#Yarn & Fiber

2023-03-30

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.

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.

Dornbirn GFC 2026 expands conference program with new thematic sessions

For 65 years, Dornbirn GFC has stood for innovation and is one of the world’s leading conferences in the fiber industry. From September 16 to 18, 2026, the international fiber community will meet in Dornbirn, Austria, to discuss current trends, technological developments, and forward-looking solutions. More than 600 experts from industry and academia from over 30 countries are expected to attend. With around 100 presentations by renowned speakers, a 2,5-day conference program, and three parallel presentation rooms with moderated sessions, Dornbirn GFC provides a first-class platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and international collaboration. Together, participants will generate ideas and impulses that will sustainably shape the future of the global fiber industry.

Lenzing reports improved half-year results and advances strategic transformation

Despite a persistently challenging market environment in the first half of 2026, characterized by volatile energy and raw material prices, subdued global consumer demand and intensified competition from Asia, the Lenzing Group significantly improved its financial performance. Net result after tax more than doubled to EUR 35.6 million, compared with EUR 15.2 million in the first half of 2025. Free cash flow increased to EUR 45.8 million, while EBITDA amounted to EUR 239.2 million. Revenue totaled EUR 1.27 billion, compared with EUR 1.34 billion in the previous year.

BICO BCF yarn delivers impressive performance in field testing

In a joint development project with other partners, Barmag and Object Carpet have successfully tested BICO BCF yarn in the carpet manufacturing process. The results show that this innovative yarn technology offers significant performance advantages and opens up new possibilities for recycling-oriented carpet constructions.

Ministry of Industry Delegation visits NatureWorks’ second global manufacturing site at Nakhon Sawan Biocomplex

NatureWorks Asia Pacific Limited welcomed a high-level delegation led by Mr. Varawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Industry, to its manufacturing site at the Nakhon Sawan Biocomplex (NBC). The visit follows the successful inauguration of the site on April 29, 2026, and highlights the role of public-private collaboration in advancing Thailand’s sustainable industrial development and bioeconomy ambitions.

Naia™ from Eastman strengthens western hemisphere textile connections at Apparel Sourcing Show Guatemala

As brands and retailers explore more diversified and responsive sourcing networks, the Naia™ brand from Eastman is strengthening its engagement with the textile and apparel value chain across the western hemisphere. From August 18–20, the company will participate for the first time in Apparel Sourcing Show Guatemala, a regional meeting point for apparel sourcing, manufacturing and nearshoring.

Europe is committed to recycling end-of-life wind turbine blades

Starting in 2026, Europe’s wind energy industry has committed itself to ensuring that wind turbine blades do not end up in landfills once they reach the end of their service life. The EU-funded research project REWIND is exploring ways to reuse this composite waste. The German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF) are one of 13 project partners from seven countries.

PERFORMANCE DAYS announces new focus topic & forums for October 2026

With its upcoming October 13–14, 2026 edition, PERFORMANCE DAYS is placing the spotlight on one of the textile industry’s most important transformations: “Bio-Based Materials – From Fiber to Fabric”, a two-part Focus Topic exploring the future of bio-based innovation across the textile value chain. Part 1, presented in October 2026, will focus on fibers and next-generation material developments, while Part 2 at the March 2027 edition will shift the perspective toward dyeing, finishing, additives, and processing technologies.