The numbers behind carbon in composites
These figures are indicative estimates that vary by scope and year.
Where carbon fits in composites
Carbon fibre is the dominant in-scope material in composites, forming the reinforcement phase in carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer used across aerospace, automotive, wind energy, marine and industrial parts. Continuous PAN-based fibre delivers tensile strength above 3.5 GPa and modulus above 230 GPa, and composite applications accounted for 87.8 percent of carbon-fibre use in 2025.
CNTs and graphene act as nanoscale additives to the polymer matrix, improving interlaminar properties without significant weight. Under 5 percent by weight of MWCNTs can raise interlaminar shear strength by 15 to 30 percent, while graphene-polymer composites have enabled 10 to 15 percent vehicle weight reduction. Carbon-carbon composites serve niche roles above 1,500 degrees C, with density near 1.8 to 2.0 grams per cubic centimetre against roughly 7.8 for steel.
Biomass and recycled carbons are gaining ground as recovered carbon fibre for lower-tier structural parts, a market projected to reach about $569M by 2030 at a 13 percent CAGR. ACC tracks the producers, the science and the market behind composite carbons so members can see where each material is established and where it is still emerging.
Key carbons used in composites
Drawn from materials ACC has linked to composites coverage and producers. Each links to its full material profile.
