Chinese tech could break barrier to making crucial defence and aerospace material

China develops way to mass produce ultra-strong T1000 carbon fibre, used in missiles, space stations and wind turbines

US and Japanese bans on exports of manufacturing equipment have blocked Beijing from producing high-performance materials – until now

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The production line by Changsheng Technology can make 1,700 tonnes (1,874 tons) of high-performance, ultra-strong carbon fibre each year. Photo: Changsheng Technology

Published: 1:00pm, 23 Aug 2023

China has developed technology for the mass production of ultra-strong carbon fibre, which could help break international monopolies to supply materials for the aerospace and defence industries.

Changsheng Technology Co Ltd, based in the northern province of Hebei, worked with Shenzhen University to produce high-performance carbon fibre on a production line that can make 1,700 tonnes (1,874 tons) of the material per year.

Carbon fibre is an essential strategic material with excellent mechanical properties and chemical stability. It is indispensable for the aerospace, defence, transport, new energy and marine engineering industries.

For example, carbon fibre reinforced resin (CFRP) is used as a key structural material in missiles, satellites and space stations. Warships that use CFRP are very strong and can absorb electromagnetic waves while boasting excellent impact resistance and a low radar and magnetic field signature.

China had been largely blocked from carbon fibre production because of US and Japanese bans on exports of manufacturing equipment to the country.

A finger-thick piece of strong carbon fiber material can pull two aeroplanes. Photo: Shutterstock

Despite this, China has overcome many of the obstacles to its carbon fibre industry, which has grown to account for about one-third of global production by 2022.

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