항공우주, 자동차, 재생에너지 등 다양한 산업에서 경량화 및 고성능 소재에 대한 수요가 증가함에 따라 탄소섬유 시장이 크게 확대되고 있습니다. Verified Market Research의 애널리스트에 따르면 탄소섬유 시장은 2024년 70억 4,000만 달러에서 성장하며, 예측 기간 중 160억 7,000만 달러의 평가에 달할 것으로 추정되고 있습니다.
고강도 대 중량비, 내식성 등 탄소섬유의 특수한 특성은 이러한 용도의 성능 향상과 배기가스 배출량 감소를 위한 최적의 재료로, 저연비 자동차 및 항공기에 대한 수요가 시장 성장을 가속하는 주요 요인으로 작용하고 있습니다. 이러한 수요 증가로 인해 시장은 2026-2032년 연평균 12%의 성장률을 보일 것으로 예측됩니다.
탄소섬유 시장 정의/개요
흑연 섬유라고도 불리는 탄소섬유는 직경 5-10마이크로미터의 탄소 원자로 이루어진 가느다란 섬유로 구성되어 있으며, 가볍고 강도가 매우 높은 소재입니다. 높은 인장강도, 강성, 경량, 내식성, 내열성, 내열성 등이 특징이며, 다양한 용도에 적합합니다. 탄소섬유는 항공기 부품의 항공우주, 경량 차량 부품의 자동차, 자전거, 골프용품 등 레저용품, 풍력 터빈 블레이드의 재생에너지 등 다양한 산업에서 널리 사용되고 있습니다. 경량화하면서 성능을 향상시킬 수 있으므로 효율성과 수명을 중시하는 산업에서 인기 있는 선택이 되고 있습니다.
탄소섬유는 가볍고 강도가 높기 때문에 항공우주산업이 탄소섬유 시장의 주요 촉진요인이 되고 있습니다. 미국 연방항공청(FAA)에 따르면 세계 민간 항공기 보유 대수는 2019년 2 만 5,900 대에서 2039년4 만 8,400 대까지 증가할 것으로 예측됩니다. FAA는 항공기의 복합재 사용이 1960년대 2%에서 보잉 787과 같은 현재 항공기의 경우 50% 이상으로 증가했다고 주장하며, 항공우주 산업 확대로 인해 탄소섬유 복합재에 대한 수요가 증가하고 있다고 밝혔습니다. 보여주고 있습니다.
자동차 업계에서는 차량 경량화와 연비 향상을 위해 탄소섬유에 대한 의존도가 높아지고 있습니다. 미국 에너지부에 따르면 차량 무게를 10% 줄이면 연비를 6-8% 향상시킬 수 있다고 합니다. 국제에너지기구(IEA)에 따르면 세계 기후 변화 목표를 달성하기 위해서는 2020-2030년 사이에 신차의 평균 연료 소비량을 연간 3.7% 감소시켜야 합니다. 연비 향상에 대한 의욕은 자동차 분야에서 탄소섬유와 같은 경량화 소재의 도입을 촉진하고 있습니다.
또한 재생에너지 분야, 특히 풍력에너지의 확대는 탄소섬유 시장의 큰 촉진제가 되고 있습니다. 세계풍력에너지협의회(GWEC)에 따르면 2020년 세계 누적 풍력발전 설비 용량은 743GW를 넘어설 것이며, 그 해에만 93GW가 추가될 것입니다. 미국 에너지부에 따르면 탄소섬유 복합재료로 만든 풍력터빈 블레이드는 일반 유리섬유 블레이드보다 25% 가벼워 블레이드의 수명을 늘리고 에너지 생산량을 늘릴 수 있다고 합니다. 이러한 풍력에너지 분야의 성장은 탄소섬유에 대한 수요를 증가시키고 있습니다.
높은 제조비용은 탄소섬유 시장에 큰 영향을 미쳐 많은 산업으로 확산되는 것을 방해하고 있습니다. 탄소섬유, 특히 PAN계는 1kg당 21.5달러에 달하므로 많은 제조업체, 특히 소규모 기업에게는 너무 비쌉니다. 이 높은 비용의 주요 원인은 고가의 전구체 성분과 첨단 제조 방법이 필요하므로 탄소섬유가 비용 중심의 용도에서 유리섬유 및 알루미늄과 같은 대체 재료와 경쟁하기가 어렵기 때문입니다.
