YANTAI TAYHO(SZ:002254) Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-06-24 08:46Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the breakthrough in the production of aramid paper in China, which has historically been dominated by the US and Japan, leading to a significant reduction in costs and increased self-sufficiency in high-tech materials [2][8]. Group 1: Characteristics and Applications of Aramid Paper - Aramid paper, known for its exceptional properties, can withstand temperatures up to 1300°C and extreme cold down to -196°C, making it suitable for aerospace, defense, and high-end electrical insulation applications [4][5]. - The material is five times stronger than steel while being much lighter, and it plays a crucial role in various high-tech equipment, including Boeing 737, F-35 fighter jets, and China's C919 aircraft [4][5]. Group 2: Historical Context and Challenges - The production of aramid paper has been tightly controlled by a few companies, including DuPont and Japan's Teijin, which have established high technical barriers and often limit the quality of exports to China [5][8]. - The main challenge in producing aramid paper lies in the complex process of evenly dispersing and forming the fibers into a consistent paper material, a task that has stumped many top research teams globally [10][12]. Group 3: Breakthroughs in Chinese Production - A team led by Professor Zhang Meiyun from Tsinghua University began efforts to produce aramid paper from scratch, using improvised equipment like a "soy milk machine" to conduct fiber dispersion experiments [14][15]. - After numerous failures and extensive experimentation, the team achieved a significant milestone in 2012 with the first domestic aramid paper sample, marking China's entry into the manufacturing phase [20]. Group 4: Economic Impact and Industry Transformation - The introduction of domestically produced aramid paper has led to substantial cost savings in various applications, such as a reduction of approximately 20 million yuan per aircraft for the C919 and a 1.2-ton weight reduction in military vehicles [23]. - China now holds 45% of global aramid paper patents, allowing it to negotiate on equal terms with international companies, a significant shift from previous dependency [25]. Group 5: Future Developments - The focus is now on advancing the development of high-end F-12 aramid fibers, which will have even greater strength and temperature resistance, aimed at applications in deep space exploration and nuclear power maintenance [27].