Materials News

Exclusive contract supply for Toho Tenax in Thailand

The carbon fibre will be used in the production of high-capacity tanks of the Type 3 design, which are metal cylinders fully wrapped with fibre-reinforced resin. Metal Mate is the first manufacturer in Thailand to produce Type 3 cylinders made with carbon fibre. The tanks are expected to help meet the growing demand for vehicles powered by compressed natural gas, which are gaining popularity due to their reduced environmental impact.

Toho Tenax markets its carbon fibre for applications including pressure vessels, aircraft, vehicles and wind-power generators.

Going forward, the company intends to expand sales for pressure vessel applications in Asia, especially China and Southeast Asia, as well as Europe and the US. Annual Tenax carbon fibre sales for pressure vessel applications are expected to reach US$50 million by 2015.

Toho Tenax also plans to expand sales of its carbon fibre for other industrial applications, including electronic devices, automotive parts and wind-power generators, in the fast growing markets of Asia.