Toray has developed a new type of carbon fiber that is 30% stronger than previous products. Even if the amount of carbon fiber used is reduced, the performance of the molded parts can be maintained, and the weight of airplanes and the like can be reduced. Toray will first promote the application of this product in golf equipment and drones, and strive to be used in aircraft in the second half of 2020.
Carbon fiber is difficult to balance strength and elastic modulus, which has been one of the focus and difficulties of technology development. Compared with previous products, the new carbon fiber has successfully improved the tensile strength while maintaining a high elastic modulus.
The new carbon fiber has an elastic modulus of 377 GPa and a tow tensile strength of 5.7 GPa. Some analysts believe that this is the first time in the world to mass-produce carbon fiber at this level and take into account both functions.
At present, Toray is able to control the internal structure of the fiber on the nanometer scale, so that the fine grains inside the fiber have the same orientation. The new product maintains the same modulus of elasticity as the existing M40J high modulus carbon fiber product, while increasing the tensile strength to the level of T800 carbon fiber.
In airplanes and automobiles, the use of carbon fiber as an alternative metal is increasing. The purpose is to reduce weight and improve fuel efficiency. From the perspective of aircraft with longer development cycles, it is expected to be adopted from the next generation. Toray believes it is also expected to be used in electric aircraft powered by electric motors and batteries.