Activated Carbon Fiber (ACF) Market - By Material (Cellulose Based, Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) Based, Phenolic Resin Based, Pitch Based), By Application (Air Purification, Water Treatment, Chemical Recovery, Catalyst Carrier) & Global Forecast, 2023 - 2032

Activated Carbon Fiber (ACF) Market - By Material (Cellulose Based, Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) Based, Phenolic Resin Based, Pitch Based), By Application (Air Purification, Water Treatment, Chemical Recovery, Catalyst Carrier) & Global Forecast, 2023 - 2032

Global Activated Carbon Fiber (ACF) Market is estimated to generate substantial business revenue through 2032 owing to massive government spending on water & air pollution control for protecting the environment and human health.

High air filtration qualities make ACF materials ideal for use in medical, safety, and defense equipment. Activated carbon fiber is used extensively for a range of military defense applications, such as nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) protective garments, as it shares many of the same fundamental qualities as clothing, such as strength, flexibility, and durability.

Moreover, gas masks that filter hazardous gases like benzene and carbinol often use activated carbon fiber. ACF is considered a feasible alternative to granular activated carbon (GAC) for the production of thinner, lighter, and more effective respirators because of their larger surface area, lighter weight, and fabric form, which are pushing product demand.

Additionally, companies engaged in the activated carbon fiber market are emphasizing the development of novel production techniques and implementing expansion strategies in order to maintain their market position, thereby positively influencing the overall business revenue. For instance, in March 2022, Kronos Advanced Technologies, Inc., a provider of cloud-based software solutions, introduced ViralWall, an air purification device that can be used against all viruses and bacteria, as well as superbugs that are resistant to antibiotics.

Similarly, in October 2022, automotive behemoth Audi announced a unique application for EVs with the Urban Air Purifier System. The novel system allows the car to filter out particulate matter, cleaning the city's air while driving or charging it.

The activated carbon fiber (ACF) market is segregated based on application, material, and region. In terms of material, the market share from the phenolic resin based segment is projected to exhibit growth at over 7% CAGR through the review timespan backed by the material's superior qualities, such as thermal insulation, corrosion resistance, and thermal stability as compared to pitch and other precursor materials.

The activated carbon fiber market revenue from the chemical recovery application segment is anticipated to register over 7% gains through 2032. Recovery of chemicals and solvents is one of the chemical industry's major concerns. The demand for ACF products has increased due to strict government regulations and the development of various solvent recovery technologies in recent years. The others application segment, which includes healthcare, defense, and personal protective equipment, is estimated to be worth more than USD 360 million by 2032.

Regionally, the Middle East & Africa activated carbon fiber market is projected to surpass USD 70 million in revenue by the end of 2032. The continuing need for water treatment equipment and the expanding petroleum sector in the region are anticipated to fuel ACF product sales. Mounting consumer demand for luxury vehicles and the use of extremely effective air purifiers in passenger car cabinets are also primed to promote MEA market development.