The Canada Automotive Thermoplastic Polymer Composites Market is valued at USD 0.86 billion in 2024, and it is expected to reach USD 1.35 billion by 2029, registering a CAGR of 7.72% during the forecast period.
There was a rising interest in thermoplastic polymer composites over the past few years, owing to several advantages of these materials, including high volume processability, recyclability, superior damage tolerance, fracture toughness, and ability to produce complex shapes.
These composites found applications in different modes of transportation, from cars to underground trains. Among thermoplastic composites, long-fiber thermoplastics (LFTs) are being extensively used in the transportation sector.
The automotive industry was impacted due to high fuel prices. Furthermore, in the transportation industry, vehicle OEMs and suppliers use thermoplastic composites to reduce vehicle mass. Due to stringent emission regulations, automotive manufacturers are focusing on reducing the weight of the vehicle, as it helps in saving a noticeable amount of carbon dioxide emissions. A 10 kg weight reduction is estimated to reduce 1 gm of carbon dioxide per km.
Glass mat thermoplastic sheets were first introduced in 1970. Considering the cost-related mechanical performance criteria, GMT composites are located between injection moldable, discontinued (long or short) glass-fiber-reinforced composites, and advanced thermoplastic with various fiber architectures.
Although GMTs are available in various polymer matrices and are dominated by propylene-based composites due to their low price. These are well capable of competing with other structure materials, primarily in conditions where temperatures lesser than 110°C are maintained.
Glass mat thermoplastic composites are witnessing demand from the composite market. They are easy to use, with superior mechanical performance.
Innovations and greater market penetration are expected to drive the demand for glass mat thermoplastic composites during the forecast period.
The Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFÉ) standard forced manufacturers in the automobile industry to develop vehicle designs that incorporated high-performance, lightweight materials. The weight of an automobile include a direct impact on driving dynamics, fuel consumption, and agility. A 10% reduction in vehicle weights results in approximately 5-7% rise in fuel savings.
The rising focus on minimizing carbon emissions and enhancement of fuel economy, primarily by reducing the weight of a vehicle, is driving the demand for thermoplastics composites.
Continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites (CFRTP) are one of the primary materials that can address the rising concerns regarding a vehicle's weight. In combination with metals, CFRTP composites will be a part of a multi-material approach when designing the car of the future. These materials are developed and assembled with recyclability and sustainability in mind. In addition, the automotive industry standards will serve to align methods for characterizing the performance of CFRTP composites.
The automotive industry is undergoing a major transformation. As companies explore various options to address future needs, collaboration proves to be an effective way to discover new growth avenues while leveraging risk. The preferred approach is collaboration with strategic players throughout the value chain.
The Automotive Thermoplastic Polymer Composites Market is consolidated, with only a few companies dominating the market. Some of the major players in the market are 3B-Fiberglass, Base Group, BASF, BMW, and Cytec Industries, Inc., amongst others.
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