또한 제조 과정에서 독성 가스가 배출되고 다량의 CO2가 발생하므로 많은 국가에서 법규가 강화되고 있습니다. 이러한 법률은 생산 비용을 높이고 생산자의 컴플라이언스를 복잡하게 만들어 시장 확대를 제한하고 있습니다. 각국이 환경 규제를 강화함에 따라 탄소섬유 시장은 조정되어야 하며, 공급이 더욱 제한되고 가격이 상승할 것입니다.
The growing need for lightweight, high-performance materials across a range of industries, including aerospace, automotive, and renewable energy, is the main driver of the carbon fiber market's significant expansion. According to the analyst from Verified Market Research, the carbon fiber market is estimated to reach a valuation of USD 16.07 Billion over the forecast subjugating around USD 7.04 Billion valued in 2024.
The demand for fuel-efficient automobiles and airplanes is a major factor driving market growth since carbon fiber's special qualities, like its high strength-to-weight ratio and resistance to corrosion, make it the perfect material for improving performance and cutting emissions in these applications. This rising demand enables the market to grow at a CAGR of 12% from 2026 to 2032.
Carbon Fiber Market: Definition/ Overview
Carbon fiber, also known as graphite fiber, is a lightweight yet extremely strong material composed of thin strands of carbon atoms that typically measure 5 to 10 micrometers in diameter. Its distinctive qualities include high tensile strength, stiffness, low weight, and great resistance to corrosion and high temperatures, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. Carbon fiber is widely used in various industries, including aerospace for aircraft components, automotive for lightweight vehicle parts, recreational goods such as bicycles and golf equipment, and renewable energy for wind turbine blades. Its ability to improve performance while lowering weight has made it a popular choice in industries that value efficiency and longevity.
Due to the material's lightweight and high-strength qualities, the aerospace industry is a primary driver of the carbon fiber market. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the global fleet of commercial aircraft is predicted to grow from 25,900 in 2019 to 48,400 in 2039. The expansion of the aerospace industry is boosting demand for carbon fiber composites. The FAA also claims that the use of composite materials in aircraft has increased from 2% in the 1960s to more than 50% in current aircraft such as the Boeing 787, demonstrating the growing utilization of carbon fiber in aerospace applications.
The automotive industry is increasingly relying on carbon fiber to reduce vehicle weight and increase fuel efficiency. According to the United States Department of Energy, decreasing a vehicle's weight by 10% can increase fuel efficiency by 6-8%. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), to reach global climate objectives, the average fuel consumption of new cars must be reduced by 3.7% per year between 2020 and 2030. The drive to enhance fuel efficiency is encouraging the introduction of lightweight materials such as carbon fiber in the automotive sector.
Furthermore, the expanding renewable energy sector, especially wind energy, is a significant driver of the carbon fiber market. According to the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), global cumulative installed wind capacity exceeded 743 GW in 2020, with 93 GW added in only that year. According to the US Department of Energy, wind turbine blades made of carbon fiber composites can be 25% lighter than typical fiberglass blades, allowing for longer blades and higher energy production. This growth in the wind energy sector is driving up demand for carbon fiber.
High production costs have a substantial impact on the carbon fiber market, preventing its widespread adoption across numerous industries. Carbon fiber, particularly PAN-based kinds, can cost as much as $21.5 per kilogram, making it too expensive for many manufacturers, particularly small-scale enterprises. This high cost is primarily due to the expensive precursor ingredients and sophisticated production methods required, making it difficult for carbon fiber to compete with alternative materials such as glass fiber or aluminum in more cost-sensitive applications.
Furthermore, the manufacturing process emits toxic gasses and produces large CO2 emissions, resulting in tight laws in many countries. These laws drive up production costs and complicate compliance for producers, limiting market expansion. As countries tighten environmental regulations, the carbon fiber market must adjust, which further limits supply and raise prices.
According to VMR analysis, the PAN-based carbon fiber segment is estimated to hold the largest market share during the forecast period. PAN (Polyacrylonitrile) is a precursor material used in carbon fiber production. Compared to other precursors like Rayon, PAN offers a more cost-effective option. This is because PAN is readily available, has a well-established production process, and requires less energy during the initial stages of carbon fiber production. As the Pan segment grows and production becomes more efficient, the overall cost of carbon fiber can potentially decrease. This would make carbon fiber a more attractive option for a wider range of industries, ultimately accelerating market growth.
