High Performance Composites

High Performance Composites

Growth in the high performance composites market will total 5.3 percent annually through 2020 in value terms. Gains will be propelled by demand from the automotive and wind energy segments. The aerospace market, which drove much of the industry’s growth over the last decade, will see a significant slowdown.

This report segments the high performance composites fiber, markets, and resin. Data is provided in million pounds and million dollars.

High performance composites fiber types include:
Carbon
S-Glass
Aramid
Other

Of these fibers, carbon fiber will remain the largest product type in the high performance composites market. It will also be the fastest growing fiber through 2020, driven by growing demand from automotive and industrial as well as energy markets for its light weight and strength.

Major markets for high performance composites include:
Aerospace
Automotive & Industrial
Consumer
Energy
Defense & Safety

Aerospace was the leading outlet in 2015. Automotive and industrial markets will show the most rapid growth in demand through 2020, driven by demand for pressure vessels and light-weighting for improved fuel efficiency in automobiles.

The US high performance composites industry ranges from smaller, privately held firms to divisions of large, multinational conglomerates. The industry has seen a number of notable acquisitions and divestitures in recent years. Leading suppliers include Cytec, GKN Aerospace, Hexcel, Mitsubishi Rayon, Royal Ten Cate, SGL Carbon, Solvay, Spirit Aerosystems, Teijin, and Toray.