Carbon fiber Thread Market Expected to Reach $2.7 Billion by 2032—Allied Market Research

According to a new report published by Allied Market Research, titled, “Carbon fiber Thread Market," The carbon fiber thread market size was valued at $1.6 billion in 2022, and is estimated to reach $2.7 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 5.3% from 2023 to 2032.

Carbon fiber thread refers to a thin strand or filament made primarily of carbon atoms, typically with a diameter of a few micrometers. It is a specific type of fiber that possesses great strength and stiffness because it is made of long chains of carbon atoms that are joined together in a crystalline form. These are produced by specialized processes such as polymerization, carbonization, and spinning techniques.

Carbon fiber threads are frequently utilized in many different fields, including construction, sports equipment, aircraft, and the automobile industry. They are used in applications where high strength and low weight are essential, such as reinforced structures, automotive components, wind turbine blades, tennis rackets, and other sports equipment.

The use of carbon fiber threads in the construction industry drives the growth of the market. Increased strength, durability, lightweight design, and design flexibility are just a few advantages of using carbon fiber threads in construction. Carbon fiber threads are employed to repair and reinforce the structural integrity of existing structures. Without the requirement for extensive construction work, they can be used to reinforce weak or damaged areas, such as columns, walls, and beams.

Epoxy resin-impregnated carbon fiber sheets or fabrics are glued to the surface of the structure to increase strength and improve structural integrity. Furthermore, bridge building and repair both use carbon fiber threads. They can be used to strengthen bridge beams, girders, and columns, increasing their capacity to carry loads and resistance to dynamic loads. The bridge elements have carbon fiber wraps or laminates applied to them to increase their stiffness and lower their danger of cracking or degradation.

In addition, lightweight facade panels and cladding systems are made using carbon fiber threads. High strength and rigidity are provided by carbon fiber-reinforced composite materials, which are also considerably lighter than conventional materials like steel or concrete. This allows them for the construction of visually beautiful and energy-efficient building envelopes. Tension structures and cable systems, including roof structures, canopies, and suspension bridges, can utilize carbon fiber cables or tendons. Long spans and attractive designs are made possible by the high tensile strength and low elongation of carbon fiber threads.

Compared to conventional steel cables, they have advantages in terms of lighter weight, simpler installation, and corrosion resistance. In addition, due to these great uses of carbon fiber threads in the construction sector, the carbon fiber thread market trend will boost tremendously during the forecast period.

Carbon fiber threads have become increasingly prevalent in the sports industry due to their exceptional properties driving the expansion of the market. Many sporting products, such as tennis rackets, golf clubs, fishing rods, bicycles, hockey sticks, and archery bows, are made using carbon fiber threads.  Carbon fiber's high strength-to-weight ratio improves performance by allowing athletes to exert more force, apply more control, and exhibit enhanced maneuverability.

Furthermore, high-performance athletic footwear, particularly running shoes, are made using carbon fiber threads. The midsole is combined with carbon fiber plates or inserts for stability, energy return, and propulsion. During long-distance running, these carbon fiber components help to improve running efficiency, responsiveness, and reduce tiredness.

In addition, cycling parts including bicycle frames, forks, handlebars, and seat posts frequently have carbon fiber threads. It is the material of choice for decreasing total bike weight while preserving stiffness and longevity due to its light weight and great strength. Cycling enthusiasts will perform better and feel more comfortable due to carbon fiber components' increased power transfer, flexibility, and vibration dampening.

Carbon fiber threads are also employed in protective gear used in various sports. Helmets, shin guards, elbow and knee pads, and body armor are all made of composite materials made of carbon fiber. Athletes gain an edge in safety and protection during high-intensity activities because of the materials' excellent impact resistance and energy absorption qualities. Thus, due to these factors, the usage of carbon fiber thread in the sports industry boosted the growth of the market.

The need for carbon fiber threads is being driven by the shift towards renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, on a global scale. Carbon fiber threads are frequently used in wind turbine blades because of their strength and light weight. The demand for carbon fiber threads for use in wind turbine applications is anticipated to rise as the renewable energy industry continues to expand. These are used in wind turbine blades to increase their performance, durability, and efficiency. It makes it possible to build blades that are longer, lighter, and more dependable, which increases energy output and improves wind energy production's efficiency.

Aerodynamic losses like drag and turbulence are reduced by the carbon fiber blades' smooth surface and high rigidity. This enhances the overall effectiveness and power production of the wind turbine by enabling more effective conversion of wind energy into rotational energy. In addition, wind gusts and turbulence cause wind turbine blades to cyclic loading.

