The ceramic fiber market in the Asia-Pacific region is dominated by China and Japan. To reduce South Korea ’s dependence on foreign key materials, the Korea Carbon Concentration Technology Institute and the raw material and component manufacturer DACC Carbon work together to integrate ceramic fibers and Material localization.
Ceramic fibers have good heat resistance and corrosion resistance, and usually replace metals in high temperature applications. Ceramic fiber-reinforced composite materials can be used in many products, such as aircraft engine parts, automotive and gas turbine components, aerospace missiles, heat exchangers, hot gas filters, rocket nozzles, gaskets and wrapping insulation.
The Korea Institute of Carbon Concentration Technology, located in the southern city of Jeonju, said it has signed a memorandum of understanding with DACC Carbon, which produces carbon composite materials, to jointly research and develop ultra-high temperature ceramic fibers and composite materials. The institute will transfer advanced DACC carbon equipment and technology to develop high-performance prefabricated technology and promote the localization of ceramic fibers. The two will set up joint enterprises to participate in national technology development projects. DACC Carbon's goal is to develop and commercialize ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) for use in space, aerospace and defense.
CMCs consist of ceramic fibers embedded in a ceramic matrix. CMC materials overcome the major shortcomings of conventional technical ceramics for brittle failure, low fracture toughness, and limited thermal shock resistance. It is widely used due to its reliability at high temperatures and corrosion and wear resistance. CMCs can be used in heat shield systems for aerospace equipment, high temperature gas turbine components, brake disc and brake system components, and sliding bearing components that are corrosive and wear resistant under heavy loads.
Due to Japan`s trade restrictions, carbon fiber has become the focus of attention, which creates opportunities for South Korea to accelerate the localization of important parts and materials. Carbon fiber is a strategic commodity that will be directly affected by Japan ’s trade restrictions.
In 2019, the most fierce trade dispute between Seoul and Tokyo, Hyosung was the first South Korean company to produce carbon fiber and announced that it would invest 1 trillion won ($ 855 million) in 188 kilometers south of Seoul (116 Miles) of the Jeonju carbon fiber plant to expand its carbon fiber production.