Shanghai Petrochemical Launches First Phase of 30,000-Ton Annual Large-Tow Carbon Fiber Project

The first phase of Sinopec's Shanghai Petrochemical 30,000-ton-per-year large-tow carbon fiber project has commenced operations, with two production lines completed. Each line has a designed capacity exceeding 3,000 tons, making them the largest single-line 48K large-tow carbon fiber production lines in China by capacity. The second phase of the project plans for eight additional production lines and is expected to be fully completed by the end of 2027. This large-tow carbon fiber contains over 95% carbon, weighs less than one-quarter the density of steel, and offers 7 to 9 times the strength of steel, delivering exceptional mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and high-temperature tolerance. Compared to small-tow carbon fiber, it achieves higher output per production line and lower costs, offering significant advantages for large-scale applications. Currently, carbon fiber is already used in multiple components of new energy vehicles (NEVs), including roofs, front hoods, and battery enclosures, helping reduce overall vehicle weight, enhance performance and safety, and extend battery pack lifespan. With the advancement of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, this material is also considered ideal for manufacturing hydrogen storage tanks. According to forecasts, the global automotive carbon fiber market is projected to reach RMB 7.793 billion by 2029. Industry experts believe that the application scope of large-tow carbon fiber in the automotive sector will continue to expand, driving deeper integration with NEVs and supporting the automotive industry’s transition toward greener and smarter development.