Compared to more conventional materials like fiberglass, carbon fiber threads have better fatigue resistance. As a result, carbon fiber blades have a longer operational life and require less maintenance since they can survive repeated loading cycles without significantly degrading in performance or structural integrity. In addition, due to these factors, carbon fiber threads in wind turbine blades will significantly fuel the market's growth.

The excessive cost of producing carbon fiber threads restrains market growth. The raw material used to produce these threads is polyacrylonitrile (PAN) or pitch. These raw materials undergo several processing steps to become carbon fiber, including stabilization, carbonization, and graphitization. Comparing pitch-based carbon fibers to PAN-based carbon fibers, PAN-based carbon fibers are more common and cost more to produce.

The cost of raw materials, particularly premium PAN, can have a major impact on the purchase price of carbon fiber thread manufacture. The production of carbon fiber threads requires specialized and complex manufacturing processes. Spinning, stabilization, carbonization, surface treatment, and sizing operations are some of these methods. To guarantee the carbon fiber threads have the desired quality and performance, each step needs to be carefully controlled and expertly executed.

Higher manufacturing costs are a result of these techniques' complexity and the requirement for modern equipment with skilled operators. Also, facilities for producing carbon fiber require a large investment in specialized infrastructure and equipment in comparison to other materials such as steel or aluminum. Due to these reasons, the high production cost of carbon fiber thread hinders the growth of the market.

The sustainability of carbon fiber threads presented a significant market growth opportunity. Carbon fiber threads' light weight helps them be more energy-efficient in a variety of applications. For instance, lighter automobiles made possible by carbon fiber components in the transportation sector can lower fuel use and pollutants. Additionally, the incorporation of carbon fiber threads into wind turbine blades can enhance energy absorption and boost wind energy generation's general efficiency.

Carbon fiber threads have exceptional wear resistance and durability, which helps extend the service life of carbon fiber-based products. Over time, its longevity can minimize waste production by reducing the need for frequent replacements. Hence, the market has a lucrative prospect for expansion because of these aspects making carbon fiber threads sustainable.

The carbon fiber thread market is divided on the basis of product type, end-use industry, and region. On the basis of product type, the market is classified into continuous carbon fiber thread and chopped carbon fiber thread. Depending on the end-use industry, the market is segregated into aerospace, automotive, sports and recreation, construction and infrastructure, and others. Region wise, the market is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.

On the basis of product type, the continuous carbon fiber thread segment dominated the global carbon fiber thread market growth, both in terms of value in 2022. There is a growing emphasis on sustainability and environmental consciousness in various industries. Continuous carbon fiber thread, being lightweight and durable, contributes to energy efficiency and reduced emissions in applications such as transportation. The trend is towards the development of sustainable manufacturing processes, recycling of carbon fiber waste, and the use of bio-based resins to further enhance the eco-friendliness of continuous carbon fiber thread.

On the basis of end-use industry, the aerospace segment dominated the global carbon fiber thread market analysis, both in terms of value in 2022. Carbon fiber thread possesses exceptional mechanical properties, including high strength and stiffness. These properties make it an ideal choice for aerospace applications where components must withstand high loads and harsh operating conditions. By using carbon fiber thread, manufacturers can produce lightweight yet robust structures, ensuring the safety and reliability of aircraft systems.

On the basis of region, Asia-pacific has a dominant carbon fiber thread market share and is anticipated to experience rapid growth in the carbon fiber thread market. The Asia-Pacific region is witnessing a rapid expansion of renewable energy sources, including wind and solar power. Carbon Fiber Thread is used in the manufacturing of wind turbine blades and solar panel frames. The lightweight nature of Carbon Fiber Thread allows for the production of longer and more efficient wind turbine blades, enhancing the power generation capacity of wind farms.

The key players operating in the global carbon fiber thread market are SGL Carbon, Hexcel Corporation, Mitsubishi Chemical Carbon Fiber and Composites, Inc., TEIJIN LIMITED, TORAY INDUSTRIES, INC., Solvay, Beijing Konfitex Technology Co., Ltd., Formosa Plastics Corporation, ZhongAo Carbon, and KUREHA CORPORATION. These players have adopted various key strategies including agreement, collaboration, expansion, and partnership to increase their market shares.

Key findings of the study

• Asia-Pacific would exhibit CAGR of 5.5% during 2023-2032.
• By product type, the continuous carbon fiber thread segment was the leading segment in 2022.
• By end-use industry, the aerospace segment was the leading carbon fiber thread market industry in 2022.