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.
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.
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