Core Viewpoint - Ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) 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 [2]. Group 1: CMC Characteristics and Applications - CMCs are defined as composites formed by introducing reinforcement materials into a ceramic matrix, resulting in superior properties such as high-temperature resistance, low density, high specific strength, and oxidation resistance [3][17]. - SiCf/SiC composites are highlighted as ideal materials for the hot sections of aerospace engines, already in mass production for static components, with ongoing exploration for rotating parts [4][29]. - In the nuclear sector, SiCf/SiC composites are considered ideal candidates for reactor core components due to their high melting point, thermal conductivity, and neutron irradiation stability [41]. - 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 [45][46]. - CMCs are emerging as the preferred choice for high-performance brake materials, already in mass production for automotive and aviation applications [52][53]. 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 sectors [5]. - The demand for CMCs in China's aerospace engine industry is expected to reach a turning point by 2024, driven by technological advancements and cost reductions [12][11]. 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 [6][7]. - GE has established a vertically integrated CMC supply chain, producing significant quantities of CMC materials and components, with a tenfold increase in production expected over the next decade [8][37]. - China's CMC industry has developed a relatively complete supply chain, with advancements in silicon carbide fiber production and CMC applications, although challenges remain in scaling up production and improving product stability [10][11].

Core Viewpoint - Ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) 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 CMCs in China's aerospace industry may reach a turning point in 2024, driven by advancements in production technology and cost reductions [2][12]. 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 [3][19]. - SiCf/SiC composites are a research focus due to their excellent oxidation resistance and longevity, making them ideal for aerospace engine applications [4][26]. - CMCs are increasingly recognized as strategic materials for next-generation aerospace engines, capable of withstanding temperatures significantly higher than traditional nickel-based superalloys [29][33]. Group 2: Market Growth and Demand - 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 sectors [5]. - The demand for CMCs in the aerospace sector is expected to surge, particularly for components like combustion chambers and turbine blades, as countries strive for higher engine efficiency and reduced emissions [32][40]. Group 3: CMC Production and Industry Landscape - The production of CMCs involves complex processes with high barriers to entry, including fiber preparation, preform weaving, interface layer preparation, and matrix densification [6][7]. - General Electric (GE) has established a vertically integrated CMC supply chain, significantly increasing production capacity and demonstrating successful applications in various engine components [6][40][41]. - China's CMC industry has developed a relatively complete supply chain, with advancements in silicon carbide fiber production and CMC applications, particularly in brake materials for aircraft [8][10][11]. Group 4: Future Investment Opportunities - The anticipated turning point in demand for CMCs in China's aerospace industry presents substantial growth potential for related companies, especially as production technologies improve and costs decrease [12][8]. - As the application of SiCf/SiC composites matures, upstream raw material demand will increase, leading to potential rapid growth for midstream CMC component manufacturers [12][10].

Investment Logic - Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMC) are becoming a crucial strategic thermal structural material due to their high-temperature resistance and lightweight characteristics, leading to a rapid development phase in the industry [2][6] - CMC has significant advantages in high-temperature resistance and lightweight properties, with applications in aerospace, nuclear energy, and braking systems. While foreign research on CMC started early and is technologically mature, China has made key technological breakthroughs and is gradually catching up [2][6] - The strong support from national policies is providing a solid guarantee for the R&D and industrialization of CMC, indicating a bright future for the industry [2][6] CMC Classification and Applications - CMC can be classified based on the combination of reinforcement and matrix, such as Cf/SiC, SiCf/SiC, and oxide/oxide, each with unique performance advantages and applications in aerospace thermal protection, engine hot-end components, and high-temperature insulation [2][8] - SiCf/SiC CMC is centered around SiC fibers, with a complex preparation process involving multiple techniques, and environmental barrier coating (EBC) technology ensuring high-temperature applications [3][33] - Al2O3/Al2O3 CMC exhibits good oxidation resistance and water vapor performance, with preparation methods including slurry infiltration and sol-gel processes, showing promising application prospects as domestic supply of Al2O3 fibers accelerates [3][8] Demand Side - The demand for CMC in high-end fields such as aerospace and nuclear energy is rapidly increasing, with a projected global CMC market size expected to achieve a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 10% from 2024 to 2031, entering a high-speed development phase [4][6] - In the aerospace sector, CMC is widely used in engine hot-end components, stealth design, and lightweight design, with the Chinese aerospace CMC market expected to reach a trillion yuan in the next decade [4][6] - The aerospace sector's demand for high-performance thermal protection and structural materials is increasing, making CMC indispensable in spacecraft and remote sensing cameras [4][6] - CMC's high-temperature and radiation-resistant properties are driving stable demand growth in the nuclear energy sector, especially with the construction of fourth-generation nuclear power plants and upgrades to existing plants [4][6] Supply Side - The global CMC market is led by Japanese companies such as Nippon Carbon and Ube Industries, with GE establishing an integrated supply chain from fiber to components [5][10] - China has built a relatively complete CMC industrial chain, with upstream raw material supply gradually achieving localization and midstream companies actively engaging in technological R&D and industrialization [5][10] - The production of SiC fibers in China has formed three industrial clusters centered around universities, with several companies achieving annual production capacities of 10 tons for second-generation SiC fibers, while third-generation fibers are still heavily reliant on imports, indicating significant domestic substitution potential [5][10] Investment Opportunities - The investment opportunities in the ceramic matrix composite industry chain are promising, with a focus on core enterprises in various segments [6][11] - In the upstream segment, attention should be given to manufacturers capable of large-scale production of ceramic fibers [6][11] - In the midstream segment, companies with CMC production capabilities should be prioritized for investment [6][11] Domestic Development and Policy Support - The domestic CMC development has made significant technological breakthroughs, with the localization of SiC fiber production accelerating and some products achieving performance levels comparable to foreign counterparts [6][25] - The Chinese government has introduced multiple policies to promote the R&D and industrialization of CMC, fostering collaboration between universities, research institutions, and enterprises to overcome technological barriers and stimulate industry growth [25][26]