JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #65 - May/June 2011 - 20

focus: carbon

Table 3: Global nameplate capacities and total ouput (in metric tonnes) of PAN-based carbon fibre (both small and large tow) Table 4: Global nameplate capacities (in metric tonnes) of Pitch-based carbon fibre Total nameplate capacities PAN-based carbon fibre (metric tonnes) Total nameplate capacities Total output Pitch-based carbon fibre (metric tonnes) Granoc Dialed Thornel 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

72 150 54 505

77 650 58 355

82 100 61 870

91 300 68 610

96 000 72 200

We can also mention several potential other players to come without precise data: in China (Hebei Guigu Chemical company; Jilin Jiyan High Tech Fibers; Jilin Tangu Carbon Fiber co. Ltd. [could have precursor capacities (2008: 100 Metric Tonnes (MT)p.a.; 2009: total of 1,500 MT p.a.; 2012: total of 3,500 MT p.a.)]; Sinke in Hebei Province; Sinosteel Jiangcheng Carbon Fiber Co. Ltd. [could have a small tow production line of 500 MT p.a. (end of 2010) and could add 1,500 MT pa of capacities by mid 2012]; Sichuan Xinwanxing Ceramics Co. Ltd; Zhongfu Shenying Carbon Fiber Co (could produce 3,000 MT p.a.); and many others (Jiaxing Sino-Dia Carbon Fiber, Shanxi Hengtian New Textile Fiber Tech, Weihai Tuozhan Fiber, Anshan Sinocarb Carbon Fibers,…), in Russia (Argon ; Project of CJSC Holding Company Composite) and in Saudi Arabia (Project of SABIC, AN Plant already planned – monomer of PAN).

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

Nippon Graphite Fiber, Japan Mitsubishi Plastics, Japan Cytec, USA

180 1 000 400 1 580

180 1 250 400 1 830

180 1 250 400
1 830

240 1 250 400
1 890

Fig. 2: Carbon fibre consumption in industrial applications from 2008 to 2015 in kilotonnes – Source: Courtesy of SGL Group

all data in italic are publisher’s estimates

Matching supply and demand
When production capacity is compared with the demand, this might suggest that there is a chronic overcapacity. In reality, it is hard to determine with precision the actual production levels of carbon fibre, despite the theoretical output coefficients, compared to the production capacity. There are only a small number of players, and they keep their data under wraps. However, there are certain telling signs. The recent economic crisis put a stop to certain expansions. These have now been resumed, while others have been announced. There are high levels of investment involved, and the manufacturers in the sector do not take such decisions lightly. This demonstrates that there is real demand and that equilibrium is close

The "large tow" segment is seeing new players entering the field (such as Bluestar) and new investments. This sector should register the highest levels of growth, since the quality/price ratio of large tows makes them

jec composites magazine / No65 May - June 2011
the preferred choice for industrial applications. Overall, the production capacity for PAN-based carbon fibre (large and small tows) is expected to grow by 24% between 2010 and 2013 (from 77,650 to 96,000 MT

– see Table 3). The production capacity for fibre derived from pitch precursor shows little change, these being associated with some mature markets (see Table 4).

JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #65 - May/June 2011

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #65 - May/June 2011