Competitive Assessment of the U.S.: Reinforced Composite Fibers

摘要

The study deals primarily with carbon and aramid fibers. Because of their strength and light weight, these fibers are being used to an increasing extent in advanced composite materials. The greatest demand for advanced composite materials containing carbon fibers comes from the aerospace industry; those containing aramid fibers are used chiefly to reinforce rubber products, particularly tires. The study identifies a number of options which the U.S. Government might consider to support production of the fibers, including: better data collection; supporting more work in advanced materials by providing for more fellowships and research for the study of composite materials; and reviewing the nation's requirements for these materials during an emergency and utilize, if necessary, the Defense Production Act to ensure that supplies are adequate to meet these needs.