Furthermore, PAN-based carbon fibers offer some performance advantages over other types. They can achieve a higher modulus and better tensile strength compared to some Rayon-based fibers. This translates to lighter yet stiffer carbon fiber composites, particularly desirable in applications like aerospace and high-performance vehicles.
The virgin carbon fiber segment is estimated to dominate the antibody production market during the forecast period. Virgin carbon fibers offer exceptional properties compared to recycled carbon fibers in some aspects. They typically exhibit greater tensile strength and stiffness, making them ideal for applications demanding maximum structural integrity and minimal weight. This is crucial in sectors like aerospace, where the need to reduce weight while maintaining strength is paramount for fuel efficiency and overall aircraft performance. Virgin carbon fibers also boast better fatigue resistance, meaning they can withstand repeated stresses without degrading as quickly. This makes them suitable for applications like wind turbine blades that are constantly subjected to wind forces.
Furthermore, the production process for virgin carbon fibers is more controlled, leading to a more consistent product in terms of fiber properties and performance. This consistency is vital for critical applications where predictability and reliability are paramount.
According to VMR analyst, Europe is estimated to dominate the carbon fiber market during the forecast period. Europe has a strong automotive industry that is increasingly using carbon fiber to cut vehicle weight and meet severe pollution regulations. According to the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA), the EU intends to lower CO2 emissions from new vehicles by 37.5% by 2030, compared to 2021 levels. To reach these aims, the European automobile industry is making significant investments in lightweight materials. According to the European Commission, every 100 kg reduction in vehicle weight reduces CO2 emissions by around 8.5 g/km. This push for lighter, more fuel-efficient automobiles is increasing demand for carbon fiber in the European automotive industry.
Furthermore, Europe has a large number of aerospace firms, making it an important carbon fiber consumer. According to Airbus, one of Europe's leading aerospace corporations, the proportion of composite materials (including carbon fiber) in their aircraft has climbed from 5% in the A310 to more than 50% in the A350 XWB. According to the European Commission's 2020 aerospace industry study, the EU's civil aeronautics sector employed around 500,000 people and produced a turnover of nearly €150 billion in 2019. This substantial aerospace presence in Europe drives the region's carbon fiber market.
Asia Pacific region is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR within the Carbon Fiber Market during the forecast period. The region is a manufacturing powerhouse, with countries like China and India experiencing rapid growth in industries like aerospace, automotive, and wind energy. These sectors are prime consumers of carbon fiber due to its ability to create lightweight, high-performance components.
The Asia Pacific region is undergoing significant infrastructure development projects. Carbon fiber composites offer advantages like strength and reduced weight, making them ideal for bridges, buildings, and other structures.
Many Asian governments are prioritizing environmental concerns and clean energy initiatives. This translates to support for renewable energy sources like wind power, which heavily rely on carbon fiber for turbine blades. Additionally, governments are promoting energy efficiency in buildings and infrastructure projects. Carbon fiber composites can play a significant role in achieving these goals by reducing the weight of buildings and structures, leading to lower energy consumption for heating and cooling. Furthermore, some governments are investing in research and development of next-generation electric vehicles, where carbon fiber's lightweight and high-strength properties can be instrumental in extending driving range and improving overall vehicle performance.
The competitive landscape of the carbon fiber market is characterized by a dynamic interplay of innovation, technological developments, and strategic alliances among manufacturers. As the need for lightweight and high-performance materials grows in a variety of industries, including aerospace, automotive, and renewable energy, businesses are increasingly focusing on improving their manufacturing skills and expanding their product offerings.
Some of the prominent players operating in the carbon fiber market include:
Solvay, Toray Industries, Inc., Teijin Limited, Hexcel Corporation, Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation, SGL Carbon, Jilin Chemical Fiber, DowAksa.
In June 2024, Teijin Limited introduced a new line of carbon fibers specifically designed for use in hydrogen fuel tanks. Hydrogen fuel cell technology is considered a promising solution for clean energy transportation.
In the year 2024, Mitsubishi Chemical entered a strategic partnership with a wind turbine manufacturer to develop next-generation lighter and more efficient wind turbine blades.