[pageLogInLogOut]

#Yarn & Fiber

SGL Carbon expands material portfolio with new carbon fiber for high-strength pressure vessels

New carbon fiber SIGRAFIL® C T50-4.9/235 © 2023 SGL Carbon
SGL Carbon will present a new 50k carbon fiber at JEC World 2023. The new SIGRAFIL® C T50-4.9/235 carbon fiber will match the high strength requirements for common pressure vessel designs and exhibits a high elongation capacity. It also enables further applications in market segments that require high strength and elongation.
  • High strength and high elongation characterize the new SIGRAFIL® 50k carbon fiber
  • Unique broad portfolio of 50k carbon fibers from SGL Carbon

 

Development work pays off - new level of strength achieved

SGL Carbon has many years of experience in carbon fiber production and produces its own precursor as well as its own carbon fibers in its European and North American value chain.

The SIGRAFIL® C T50-4.9/235 carbon fiber was developed based on the 50k fiber portfolio already in large-scale production, which is successfully used in the wind and automotive industries, among others. The new SIGRAFIL® C T50-4.9/235 achieves high levels of strength (4.9 GPa) and elongation (2.0%), now available in the 50k arena. Until now, these values could only be achieved with lower filament count fibers (e.g. 12k or 24k). This further complements SGL's broad product portfolio of 50k fibers. The typical advantages of SIGRAFIL 50k fiber types, such as increased process efficiency, higher material throughput, faster process times and less set-up effort, can now also be benefitted from these innovative applications.

"Carbon fiber-based solutions are a key driver for the transformation to sustainable mobility, for example in pressure vessels for future hydrogen mobility and fuel cells. After successful development work, we can now present a carbon fiber at JEC World 2023 that achieves a whole new level of elongation and strength. In addition, it offers the customer clear processing advantages. I am very proud of our team." said Roland Nowicki, Head of Business Unit Carbon Fibers at SGL Carbon.




Use in pressure vessels

With its innovative products, SGL Carbon supports the rapidly growing demand for climate-friendly mobility. Thanks to its special mechanical properties, the new carbon fiber SIGRAFIL® C T50-4.9/235 is ideally suited for winding pressure vessels which are needed for storing hydrogen in fuel cell vehicles. In the manufacture of pressure vessels, plastic containers are wrapped with carbon fibers impregnated in resin and then cured. Due to their low weight combined with high strength, SIGRAFIL carbon fibers enable weight advantages in tank design and can withstand very high pressures of up to 700 bar.

In addition to its use in pressure vessels, the new carbon fiber SIGRAFIL® C T50-4.9/235 also enables applications in market segments such as construction, infrastructure and sports that require high strength and fiber elongation.

The new SIGRAFIL® C T50-4.9/235 will be presented to the public for the first time at the JEC World trade fair in Paris from April 25-27, 2023.


More News from SGL CARBON SE

#Yarn & Fiber

SGL Carbon decides to restructure its Carbon Fibers business unit

The Board of Management of SGL Carbon SE today decided, with the approval of the Supervisory Board, to restructure the loss-making Carbon Fibers business unit. SGL Carbon will significantly reduce the business activities of Carbon Fibers and focus on a profitable core. Individual solutions are being developed for all Carbon Fibers sites, including the closure of unprofitable sites.

#Yarn & Fiber

SGL Carbon evaluates strategic options for the carbon fibers and appoints Dr. Denis Hinz as new head of the business unit

SGL Carbon SE is currently evaluating various strategic options for the Business Unit Carbon Fibers (CF). These include a possible partial or complete divestment of the Business Unit. In a first step, potential interested parties shall be approached promptly with the general data of the Business Unit to determine their interest in an acquisition. If there is sufficient interest, a structured transaction process will be carried out in a second step.

