Ceramic Matrix Composites: Technologies and Global Markets

Report Highlights

• The global ceramic matrix composites (CMC) market is projected to reach $870 million in revenue by the end of 2010. The total market for ceramic matrix composites is forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.3% through 2015, reaching nearly $1.3 billion in total revenues.
• Revenue growth for CMCs is being driven primarily by the mechanical/chemical sector for manufacturing wear-resistant parts and cutting tools. The mechanical/chemical sector is estimated to account for 36.1% of all revenues in 2010, a value of nearly $315 million, and is expected to experience an 8.2% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) through 2015 to reach $466 million.
• Additional key sectors are energy and environmental, and aerospace and defense, which combined account for 50.1% of the total market. The energy and environmental sector is valued at $277 million in 2010 and is expected to reach $394 million in 2015, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.3%.

INTRODUCTION

STUDY GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

BCC published its first report on ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) in February 2000. During the last 10 years, the market for these materials has been rapidly expanding, new technological developments have occurred in the field, and industry changes have taken place.

The main goal of this report is to provide new insights into current CMC technology, outlining technological trends, and supplying an updated market analysis for these materials.

Specifically, the major objectives of this study are:

• Provide an updated review of ceramic matrix composites, focusing on materials and fabrication technologies.
• Highlight key technological advances made during the past 3 years.
• Review existing fields of application for CMCs and investigate emerging applications.
• Estimate current global markets for CMCs by matrix type, application, and region, with growth forecasts through 2015 for each market segment.
• Identify important technology and market trends within each market segment.
• Supply an updated review of current players in CMC technology.
• Provide a description of current worldwide research activities and evaluate their impact on industry growth.
• Determine trends in U.S. patents issued during the past 3 years. 

REASONS FOR DOING THIS STUDY

Ceramic matrix composites are materials containing a secondary phase (organic or inorganic) dispersed within a ceramic matrix or primary phase. In most formulations, the function of the secondary phase is to confer increased strength to the matrix; hence, its alternative name, the reinforcing phase. In addition to mechanical functions, the secondary phase can be added to improve bioactivity in biocompatible materials or to confer electrical conductivity to an insulating matrix.

In 1999, the year prior to BCC’s first published report on CMCs, the market for CMCs was valued at only $212.6 million worldwide; however, the market has grown steadily since then.
CMC fabrication technologies have also continued to evolve. In addition, several new applications have exited the development stage and entered commercialization, while others are being developed.

The principal reason for doing this study is to present a current assessment of the CMC industry from both a technological and market point of view and to outline future trends and key developments.

There is also a need to evaluate the current status and future trends of the CMC industry from a global standpoint. In recent years, several producers have changed identity and others have abandoned the market. New companies have started manufacturing in developing countries. Therefore, it is also necessary to provide an updated geographical mapping of points of production of ceramic matrix composites, relative to global sales and distribution. Such an evaluation will contribute to a broader understanding of growth opportunities for CMCs and their applications within the U.S. and abroad.

An equally important reason for undertaking this study is to provide technical insights into CMC manufacturing by:

• Supplying a review of materials, their specific applications, and production methods.
• Identifying current technical issues.
• Providing an overview of global R&D activities related to ceramic matrix composites, both within public and private organizations.
• Illustrating the latest technological developments. 
• This information can assist companies in finding opportunities for process and productivity improvements, resulting in a positive impact on future market growth. 

INTENDED AUDIENCE

This study will be of primary interest to all companies that:

Manufacture, sell, and distribute CMCs and CMC-based products.
Supply raw materials for CMC production.
Manufacture process equipment utilized by CMC producers.
Fabricate and supply wear-resistant parts, hardened tools, kiln furniture, radiant heaters and other high-temperature components, turbines, ballistic armor, aircraft parts, low friction products, and biocompatible materials.
Provide technical and/or marketing services in conjunction with the above mentioned products.
Are planning to enter the CMC industry as a supplier, manufacturer, or end-user.
Overall, this study applies to industry sectors such as mechanical, chemical, energy, environmental, medical, dental, automotive, aerospace, defense, and electronics.

This study is mainly directed toward executives, directors, operations managers, sales and marketing managers, and strategic planners working within the above industries. Universities and research facilities may find this study to be a good source of technical information regarding CMC technology, materials, equipment, and applications, which can be used as a baseline for new or expanded R&D activities.Librarians of technical information and research centers can also use this report to provide critical data to product managers, market analysts, researchers, and other professionals needing detailed and updated insights into the CMC industry.

SCOPE OF REPORT

This study provides an updated review of CMC technology, including materials and production processes, and identifies current and emerging applications for this technology.

BCC Research determines the current market status of CMC-based products, defines trends, and presents growth forecasts for the next 5 years. Technological issues, including the latest process developments, are also discussed.

BCC Research analyzes the CMC industry on a worldwide basis from the standpoint of both manufacturing and consumption. In addition, the study examines commercial and public research activities in major regions of the world. Research objectives and areas of interest related to materials, production methods, and applications of ceramic matrix composites are also outlined.

More specifically, BCC’s market analysis is divided into six parts.

In the first part, a historical review of ceramic matrix composites is provided, including an outline of recent events. In this section, current and emerging applications of CMCs are also identified and divided by sector: mechanical/chemical, energy and environmental, aerospace and defense, transportation (private and commercial motor vehicles and rail transportation), medical and dental, and electronics.

The second part of the report offers a technological review of ceramic matrix composites. This section supplies a revised and detailed description of CMC materials, typical fabrication methods and recent process upgrades, and applications by CMC type. A review of recent technological developments and patent abstracts is also offered, related to materials, applications, and manufacturing processes.

The third part of the report entails a global market analysis of CMC products. Global CMC revenues (sales data in millions of dollars) are presented by matrix type, application, and region, with actual data referring to the years 2008, 2009, and estimated data for the year 2010.

This section concludes with a presentation of market growth trends, based on industry growth, technological trends, and regional trends. Projected revenues are reported, with forecast compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) for the period 2010 through 2015.

In the fourth part, covering global industry structure, the report provides a complete list of suppliers of ceramic matrix composites and a description of their products. The analysis includes a description of the geographical distribution of these firms and an evaluation of production versus consumption, always from a geographical standpoint. Detailed company profiles of the top industry players are also provided.

In the fifth part of this study, an analysis of industry competitiveness is performed. This analysis encompasses a review of global research and development activities, with profiles of the most important R&D players divided by region, and an outline of the most critical factors contributing to industry competitiveness.

The sixth and final section includes an extensive U.S. patent analysis, with a summary of patents related to CMC materials, fabrication methods, and applications, issued during the period 2007 through 2010. Patent analysis is performed by region, country, assignee, patent category, application, and matrix type.

METHODOLOGY and INFORMATION SOURCES

Both primary and secondary research methodologies were used to obtain market data and analyze the overall market and market segments.

The technology section of this report is based on information derived from technical literature, related BCC reports, professional journals, the author’s field experience, and online sources.

Global market analysis was performed by analyzing 93 manufacturers of CMC-based products, accounting for at least 95% of the global market. Data for each company were obtained by thoroughly analyzing Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings, Internet websites, annual reports, industry directories, industry magazines and catalogs, government sources, and other public sources.

Additional data were obtained from the direct contribution of primary sources, including company executives, managers, engineers and other technical personnel representing manufacturers, developers, and users of CMCs and related materials and process equipment; representatives of academia and trade associations; and industry market analysts.

Secondary sources of information include:

• EDGAR – U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Filings
• U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
• European Patent Office
• Company web sites
• Company annual reports
• Thomas Registers
• Moody’s Directory
• S & P Industry Survey
• Dun & Bradstreet Business Directory
• American Ceramic Society Publications
• Foreign Chamber of Commerce Directories
• Foreign Stock Exchange Listings.
• In addition to utilizing the above primary and secondary sources, market growth trends and forecasts were compiled by gaining additional insights from relevant financial and market information, relevant BCC reports, and the author’s own in-depth and comprehensive analysis of the collected information. 

ANALYST CREDENTIALS

Margareth Gagliardi, BCC’s chief research analyst in advanced materials, has more than 25 years of experience in the field of advanced materials, specializing in ceramic formulations, materials processing, and new product development. She has held management positions in both manufacturing and R&D within U.S. and European firms that produce electronic, mechanical, chemical, and structural components. She holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and an M.S. in Ceramic Engineering.

She has authored numerous BCC Research studies, including the following that are related to advanced materials and processes:

• NAN043B Nanofibers: Technologies and Developing Markets, 2010
• AVM069A Photocatalysts: Technologies and Global Markets, 2010
• SMC061B Atomic Layer Deposition, 2010
• AVM046B Thick Film Devices, Processes and Applications, 2010
• AVM018F Rare Earths: Worldwide Markets, Applications, Technologies, 2009
• AVM052B Aerogels, 2009
• AVM065A Smart Glass: Technologies and Global Markets, 2009
• PLS046A Polymer Absorbents and Adsorbents, Including SAPs and Polymer Gels, 2008
• SMC037D Sputtering Targets and Sputtered Films: Technology and Markets, 2008
• NAN045A Nanofiltration, 2007
• NAN043A Nanofibers: Technologies and Developing Markets, 2007
• AVM054A Bioactive Glasses, Ceramics, Composites, Other Advanced Materials, 2006
• AVM052A Aerogels, 2006
• SMC061A Atomic Layer Deposition, 2006
• SMC037C Sputtering Targets and Sputtered Films: Technology and Markets, 2005
• SMC057A Thin Films: Raw Materials, Technology and Applications, 2005

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DISCLAIMER

The information developed in this report is intended to be of a professional nature and is as reliable as possible at the time of publication. This information does not constitute managerial, legal, or accounting advice, nor should it be considered as a corporate policy guide, laboratory manual, or an endorsement of any product, because much of the information is speculative in nature. The author assumes no responsibility for any loss or damage that might result from reliance on the reported information or from its use.