a greater understanding of their performance and the challenges they face when competing for market share. Additionally, this analysis provides valuable insights into the competitive nature of the sector, including factors such as accumulation, fragmentation dominance, and amalgamation traits observed over the base year period studied. With this expanded level of detail, vendors can make more informed decisions and devise effective strategies to gain a competitive edge in the market.

Key Company Profiles

The report delves into recent significant developments in the Carbon Fiber Market, highlighting leading vendors and their innovative profiles. These include ACP Composites, Inc., Advanced Composites Inc., Avient Corporation, CeraMaterials, Clearwater Composites, LLC, Composite Manufacturing Inc, DowAksa Advanced Composites Holdings BV, EPSILON COMPOSITE SA, Gen 2 Carbon Limited, Hexcel Corporation, HYOSUNG ADVANCED MATERIALS, Kureha Corporation, Mid-Mountain Materials, Inc., Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, Nippon Graphite Fiber Co., Ltd., Osaka Gas Chemicals Co., Ltd., SGL Carbon SE, Solvay S.A., Spartec Composites Inc, Taekwang Industries Co. Ltd., Teijin Limited, TIP composite Co., Ltd., Toray Industries, Inc., Umatex Group, and Zhongfu-Shenying Carbon Fiber Co. Ltd..

Market Segmentation & Coverage

This research report categorizes the Carbon Fiber Market to forecast the revenues and analyze trends in each of the following sub-markets:

Raw Material Type
- PAN-based Carbon Fiber
- Pitch-based Carbon Fiber

Fiber Type
- Recycled Fiber
- Virgin Fiber

Modulus
- High Modulus
- Intermediate Modulus
- Standard Modulus

Application
- Catalysis
- Composite Materials
- Microelectrodes
- Textiles

End-Use
- Aerospace & Defense
- Automotive
- Construction & Infrastructure
- Medical & Healthcare
- Renewable Energy

Region
- Americas
  - Argentina
  - Brazil
  - Canada
  - Mexico
  - United States
    - California
    - Florida
    - Illinois
    - New York
    - Ohio
    - Pennsylvania
    - Texas
- Asia-Pacific
  - Australia
  - China
  - India
  - Indonesia
  - Japan
  - Malaysia
  - Philippines
  - Singapore
  - South Korea
  - Taiwan
  - Thailand
  - Vietnam

Europe, Middle East & Africa
- Denmark
- Egypt
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Israel
- Italy
- Netherlands
- Nigeria
- Norway
- Poland
- Qatar
- Russia
- Saudi Arabia
- South Africa
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Turkey
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom

The report offers valuable insights on the following aspects:

1. Market Penetration: It presents comprehensive information on the market provided by key players.

2. Market Development: It delves deep into lucrative emerging markets and analyzes the penetration across mature market segments.

3. Market Diversification: It provides detailed information on new product launches, untapped geographic regions, recent developments, and investments.

4. Competitive Assessment & Intelligence: It conducts an exhaustive assessment of market shares, strategies, products, certifications, regulatory approvals, patent landscape, and manufacturing capabilities of the leading players.

5. Product Development & Innovation: It offers intelligent insights on future technologies, R&D activities, and breakthrough product developments.

The report addresses key questions such as:

1. What is the market size and forecast of the Carbon Fiber Market?

2. Which products, segments, applications, and areas should one consider investing in over the forecast period in the Carbon Fiber Market?

3. What are the technology trends and regulatory frameworks in the Carbon Fiber Market?

4. What is the market share of the leading vendors in the Carbon Fiber Market?

5. Which modes and strategic moves are suitable for entering the Carbon Fiber Market?

Product Code: MRR-433AB1DC2866

1. Preface

1.1. Objectives of the Study
1.2. Market Segmentation & Coverage
1.3. Years Considered for the Study
1.4. Currency & Pricing
1.5. Language
1.6. Stakeholders

2. Research Methodology

2.1. Define: Research Objective
2.2. Determine: Research Design
2.3. Prepare: Research Instrument
2.4. Collect: Data Source
2.5. Analyze: Data Interpretation
2.6. Formulate: Data Verification
2.7. Publish: Research Report
2.8. Repeat: Report Update

