The incorporation of different types of fibres into a single matrix has led to the development of hybrid composites. The properties of a hybrid composite mainly depend upon the fibre content, length of individual fibres, orientation, extent of intermingling of fibres, fibre to matrix bonding and arrangement of both the fibres. The strength of the hybrid composite is also dependent on the failure strain of individual fibres. Maximum hybrid results are obtained when the fibres are highly strain compatible. Hybrid composites refer to composites with either multiple filler/fiber materials or multiple matrix materials. Lightweight hybrid composites that can offer substantial ballistic protection to tactical ground vehicles and, in turn, to military personnel are of ever-growing interest to the U.S. military.
The diverse and contradictory requirements for modem composite materials has brought to the forefront the very complex problem of developing new types of hybrid composite. The global hybrid composites market is witnessing significant growth owing to growing application sectors, involving automotive & transportation, building & construction, aeronautical and marine industries amongst others. Carbon fibre (CF) reinforced polymer composites are widely used in many engineering fields where high mechanical properties and lightweight are required. Among various polymer options, polypropylene (PP) is extraordinarily light. Therefore, continuous carbon fibre reinforced PP (CF/PP) has a potential to achieve highest specific stiffness and strength. In addition, self-reinforced PP (SRPP) of which PP polymer is highly oriented in one direction has much higher stiffness and strength than normal PP. Furthermore, surging market penetration in emerging countries and evolution of technologies would further provide significant growth opportunities to this market. However, the market is hampered by high technology cost associated with the manufacturing of hybrid composites.
The report analyses the global hybrid composites market based on fiber type, resin, end use industry and geography.
Based on fiber type, the market is categorized into carbon/glass and glass/carbon, aramid/carbon, HMPP (high-modulus polypropylene)/carbon, UHMWPE (ultra high molecular weight polyethylene)/carbon and others. The most common hybrid composites are carbon-aramid reinforced epoxy (which combines strength and impact resistance) and glass-carbon reinforced epoxy (which gives a strong material at a reasonable price).
The hybrid composites use different resins such as thermoset and thermoplastic. Thermoset resins exhibit outstanding strength and crack resistance. These resins are suitable for use in automotive & transportation and marine applications, which are some of the largest end-use industries requiring materials that possess high strength, lightweight, and flammability performance.
The end use industry of this market is automotive & transportation, marine, aerospace & defense, wind energy, sporting goods and others. The automotive & transportation industry uses hybrid composites to reduce weight and increase the fuel efficiency of vehicles. The use of hybrid composites in the automotive industry has enabled good performance and luxury at economical pricing.
By geography, the global hybrid composites market is studied across the countries of key regions such as, North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and rest of the world regions which includes Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. Europe is estimated to account for the largest share of the market in 2018. The region is considered the most advanced region in terms of technology adoption and infrastructure development. Europe is home to some of the major automotive and aerospace & defense equipment manufacturers, which create demand for hybrid composites in the region. Moreover, the Asia Pacific is expected to show lucrative growth during the forecast period. The APAC is currently experiencing high investments in residential and commercial construction, especially in China, Japan, Taiwan and South Korea and in developing economies such as India, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam. All these factors will be supported by the ever-increasing population in the region, urbanization and their increasing purchasing power.
The leading market players of the global hybrid composites market are Aerodyn Energiesysteme GmbH, C. Cramer, Weberei, GmbH & Co. Kg, Cit Composite Materials Italy, Colan Australia, Composites Evolution, Devold Amt, Exel Composites Oyj, G. Angeloni S.R.L., Gurit, Hexcel Corporation, LANXESS Corporation, PlastiComp, Inc., PolyOne Corporation, Quantum Composites, Rock West Composites, Royal DSM N.V, RTP Company, SGL Group, Solvay, Structeam Ltd, Taiwan Taiyuan Composites Co., Ltd., Talon Technology, Teijin Limited, Textum Inc and Toray Composite Materials America, Inc. In April 2018, Exel Composites acquired Diversified Structural Composites (US). Diversified Structural Composites is a manufacturer of composites; it also manufactures hybrid composites using a combination of glass and carbon. The acquisition has helped Exel Composites strengthen its business in North America.
The global hybrid composites market is segmented based on fiber type, resin, end use industry and geography. Based on fiber type, the market is categorized into carbon/glass and glass/carbon, aramid/carbon, HMPP (high-modulus polypropylene)/carbon, UHMWPE (ultra high molecular weight polyethylene)/carbon and others.
The hybrid composites use different resins such as thermoset and thermoplastic. Thermoset resins exhibit outstanding strength and crack resistance. These resins are suitable for use in automotive & transportation and marine applications, which are some of the largest end-use industries requiring materials that possess high strength, lightweight, and flammability performance.
The end use industry of this market is automotive & transportation, marine, aerospace & defense, wind energy, sporting goods and others. The automotive & transportation industry uses hybrid composites to reduce weight and increase the fuel efficiency of vehicles.
By geography, the global hybrid composites market is studied across the countries of key regions such as, North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and rest of the world regions which includes Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. Europe is estimated to account for the largest share of the market in 2018. The region is considered the most advanced region in terms of technology adoption and infrastructure development. Europe is home to some of the major automotive and aerospace & defense equipment manufacturers, which create demand for hybrid composites in the region.
Why to buy this report: