Abstract
INTRODUCTION
The goal of this report is to provide a detailed and comprehensive
multi-client study of the North American market for carbon, aramid, partially
oxidized polyacrylonitrile, polybenzimidazole, and other specialty fibers used
in aircraft and aerospace, sporting goods, automotive, and other industrial
products as well as potential business opportunities in the future. The
report' s objectives include a thorough coverage of the underlying economic
issues driving the specialty fiber and materials business, as well as
assessments of new and potential products that companies are developing.
Social, political, and regulatory issues are also covered, as are
international markets. Another important objective is to provide realistic
market data and forecasts for specialty fibers.
This technology/marketing report starts with an overview of specialty fiber
types including a history of fiber development and the overall composites
marketplace. The report then moves on to processing technology trends and
secondary processing and fabrication methods before proceeding to a detailed
assessment of markets and product applications. This assesses the market
growth, materials, production, status of commercial development, barriers to
entry, and market leaders. A comprehensive analysis of the industry structure
is provided and ends with profiles of the leading specialty fiber companies.
SCOPE OF STUDY
This report contains:
- Descriptions of various specialty fibers including carbon, aramid,
partially oxidized polyacrylonitrile, polybenzimidazole and others used in
aviation/aerospace, sporting goods, automotive and other industrial
applications
- The current market status of specialty fibers, trends and forecasts for
growth over the next 5 years
- Discussion of technologies along with a thorough patent analysis
- Analysis of the specialty fibers industry on a worldwide basis, both from
a market and application perspective
- Review of the underlying economic and regulatory issues driving the
specialty fibers market.
INFORMATION SOURCES
The research methodology was qualitative in nature and employed a
triangulating approach, which aids validity. The research involved two stages,
one involving secondary research and the other primary research.
Initially, a patent search and analysis was conducted. This strategy
identified companies and market applications and was the initiating force in
research direction. Next, a comprehensive and exhaustive search of the
literature on carbon, aramid, and other specialty fibers was also conducted.
These secondary sources included automotive and related journals and related
books, trade literature, marketing literature, other product/promotional
literature, annual reports, security analyst reports, and other publications.
In a second phase, a series of semi-structured interviews were conducted with
marketing executives, engineers, business unit managers, design engineers, and
other personnel at the specialty fiber companies. Other sources included
academics, technology and materials suppliers, technical experts, trade
association officials, government officials, and consulting companies. These
were a rich source of data. Subsequent analysis of the documents and interview
notes was iterative.
AUTHOR' S CREDENTIALS
The author has over 20 years experience in competitive intelligence,
industrial market research, planning, and marketing at major corporations,
market research consultancies and think tanks. He advises and briefs
management about economic and industry conditions, strategic developments, and
the effects of proposed developments in the light vehicle industry as well as
in plastics, metals, and other materials. The author has employed scenario
analysis to investigate and research the future of industry to identify the
impact of globalization, consolidation, demographics, changing industry
structure, and technological innovation. His particular interest lies in the
interaction of strategy, economic and industry developments, and innovation.
He holds a BA and a master' s degree in industrial economics, and has completed
other studies in business administration.
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