What's Behind the Growth of the Composites Market?
Grand View Research, Inc
Market Research Technology | Management Consulting | Analytics
Did you know that Boeing 787 is largely made up of composite materials in its primary structure as well as airframe compared to any other previously manufactured Boeing commercial airplanes? This shift is neither sudden nor any hidden secret for the aviation industry, as everyone knows the aero industry is always striving towards lightweight components. The emphasis on using lightweight materials matters the most to improve product efficiency.
The global composite market is witnessing an industrial shift due to the huge demand for lightweight and durable composites. Manufacturers, mainly from automotive, aero defense, electronic, marine, and sports, are increasingly prioritizing composite materials that offer superior performance over cheaper raw materials, which helps them reduce the overall weight of products. For instance, composite materials such as glass and carbon fibers are primarily used in automotive and aerospace industries for their lightweight properties.?
Benefits of Lightweight Composite Materials:
Let’s find the major growth factors of the composites market.
Aerospace and Defense Industry
The defense and aerospace sectors are at the forefront of composite material utilization. These industries are largely driving the demand for materials that meet standards such as strength, weight, and durability. Composites are mainly used in airframe components and parts such as wing fairings, engine fairings, horizontal stabilizers, vertical fans, and passenger floors. To illustrate, commercial airplanes such as Boeing 777 weigh about 20% of composites. In September 2022, Boeing unveiled the Advanced Composite Fabrication Center to produce advanced composite components for combat aircraft.?
Reduced Weight Enhances Fuels Performance?
The focus on weight reduction has prompted manufacturers to keep up with the trend across industries. Composite materials such as glass and carbon fibers are largely used in body parts in the aviation and automotive industry due to their lightweight features, which help achieve fuel efficiency. Lightweight components are increasingly replacing traditional metals, enhancing overall vehicle look, performance, and mileage.?
Manufacturing Technology for Composites
The evolution of manufacturing technologies such as 3D modeling, automated fiber placement (AFP), autoclave modeling, vacuum bagging, and others are pushing the demand for composite materials. For instance, automated fiber placement and 3D printing facilitate the creation of complex composite structures. Improved resin systems also enhance the performance and durability of composites, making them more appealing for a range of applications.
Wind Energy Applications
The renewable energy sector is driving the demand for composite materials for wind turbine components. The use of lightweight materials helps optimize performance and efficiency. Longer blades made from composites contribute to increased energy capture, while their resistance to environmental conditions enhances longevity and reduces maintenance.
Textile Industry Expansion
The integration of composites in the textile industry is gaining momentum, driven by their unique properties, such as flexibility. In addition, composites are used in high-performance fabrics, offering enhanced durability and strength, along with lightweight and flexible materials that improve comfort and wearability.
Heat-Resistant Properties
Thermosetting and thermoplastic composites are used in components that require thermal stability, ensuring enhanced reliability and performance in high-temperature applications. The market is witnessing increased demand, as the heat-resistant nature of composites has led to increased adoption of electronic materials and devices.?
Innovations in Healthcare Industry
In the medical field, composites are increasingly replacing traditional materials such as glass and metals. This transition toward lightweight prosthetics and implants is improving patient comfort. Similarly, such biocompatible materials can enhance the longevity and effectiveness of medical devices, which has resulted in the demand for composites in the healthcare industry.
Sports Equipment Advancements
Composites are preferred for manufacturing sports equipment due to their various advantages. Their reduced weight facilitates easier handling and transportation, while their durability ensures longer product life and lower maintenance costs, making them ideal for both professional and recreational use. Composites are used in bicycles, skiing equipment, helmets, shoes, tennis rackets, kayaks, etc.
Innovations in Production
Innovations of advanced techniques such as automated fiber placement and 3D printing facilitate the creation of complex composite structures and improved resin systems enhance composites' performance and durability. The global?advanced composites market size?is projected to reach USD 70.18 billion by 2030.?
Ongoing R&D for Low-Cost Composites
Extensive research and development (R&D) activities emphasize creating low-cost composite grades that maintain similar mechanical properties to high-performance alternatives. This includes developing sustainable composite materials that reduce environmental impact. Innovations in raw material sourcing and processing are driving demand for eco-friendly products, such as fiberglass and bio-based composites.
Way Forward
Composites are finding applications in industries such as construction, industrial, automotive, defense, sports, and aerospace, and the demand will continue to grow robustly in the next few years. Global composite materials are reaching new heights with investments in R&D and innovations to reduce weight and create high-performance materials. However, composites are not just about weight reduction; they represent the future of engineering.?
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