The global SiC fiber market size was valued at USD 444 million in 2021, which is envisioned to grow at a CAGR of 18.85% and reach USD 1,768 million during the forecast period.
Silicon carbide fiber, also known as SiC fiber, is a high-performance ceramic material predominantly composed of silicon carbide molecules. SiC fiber is in high demand due to its high-performance characteristics. SiC fiber consists primarily of high rigidity, compressive strength, high chemical resistance, and low thermal expansion. SiC fiber can also be used to make composite materials. These fibers are used extensively in applications involving high temperatures due to their high strength and resistance to oxidation. SiC fiber is produced by three primary processes: the Yajima process, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), and laser-driven chemical vapor deposition (LCVD).
Multiple studies and innovations are conducted to expand the scope of application for these fibers. Silicon carbide fiber also benefits the environment sustainability by increasing fuel efficiency in the aviation, energy, and power industries, thereby decreasing CO2 and NOx emission levels. SiC fibers are increasingly used in aerospace applications such as turbine engines, nozzles, propulsion units, and combustor liners to replace existing metals.
The diameter of silicon carbide (SiC) fiber ranges from 5 to 150 micrometers and is composed primarily of silicon carbide molecules. They possess essential qualities like high heat resistance, chemical stability, high modulus, lightweight, and durability. These characteristics make them suitable for various applications in the aerospace industry, such as heat engine insulation, nanotubes in turbines, ceramic matrix composites (CMC), and alternatives to metallic alloys. Additionally, using SiC fiber in the aerospace industry provides environmental and economic benefits to aerospace companies by significantly reducing the weight of aircraft engines and increasing their fuel efficiency. Thus, due to the use of SiC fiber in producing various aircraft components, the silicon carbide fiber market may experience a significant increase in demand. In addition, developing nations such as China, India, and others are continually modernizing their aircraft and fighter jets with cutting-edge features. This will further propel the silicon carbide fiber market share.
Silicon carbide (SiC) fiber is suitable for use in a broad range of energy & power components due to its heat resistance, corrosion resistance, high modulus, chemical stability, and lightweight. In the energy sector, they are utilized as reinforcements, refractories in land-based turbines and nuclear reactors, heat-resistant filters, curtains, belts, and other recreational equipment. Based on a statement by the Indian Brands Equity Foundation, India's electricity consumption is projected to rise from 1,160.1 TWh in 2016 to 1,894.7 TWh in 2022. This will prompt the Indian government and local authorities to construct more power plants in regions where SiC fiber is widely used in high-temperature applications. This attribute is one of the primary factors driving the SiC fiber market growth. In addition, nuclear facilities are expanding rapidly in developed and developing economies. Increasing demand for power reactors that use SiC fiber as a significant insulating component may therefore fuel the silicon carbide fiber market growth.
The pandemic outbreak impacted the entire demand and supply chain in numerous industries. More than one hundred nations have closed their international borders to trade and transportation. During this pandemic, the manufacturing sectors also functioned at half capacity due to the danger of infection among the workforce. In addition, the liquidity crunch and financial crisis reduced demand for silicon carbide (SiC) fiber. In addition, the lockdowns imposed in nations in which aerospace & defense sectors contributed significantly to economic growth, such as the United States, France, China, India, Germany, and others, have reduced demand for SiC fiber. Consequently, creating market restraints for Sic fiber.
In recent years, the increasing demand for silicon carbide (SiC) fiber has attracted manufacturers and investors to the silicon carbide fiber market. In addition, growing interest has accelerated research and development efforts to enhance SiC fiber's performance in high-temperature environments. In addition, the leading producers of SiC fiber, such as BJS Ceramics GmbH and the Fraunhofer Center for High-Temperature Lightweight Construction HTL, have expanded their silicon carbide production into manufacturing non-oxide Sic fiber. The non-oxide silicon carbide fiber is also utilized in producing composite materials, including super metallic alloys, oxide ceramic composites, carbon fiber composites, and monolithic composites. Consequently, the increasing industrial applications of composites, super alloys, and heat-resistant materials are anticipated to generate lucrative market opportunities for silicon fiber.
| Study Period | 2018-2030 | CAGR | 18.85% |
| Historical Period | 2018-2020 | Forecast Period | 2022-2030 |
| Base Year | 2021 | Base Year Market Size | USD 444 Million |
| Forecast Year | 2030 | Forecast Year Market Size | USD 1768 Million |
| Largest Market | North America | Fastest Growing Market | Europe |
The region-wise segmentation of the global market includes North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.
North America will grow at a CAGR of 17.52% and command the market with the largest share during the forecast period. Silicon carbide (SiC) fibers are widely used in applications requiring high modulus, heat resistance, and insulation. The utilization of SiC fiber in industries like aerospace & defense, nuclear power reactors, and others is the most significant market trend in the North American region. The aerospace and defense sector across the United States is expanding rapidly, increasing the demand for SiC fiber to provide thermal support for aircraft engines and turbines. In addition, the growing use of silicon carbide fiber in various Canadian nuclear power reactors has boosted North America's silicon carbide fiber market share.
