Unmanned composites: 5 key types of fibrous reinforcement materials

Unmanned composites are expected to revolutionize global manufacturing. They’ll play a key role in making production workflows more efficient, and as such, companies are keen to adopt them to improve their supply chain management. Used in a broad range of applications including aerospace, construction, industry, and defense, unmanned composites could serve a huge number of purposes across countless industries. 

Given their enormous potential, it checks out that the market is primed to encounter rapid growth. BCC Research estimates that the global market for unmanned composites will grow from $1.4 billion in 2022 to reach $2.8 billion by 2027, shooting up at a CAGR of 15.5%. 

Today, we’ll be discussing the 5 key types of fibrous reinforcement materials used for unmanned composites.

      1.  Glass fibers

E or E-CR glass fibers are considered the primary reinforcement materials for polymer matrix composites. Glass fibers have excellent electrical insulating properties, low susceptibility to moisture and superior mechanical properties, making them well suited for end uses in the automotive, aerospace, and wind energy industries. 

The glass fiber segment of the market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 14.0% through 2027.

      2.  Carbon fibers

Carbon fibers are in extremely high demand and hold nearly half of the market share based on material.  Being typically lightweight with impressive strength and mechanical properties, carbon fibers are sought after in the aerospace and defense sector. 

Made from organic predecessors, carbon fibers have the highest amount of strength and stiffness compared to other reinforcement fibers, but come at a comparatively high cost. Despite the overheads, carbon fibers are set to experience the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.

      3.  Aramid fibers (polyaramids)

Aramid fiber has a tensile strength higher than steel, making it a prime candidate for ballistic applications within the defense industry. As an aromatic polyimide, it has good mechanical properties, low-density toughness, medium modulus, and is resistant to heat, electricity, organic solvents, fuels, and lubricants. It holds the second position in the market, with expansion estimated to land at a CAGR of 14.6% through 2027.

      4.  Ceramic fibers

Ceramic fiber reinforcement composites have high electrical conductivity and thermal stability. Due to these properties, ceramics are increasingly being used in electronic and thermal management applications where high effectiveness is needed.

Although glass is a ceramic material, glass fiber is excluded from the ceramic category because it is sufficiently important to constitute a category on its own.

      5.  Boron fibers

Boron fibers are inorganic, high-strength fibers made from boron nitride. These fibers have very high tensile strength and are added to plastics to produce materials that are tougher than steel, but lighter than aluminum. These fibers are the strongest of the structural reinforcing fibers available, but are also one of the most expensive. Coupled with their reputation for being notoriously tricky to work with, boron fibers are not commonly used. When they do find usage, it’s mainly in the construction of high-tensile-strength tapes for use in military aircraft. 

Global unmanned composites market report

With new advances in technology, unmanned composites are finding ever-expanding applications in many unexpected fields across a spectrum of industries. As the industry unravels, the potential for market growth in certain fields is immense. This swift development underscores the need for an in-depth analysis of the current and future picture for unmanned composites.

BCC Research’s latest report does just that. With definitive and comprehensive estimates and forecasts of the worldwide markets provided, plus a detailed analysis of various regions, the report acts as an invaluable guide to this burgeoning market. 

Download your complimentary report overview here.

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