More News on Yarn & Fiber

#Yarns

Yarn Expo Spring 2026 concludes, connecting buyers with innovative selection of sustainable yarns and fibres

Yarn Expo Spring 2026 wrapped up successfully on 13 March, as a record-high of over 600 exhibitors from 12 countries and regions welcomed more than 25,000 visitors from 113 countries and regions. Held across 27,000 sqm in Hall 8.2 of the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the fair highlighted the textile industry’s accelerating shift toward a lower-impact, more functional future. Exhibitors presented eco-friendly organic, regenerated and recycled yarns and fibres, alongside innovative options such as sweat-resistant and high-performance materials. A comprehensive fringe programme further enriched the event, offering practical market insights and new networking opportunities.

#Man-Made Fibers

Lenzing advances its transformation: Higher EBITDA, stronger free cash flow and more than EUR 200 million in cost savings

The business performance of the Lenzing Group in 2025 was affected particularly in the second half of the year by external factors such as international tariff measures, subdued demand and declining market prices. As a result, revenue decreased slightly by 2.3 percent to EUR 2.6 billion, primarily due to lower fiber sales volumes and lower prices for fibers and pulp, which were further negatively impacted by currency developments. Nevertheless, thanks to the comprehensive Performance Program, Lenzing was able to improve its operating performance and key financial indicators compared with the previous year.

#Man-Made Fibers

“Lead Transformation – Generate Impact”: Lenzing presents its 2025 Annual and Sustainability Report

The Lenzing Group has published its 2025 Annual and Sustainability Report, entitled LEAD TRANSFORMATION – GENERATE IMPACT. The report shows how Lenzing is actively shaping change in the industry and making a lasting impact: economically, ecologically, and socially. Lenzing is consistently focused on the future: with targeted investments in premiumization, excellence, innovation, and sustainability, the company is strengthening its position as a leading provider of sustainable, cellulose-based premium fibers. The combined report is available in digital format.

#Raw Materials

Lenzing Group positions bio‑based materials as a strategic asset for Europe’s economic security

The Lenzing Group, a leading supplier of regenerated cellulose fibers for the textile and nonwovens industries, hosted a high‑level roundtable in Brussels to discuss how bio‑based materials can strengthen Europe’s economic security and support the shift toward a fossil‑free future. Organized in cooperation with Euractiv, the event brought together representatives of the European Commission, the UK Mission to the EU, academia, civil society, and industry.

Latest News

#Raw Materials

New study shows low environmental impact by Cotton made in Africa Organic Cotton from Tanzania

Today, the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) is announcing the results of a comprehensive life-cycle analysis (LCA) for cotton produced in Tanzania under the Cotton made in Africa Organic (CmiA Organic) standard. The study emphasises the small ecological footprint of CmiA Organic verified cotton. This can largely be traced back to the absence of synthetic pesticides, artificial fertilisers, and artificial irrigation. Consequently, CmiA Organic cotton can help the textile industry meet regulatory requirements as well as science-based targets. The results also show that the consequences of climate change threaten the livelihoods of these cotton farmers, even though the type of agriculture they practise barely contributes to climate change.

#Raw Materials

Better Cotton Initiative strengthens regenerative focus in standard update

The Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) has strengthened the regenerative focus of its field-level standard with the launch of a new version of its Principles & Criteria (P&C), which marks the next step in the organisation’s journey to becoming a regenerative standards system.

#Man-Made Fibers

Selenis and Kintra Fibers partner to scale 100% bio-based synthetic fiber technology

Selenis, a leading global specialty polyester manufacturer, today announced a strategic manufacturing partnership with materials science company Kintra Fibers to scale Kintra’s patented fiber-grade PBS resin - a 100% bio-based and biodegradable material designed for textile applications.

#Functional Fabrics

PERFORMANCE DAYS proves its relevance as the industry’s key meeting point

Held on March 18–19, 2026, PERFORMANCE DAYS once again confirmed its position as a leading international platform for functional textiles. A total of 3.366 trade visitors and around 560 exhibitors gathered in Munich, with the event already kicking off successfully on DAY 0, which received highly positive feedback for its interactive format. Despite challenging conditions caused by the public transport strike in Munich, the event saw strong attendance and a consistently high level of activity across both exhibition days.

TOP