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Global Technology Developments and Trends in High Performance Fibres (Technical Insights)
Frost & Sullivan, September 2008, Pages: 85
This Frost & Sullivan research service titled Global Technology Developments and Trends in High-Performance Fibers reviews and analyzes the developments that have impacted or might impact high-performance fiber technology. The types of high-performance fibers being considered in this research service include carbon fibers, carbon precursor fibers, fluorocarbon fibers, fibers made from high-density polyethylene and melamine, meta-aramid fibers, para-aramid fibers, polybenzimidazole fibers, polyimide fibers, polylactide fibers, polyphenylene benzobisoxazole fibers, and polyphenylene sulfide fibers.
Technology Overview
Nanotechnology and Growth in Niche Markets Nurtures Innovation in High Performance Fibers
In recent years, high performance fibers are being increasingly utilized in an array of applications across various industry verticals. “Innovation within the industry is alive and well, with the larger corporations investing millions to come up with newer fibers, fabrics, and designs,” notes the analyst of this research service. “Industrial trends indicate that the huge investments are aimed at establishing new profitable niche markets.” Synthetic fibers and polymers find favor over natural fibers such as cotton and wool and innovative strategies revolve around key themes such as safety, comfort, durability, and convenience. As goals vary for each application, properties such as tensile strength and elongation, weight, elasticity, non-flammability, moisture transport, and durability are doctored to meet the expectations of target applications. Potent forces are driving innovation in high performance fibers, the most prominent of all being the emergence of nanotechnology. Nanotechnology has helped push the frontiers of fiber technology.
However, the exorbitant costs involved in the research, design, and manufacture of these high tech fibers as well as the rising raw material prices and manufacturing equipment expenses have reined in the market. With distinct emphasis being placed on lowering the production cost of high performance fibers, the challenge for participants in this space is to keep product pricing low, while still maintaining product quality. Environmental issues and legislations have also contributed to the slackening of the pace of growth as no method for recycling of a majority of these fibers has been discovered yet.
Demand for State-of-the-Art Equipment in Ultrahigh Performance Application Fields Drives Market Prospects
The ability of high performance fibers to be deployed in a variety of applications is evident in the wide range of use in multiple sectors. In the protective clothing segment, para-aramids and meta-aramids are utilized in protective vests and face masks to afford protection for military personnel. Fire fighters wear fiber enhanced turnout coats to provide superior flame resistance. Manufacturers are striving to create coats for firefighter clothing that are softer on the skin. In the aerospace, marine, and automobile domains, metal structures are being increasingly replaced by fiber-reinforced composites for aircraft components and bodies. Substitution of metal structures by fiber-based polymers and composites is a clear indication of the extent to which progress has been achieved. The requirement for safer and stronger products in the industrial sector has triggered innovations in fiber usage, especially in the food industry. In the sports segment, high performance fibers have enabled the development of outstanding products such as high-tech swimsuits and racquets. The demand for tougher and lighter products is on the upswing in the military and construction sectors.
Fiber producers are committed to improving manufacturing processes and reducing manufacturing costs. Prominent participants are actively investing in larger capacities, aiming to meet the ever-evolving demands of the fiber-consuming world. Manufacturers’ intentions are to develop high performance fibers that go beyond meeting customer expectations and introducing value-added characteristics such as brighter color. “Besides acting as reinforcement materials for composites and polymers, high performance fibers can also be seen in high-tech clothing,” says the analyst. “Examples of these are fabrics that naturally provide ultraviolet (UV) protection, are self-cleaning and self-sterilizing and provide antibacterial properties.” These commercial products have stirred consumer interest because they can be utilized in everyday applications.
Application Sectors
Expert Frost & Sullivan analysts thoroughly examine the following application sectors in this research:
- Carbon fibers
- Carbon precursor fibers
- Fluorocarbon fibers
- Meta-aramid fibers
- Para-aramid fibers
- Polybenzimidazole fibers
- Polyimide fibers
- Polylactide fibers
- Polyphenylene benzobisoxazole fibers
- Polyphenylene sulfide fibers
1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
- Scope and Methodology
- - Scope
- - Methodology
- Key Research Findings
- - Overview of High-Performance Fibers
- - Research Highlights
2 HIGH-PERFORMANCE FIBERS--TECHNOLOGY OVERVIEW
- Technology Primer
- - Introduction to High-Performance Fibers
- - Forms of High-Performance Fibers
- Types of High Performance Fibers and Its Applications
- - Carbon Fibers
- - Carbon Precursor Fibers
- - Fluorocarbon Fibers
- - High Density Polyethylene
- - Melamine
- - Meta-Aramid
- - Para-Aramid
- - Polybenzimidazole Fibers
- - Polyimide Fibers
- - Polylactide Fibers
- - Polyphenylene Benzobisoxazole Fibers
- - Polyphenylene Sulfide Fibers
3 ASSESSMENT OF INDUSTRY AND TECHNOLOGY
- Major Industry Players According to Applications
- - Protective and High-Tech Clothing
- - Transportation
- - Industrial Equipment and Construction
- - Sports and Recreational Equipment
- Industry Analysis
- - Industry Trends
- - Technology Drivers
- - Technology Challenges
4 ASSESSMENT OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION
- Assessment of R&D in Corporations according to Applications
- - Protective and High-Tech Clothing
- - Transportation
- - Industrial Equipment and Construction
- - Sports and Recreational Equipment
- Assessment of R&D in Research Institutes and Universities
- - North America
- - Europe and Africa
- - Asia Pacific
5 PATENTS AND DATABASE OF KEY INDUSTRY PARTICIPANTS
- Patents
- - Noteworthy US Patents
- - Other Noteworthy Patents
- Database of Key Industry Participants
- - Corporations
- - Research Institutions and Universities
6 DECISION SUPPORT DATABASE
- Reference Database Tables
- - Military Expenditure (2002 to 2012)
- - Military Expenditure as Percentage of GDP (2002 to 2012)
- - Military R&D Expenditure (2002 to 2012)
- - Total Vehicle Production (2002 to 2012)
- - Vehicles in Operation (2002 to 2012)
- - Number of Fire Incidents--North America (2003 to 2013)
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