3. Executive Summary

4. Market Overview

5. Market Insights

5.1. Market Dynamics
- 5.1.1. Drivers
  - 5.1.1.1. Need for lightweight and strong composites in the automotive and aerospace industry
  - 5.1.1.2. Demand for eco-friendly composite products and manufacture of carbon fiber from sustainable materials
  - 5.1.1.3. Government initiatives for the development of carbon fiber and scaling carbon fiber recycling activities
- 5.1.2. Restraints
  - 5.1.2.1. Recall of products containing carbon fiber
- 5.1.3. Opportunities
  - 5.1.3.1. Technological advancements to improve performance and expand the applications of carbon fiber
  - 5.1.3.2. Expanding need for carbon fiber components in renewable energy projects
- 5.1.4. Challenges
  - 5.1.4.1. Technical failures and operational constraints of working with carbon fiber
5.2. Market Segmentation Analysis
- 5.2.1. Raw Material Type: High suitability of PAN-based Carbon Fiber owing to their high strength-to-weight ratio and exceptional tensile properties
- 5.2.2. Fiber Type: Emerging preferences for use of recycled carbon owing to environmental benefits
- 5.2.3. Application: Increasing suitability of carbon fiber as composite materials in various end use industries including automotive & aerospace
- 5.2.4. End-Use: High penetration in aerospace and defense industry owing to lightweight & high-strength materials
5.3. Market Disruption Analysis
5.4. Porter's Five Forces Analysis
- 5.4.1. Threat of New Entrants
- 5.4.2. Threat of Substitutes
- 5.4.3. Bargaining Power of Customers
- 5.4.4. Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- 5.4.5. Industry Rivalry
5.5. Value Chain & Critical Path Analysis
5.6. Pricing Analysis
5.7. Technology Analysis
5.8. Patent Analysis
5.9. Trade Analysis
5.10. Regulatory Framework Analysis

6. Carbon Fiber Market, by Raw Material Type

6.1. Introduction
6.2. PAN-based Carbon Fiber
6.3. Pitch-based Carbon Fiber

7. Carbon Fiber Market, by Fiber Type

7.1. Introduction
7.2. Recycled Fiber
7.3. Virgin Fiber

8. Carbon Fiber Market, by Modulus

8.1. Introduction
8.2. High Modulus
8.3. Intermediate Modulus
8.4. Standard Modulus

9. Carbon Fiber Market, by Application

9.1. Introduction
9.2. Catalysis
9.3. Composite Materials
9.4. Microelectrodes
9.5. Textiles

10. Carbon Fiber Market, by End-Use

10.1. Introduction
10.2. Aerospace & Defense
10.3. Automotive
10.4. Construction & Infrastructure
10.5. Medical & Healthcare
10.6. Renewable Energy

11. Americas Carbon Fiber Market

11.1. Introduction
11.2. Argentina
11.3. Brazil
11.4. Canada
11.5. Mexico
11.6. United States

12. Asia-Pacific Carbon Fiber Market

12.1. Introduction
12.2. Australia
12.3. China
12.4. India
12.5. Indonesia
12.6. Japan
12.7. Malaysia
12.8. Philippines
12.9. Singapore
12.10. South Korea
12.11. Taiwan
12.12. Thailand
12.13. Vietnam

13. Europe, Middle East & Africa Carbon Fiber Market

13.1. Introduction
13.2. Denmark
13.3. Egypt
13.4. Finland
13.5. France
13.6. Germany
13.7. Israel
13.8. Italy
13.9. Netherlands
13.10. Nigeria
13.11. Norway
13.12. Poland
13.13. Qatar
13.14. Russia
13.15. Saudi Arabia
13.16. South Africa
13.17. Spain
13.18. Sweden
13.19. Switzerland
13.20. Turkey
13.21. United Arab Emirates
13.22. United Kingdom

14. Competitive Landscape

14.1. Market Share Analysis, 2023
14.2. FPNV Positioning Matrix, 2023
14.3. Competitive Scenario Analysis
- 14.3.1. Toray and Lenovo Partner to Integrate Recycled Carbon Fiber in ThinkPad Products
- 14.3.2. Toray Expanding European Carbon Fiber Production Facilities
- 14.3.3. SGL Carbon expands material portfolio with new carbon fiber for high-strength pressure vessels
14.4. Strategy Analysis & Recommendation

15. Competitive Portfolio

15.1. Key Company Profiles
15.2. Key Product Portfolio