Toray and others to develop carbon fiber for use in automobiles

Manufacturers of carbon fiber led by Toray Industries Inc. are beefing up efforts to develop the material so that it can be used in automobiles and electric vehicles. Carbon filter is stronger than steel and is extremely lightweight. It is increasingly being used in aircraft and wind power generation facilities. Half of all the parts used in the Boeing 787 Dreamliner are from carbon filter. The material helps raise the fuel efficiency of the aircraft. Boeing gets its carbon filter supplies form Toray. Toray says that global demand for carbon filter could increase from the current 30,000 tons to 70,000 tons by 2015. The company began commercial production of carbon fiber in 1971. Toray and two other Japanese companies, Teijin Ltd. and Mitsubishi Rayan Co., have a combined 70% share of the global market for carbon filter. The three are spearheading efforts to further develop carbon fiber. (September 26, 2011)