材料汇·2026-01-18 15:29Core Viewpoint - Ceramic matrix composites (CMC) exhibit excellent high-temperature performance and have broad applications in aerospace, nuclear power, and automotive industries, with significant market potential. China leads in brake and thermal protection for aircraft but lags in aerospace engine applications. The demand for CMC in China's aerospace industry may reach a turning point in 2024, driven by advancements in production technology and cost reductions [2][9]. Group 1: CMC Characteristics and Applications - CMCs are defined as composites that incorporate reinforcing materials into a ceramic matrix, resulting in superior properties such as high-temperature resistance, low density, and high strength [4][18]. - SiCf/SiC composites are ideal materials for the hot sections of aerospace engines, already in mass production for static components, with ongoing exploration for rotating parts [5][24]. - In the nuclear sector, SiCf/SiC composites are considered ideal candidates for reactor components due to their high melting point, thermal conductivity, and stability under neutron irradiation [42]. - Cf/SiC composites are widely used in aerospace for thermal protection and satellite mirrors, effectively addressing the thermal protection and weight reduction needs of hypersonic vehicles [46][49]. - CMCs are emerging as the preferred choice for high-performance brake materials, already in mass production for automotive and aviation applications [53][54]. Group 2: Market Growth and Trends - The global CMC market was valued at $11.9 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10.5%, reaching $21.6 billion by 2028, with the highest market share in defense and aerospace [6]. - The demand for CMCs in the aerospace sector is expected to surge, particularly for SiCf/SiC materials, as they can withstand temperatures exceeding 2000K, significantly improving engine efficiency and reducing nitrogen oxide emissions [27][30]. Group 3: CMC Production and Industry Landscape - The production of CMC components involves complex processes with high barriers to entry, including fiber preparation, preform weaving, interface layer preparation, matrix densification, and machining [7][8]. - GE has established a vertically integrated CMC supply chain, producing 20 tons of CMC prepreg and 10 tons of SiC fibers annually, with a tenfold increase in CMC component production expected over the next decade [8][39]. - China's CMC industry has developed a relatively complete supply chain, with advancements in the production of second-generation SiC fibers and ongoing efforts to achieve industrial-scale production of third-generation fibers [9][12]. Group 4: Investment Opportunities - The anticipated turning point in demand for CMCs in China's aerospace industry in 2024 presents significant growth potential for related companies, particularly as production costs decrease and application maturity increases [13]. - The verification phase for SiCf/SiC applications will drive demand for upstream raw materials, with the potential for rapid growth in midstream CMC component manufacturing as production scales up [13].