Top 10 Ceramic Matrix Composites Companies, Worldwide 2024

The Ceramic Matrix Composites Companies quadrant is a comprehensive industry analysis that provides valuable insights into the global market for Ceramic Matrix Composites. This quadrant offers a detailed evaluation of key market players, technological advancements, product innovations, and industry trends. MarketsandMarkets 360 Quadrants evaluated over 22 Ceramic Matrix Composites Companies of which the Top 10 Ceramic Matrix Composites Companies were categorized and recognized as the quadrant leaders.

A ceramic matrix composite is a combination of at least two materials, out of which one is a binding material (called the matrix), and the other is a reinforcement material (which is a fiber). The matrices can be oxide and non-oxide. The fibers can be carbon, oxide, silicon carbide, and others. Ceramic Matrix Composites are classified into oxide and non-oxide based on fiber. Oxide fibers are reinforced into the oxide matrix, whereas non-oxide fibers are reinforced into the non-oxide matrix. These are high-performance composites, which are used in high-temperature applications.

The 360 Quadrant maps the Ceramic Matrix Composites Companies based on criteria such as revenue, geographic presence, growth strategies, investments, channels of demand, and sales strategies for the market presence of the Ceramic Matrix Composites quadrant. While the top criteria for product footprint evaluation included Matrix Type (C/C, C/SiC, Oxide/Oxide, Sic/Sic), Fiber Type (Continuous, Woven, Others), End-Use Industries (Aerospace & Defense, Automotive, Energy & Power, Industrial, Others).

Key trends highlighted in 360 Quadrants:

• The ceramic matrix composites market is poised for robust growth over the next few years, projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 10.5% from 2022 to 2028 as demand rises across major end-use industries like aerospace, automotive, energy, and defense. This rapid growth presents a significant opportunity for ceramic matrix composite manufacturers to capitalize on increasing commercialization by making strategic investments to expand production capacity and enhance their market positioning. A key impact will be the need for ceramic matrix composites companies to focus on R&D and process innovations that can help drive down manufacturing costs and improve scale-up to meet growing demand efficiently while maintaining quality and performance.
• North America dominated the ceramic matrix composites market in 2023, holding a substantial 37.5% share in terms of value followed by Europe and Asia-Pacific. This leadership position can be attributed to the region's robust aerospace and defense industry, which is experiencing continuous expansion. Key players like General Electric (GE) are strategically increasing production capacities for non-oxide ceramic matrix composites to address the escalating demand within the aerospace and defense sector. The United States, boasting the most dynamic aerospace and defense industry in North America, is poised to be the primary market for ceramic matrix composites due to heightened demand from the commercial aircraft sector. This robust market presence is likely to significantly impact ceramic matrix composites companies in North America, fostering growth opportunities and intensified market competition.
• The SiC/SiC ceramic matrix composites segment is projected to achieve the highest CAGR among various matrix types, driven by robust demand from LEAP engines. The anticipated cost reduction of SiC fibers is poised to enhance the adoption of SiC/SiC composites throughout the forecast period. This trend is likely to significantly impact ceramic matrix composites companies, particularly those specializing in SiC/SiC formulations, as they stand to benefit from increased market demand and cost efficiencies associated with SiC fiber production.
• The ceramic matrix composites market is segmented by fiber type into continuous fiber, woven, and others and is currently undergoing significant advancements driven by ongoing research and development efforts. The focus is on innovating new and advanced fibers, such as those based on materials like hafnium carbide (HfC), zirconium carbide (ZrC), and other ceramic composites with enhanced properties for high-temperature applications. This targeted development is anticipated to result in the continuous fiber type of ceramic matrix composites experiencing the second-highest CAGR between 2023 and 2028. This evolution in fiber technology is poised to have a substantial impact on ceramic matrix composites companies, as it opens up opportunities for improved and specialized applications, thereby influencing their market growth and competitiveness.
• In terms of end-use industry, the aerospace & defense is the largest segment, owing to the properties of these composites such as high damage tolerance, fracture toughness, and high temperature, wear, and corrosion resistance. Whereas, the energy power segment is poised to secure the third-largest market share, driven by opportunities within the energy sector encompassing power generation and renewable energy. Particularly, the demand for high-temperature-resistant materials with enhanced efficiency in gas turbine engines for power plants presents a lucrative avenue for ceramic matrix composites companies. By leveraging the unique properties of ceramic matrix composites, such as heightened thermal resistance, these materials can positively impact power output, diminish emissions, and elevate overall energy efficiency.
• Furthermore, the evolving landscape of renewable energy, notably concentrated solar power (CSP) systems, opens up additional prospects for CMCs, solidifying their role in shaping the future of sustainable energy technologies. This indicates that the synergy between ceramic matrix composites and the energy power segment is propelling growth and innovation within the industry.
• Leading entities in the ceramic matrix composites industry, such as General Electric, Rolls-Royce PLC, and SGL Carbon, are actively striving to establish a formidable global footprint. These major players collectively hold a substantial market share, leveraging their technological prowess, expansive geographical reach, diverse product portfolios, and strategic growth initiatives. The important strategies undertaken by most of the companies in the domain include investments & expansions, mergers & acquisitions, and agreements & partnerships. For instance, In January 2023, Rolls-Royce entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Sheffield in the UK, formalizing their collaboration on the advancement of novel materials in the field of ceramic matrix composites. Additionally, in April 2023, SGL Carbon revealed a strategic partnership with Lancer Systems to jointly explore the development of ceramic matrix composites tailored for application in thermal protection systems.
• The escalating adoption of ceramic matrix composites in the automotive sector, particularly by luxury and sports car manufacturers for engine components, is propelled by the materials' compelling combination of lightweight, high strength, and durability attributes. These advanced composites offer a viable solution for enhancing efficiency, reducing fuel costs, curbing pollution, and achieving the goal of developing lightweight vehicles. As the automotive industry increasingly prioritizes sustainability and performance, the demand for CMCs is expected to rise further. This surge in demand is likely to significantly impact ceramic matrix composites companies, driving increased production and fostering technological advancements to meet the evolving needs of the automotive sector. Ceramic matrix composites companies may witness a substantial growth opportunity as they cater to the expanding requirements of luxury and sports car manufacturers aiming to capitalize on the benefits of these composite materials for improved automotive performance and environmental sustainability.
• The rising use of ceramic matrix composites in luxury and sports car engine components, driven by their lightweight, high strength, and durability attributes, is creating a substantial opportunity for ceramic matrix composites companies. This trend is a direct response to the automotive industry's increasing focus on efficiency improvement, fuel cost reduction, pollution control, and lightweight vehicle development. As luxury and sports car manufacturers embrace CMCs to meet these demands, there is a clear market niche for ceramic matrix composites companies, positioning them to thrive in an environment where advanced composites are crucial for enhancing performance and sustainability in the automotive sector.