Advanced Structural Carbon Products: Fibers, Foams & Composites

The U.S. market for structural carbon materials was worth $2.1 billion in 2012.  This figure is expected to drop slightly to under $2.0 billion in 2013, then increase to $3.1 billion in 2018, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.8% between 2013 and 2018.

Report Includes

• An overview of the market for advanced structural carbon products, defined in this report to include all types of carbon fibers, carbon foams, monolithic structural graphite, carbon-reinforced carbon composites, and certain graphene materials.
• Analyses of market trends, with data from 2012, estimates for 2013, and projections of compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) through 2018.
• Evaluations of current consumption and future demand for these materials for the United States and other major geographic markets.
• Discussion of trends in technology and the impact of governmental regulations.
• Comprehensive company profiles of major players in the market segment.

The U.S. market for structural carbon materials was worth nearly $2 billion in 2010. This figure is expected to increase to $2.1 billion in 2011 and $2.8 billion in 2016, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3% over the next 5 years.

• The U.S. market for structural carbon materials was worth an estimated $1.8 billion in 2008. This should increase to $2.3 billion in 2013, for a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.6%.
• Structural carbon materials for the aerospace and defense segment generated an estimated $1.0 billion in 2008. This should increase to $1.4 billion in 2013, for a CAGR of 6.4%.
• The industrial applications segment is expected to generate revenues of $415.7 million in 2008. This should reach $523.3 million in 2013, for a CAGR of 4.7%.

REPORT HIGHLIGHTS

• The market value of the top four types of advanced structural carbon materials is nearly $1.6 billion and is expected to rise at an average annual growth rate (AAGR) of 6.6% to $2.2 billion in 2011.
• The average price of carbon fiber will continue to erode due to a projected onslaught of low-end production. The market for carbon fibers is forecast to be $878 million in 2011.
• Carbon foams will grow from a small base of $11 million in 2006 at an industry-leading average annual rate of 18.3%.
• Structural graphite remains a relatively mature industry and its market will grow from $315 million in 2006 to only $348 million in 2011.
• Carbon-carbon composites, primarily used in high-temperature applications that demand structural integrity, will grow at an AAGR of 8.5%.

• A 7.4% average annual growth rate (AAGR) is forecast for the North American advanced structural carbons materials market over the next five years, resulting in a nearly $2.3 billion market in 2007.
• The carbon fiber sector’s 8.9% AAGR will depend on the ability of manufacturers to reduce production costs and thus diversify into high-volume markets.
• The relatively mature markets for structural graphite will grow at an AAGR of only 1.1%from $317 million in 2002 to $335 million in 2007.
• Carbon-carbon composites grow at an AAGR of 8.3% and, by 2007, this industry’s largest market will approach the $1 billion milestone.
• Carbon foams will grow from a small base of $19 million in 2002 at an industry-leading AAGR of 20.9%.