In addition, rising U.S. air force exercises and military operations have increased the demand for fighter jets and surveillance aircraft. SiC fibers are commonly used as insulation for jet engines and turbines. This could increase the demand for SiC fibers in the region. In addition, per Canada's 2017 long-term energy plan, the country's nuclear facilities are constantly working to maximize their energy generation capacity. Thus, it is anticipated that using SiC fiber as an insulating material for high-temperature nuclear reactors will create lucrative opportunities for the SiC fiber market share in the North American region.
Europe will hold the second-largest share of USD 533 million, growing at a CAGR of 19.91%. Silicon carbide (SiC) fibers are widely used in the aerospace industry for applications involving insulation, nanotubes, and metallic superalloys. The application of SiC fiber in sectors such as aircraft manufacturing, composites, power plants, and metallurgy is a significant market pattern in the European region. Based on a report released by the European Committee of Regions, the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) emphasizes renewable energy and power technology, with SiC fiber gaining importance for high-temperature applications. It is anticipated that this will boost the performance of the silicon carbide fiber market in Europe.
Increasing investments in expanding the manufacturing and production facility of SiC fiber in the European region may also drive SiC fiber market growth. In addition, the power industry is becoming the most resilient industry in Europe, with an average annual growth of 12%. SiC fiber is required for insulation in power reactors, furnace walls, kilns, and other high-temperature equipment in these industries. It is anticipated that this will generate lucrative opportunities for European silicon carbide (SiC) fiber.
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The global SiC fiber market is classified based on phase, application, and region.
Based on phase, the fragments include Crystalline and Amorphous.
The crystalline segment will most likely hold the largest share during the forecast period growing at a CAGR of 18.28%. The excellent properties of crystalline silicon carbide (SiC) fiber, such as its high thermal resistance, modulus, chemical stability, and strength, make it suitable for various applications. The use of crystalline-based SiC fiber in industries such as nuclear power plants, power reactors, refractories, and others, is the most significant trend in the global market. The aviation and aerospace industries have reported a surge in demand for Nicalonä, a high-quality continuous polycrystalline SiC fiber primarily utilized for high-temperature applications. In addition, developing economies such as China, India, and others are experiencing a rapid increase in the installation of nuclear power reactors, further stimulating the market for crystalline Sic fiber.
The segment amorphous will hold the second-largest share. Amorphous silicon carbide (SiC) fibers are low-density fibers with exceptional heat resistance and chemical stability. Silicon carbide (SiC) fiber derived from amorphous silicon possesses significant features such as good thermal resistance, chemical stability, high modulus, and corrosion resistance, making it suitable for various high-temperature applications. The utilization of amorphous-based SiC fiber in industries such as aerospace & aviation, power industries, and metallurgical industries, among others, is the most significant market trend in the world.
The fragment includes Aerospace & Defense, Energy & Power, Industrial, and others based on application.
The segment of energy & power is projected to hold the largest share during the forecast period growing at a CAGR of 18.52%. Silicon carbide (SiC) fibers have high rigidity, compressive strength, and thermal shock resistance, making them suitable for various energy and power components. They are utilized as ceramic matrix composites for gas turbine internal insulation applications. In addition, they are used as refractories in high-temperature (up to 3200°C) furnaces to stop the melting of metallic sheets close to the combustion chamber. The application of SiC fiber in devices like gas turbines, nuclear reactions, and furnaces, among others, is the most significant market trend on a global scale.
Furthermore, both developed and developing nations worldwide are constructing nuclear facilities at a rapid rate. For instance, approximately 50 power reactors are being built in 16 countries, primarily in China, India, Russia, and the UAE. Thus, the increasing demand for power reactors in which SiC fibers are used as a significant component for insulation purposes could fuel the expansion of the silicon carbide fiber market for energy & power.
The industrial segment will hold the second-largest share. Silicon carbide fiber producers provide woven or fabric fiber to numerous industries, including metallurgy, chemistry, renewable energy, and others. These industries use SiC fiber derived from ceramic matrix composite to provide thermal support for equipment. In addition, they are used for insulating functions in refractory materials like silica, alumina, and aluminum nitride in the metal fabrication industry. The application of SiC fiber in sectors such as chemical industries, pharmaceutical reactors, and water treatment is the most significant market trend in the world. Metal-fabrication industries have reported a surge in demand for Silafil®, a high-quality SiC fiber primarily utilized for industrial turbine applications.
COVID-19 has positive and negative market consequences, as carbon emissions have decreased globally due to the lockout. COVID-19's reduction in emissions is a short-term benefit. Still, when industries and enterprises attempt to recoup some of their financial losses in the first quarter of the year, carbon emissions will rise dramatically. COVID-19 had a negative impact on global recycling efforts. Countries, notably the United States, have halted or decreased recycling programs to focus on collecting additional domestic waste or because services have been disrupted by the virus.
Also, with industries slowly returning to normalcy following the COVID-19 outbreak, this shift in workplace health and safety is expected to increase due to mandatory social distancing and continuous personal care through sanitization to eliminate even the tiniest possibility of COVID-19 spread. COVID-19 has impacted various companies' revenues, and if the lockdown is lifted, companies will turn their attention to operations to make up for their losses.
