Mesophase Pitch-Based Carbon Fiber Industry Research Report 2025

Mesophase pitch-based carbon fiber is a class of high-performance carbon fiber derived from mesophase pitch, a liquid crystalline aromatic hydrocarbon precursor. Known for its exceptionally high modulus, superior thermal conductivity, excellent chemical stability, and outstanding resistance to high temperatures, mesophase pitch-based carbon fiber is widely used in advanced aerospace structures, defense technologies, electronic thermal management systems, and high-end sporting goods.

The term "mesophase" refers to a specific liquid crystalline state exhibited by certain aromatic pitches when heated. Mesophase pitch is typically derived from petroleum pitch or coal tar pitch through controlled thermal polymerization, dehydrogenation, and condensation reactions. This process generates discotic, planar aromatic molecules that self-align into anisotropic domains, exhibiting optical birefringence—a key indicator of mesophase formation. These anisotropic regions are crucial because they enable molecular orientation during fiber spinning, which directly correlates to the final mechanical and thermal properties of the carbon fiber.

Production of mesophase pitch involves several stages: thermal treatment of raw pitch to induce mesophase formation, separation of the mesophase-rich fraction, and subsequent refining to adjust parameters such as softening point, viscosity, and molecular weight distribution. The resulting mesophase pitch must possess good thermoplastic properties and a narrow molecular weight distribution to ensure spinnability.

The manufacturing process of mesophase pitch-based carbon fiber consists of five key steps: melt spinning, stabilization, carbonization, graphitization, and surface treatment. During melt spinning, purified mesophase pitch is heated and extruded through fine nozzles into continuous filaments. Due to the inherent liquid crystalline nature of mesophase pitch, the aromatic molecules align along the fiber axis under shear forces, forming highly oriented precursor fibers.

Following spinning, the fibers undergo stabilization, typically in an oxidizing atmosphere (e.g., air) at 200–350°C. This step introduces oxygen-containing functional groups that prevent melting during subsequent heating and initiate crosslinking to maintain the fibrous morphology. Stabilized fibers are then carbonized in an inert atmosphere (e.g., nitrogen or argon) at temperatures ranging from 1000°C to 1500°C to remove volatile elements (hydrogen, nitrogen, sulfur) and form a predominantly carbon structure. Finally, the fibers are subjected to graphitization at 2500–3000°C to enhance crystallinity and alignment of graphite planes, which imparts exceptionally high elastic modulus and thermal conductivity.

Depending on the degree of graphitization and end-use requirements, mesophase pitch-based carbon fibers are categorized into different grades: intermediate-modulus (IM), high-modulus (HM), and high-thermal-conductivity (HTC) types. HM fibers can achieve Young’s moduli exceeding 900 GPa, while HTC variants demonstrate thermal conductivities over 1000 W/m·K—significantly higher than copper or aluminum.

The commercial development of mesophase pitch-based carbon fibers began in the 1970s, spearheaded by Union Carbide in the United States. Their “Thornel P-100” series marked the first commercial-grade high-modulus carbon fiber derived from mesophase pitch. Since then, extensive research has refined the process and expanded applications. Leading manufacturers today include Cytec (now part of Solvay), Mitsubishi Chemical (Japan), and several Chinese companies such as Jining Carbon Group and Liaoning Novcarb.

Compared to polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based carbon fibers, mesophase pitch-based variants offer distinct advantages in terms of modulus and thermal conductivity. Moreover, the raw materials for mesophase pitch (petroleum residues and coal tar) are relatively low-cost and abundantly available. However, the process is technically demanding due to the complexity of controlling mesophase formation, the need for precise rheological properties, and the high-temperature graphitization step, which incurs significant energy and equipment costs.

Technological advancements in recent years have addressed some of these challenges. Innovations in thermal processing, real-time viscosity control, precursor formulation, and continuous spinning systems have enhanced fiber uniformity and spinnability. Furthermore, emerging approaches such as low-temperature graphitization, molecular-level precursor engineering, and hybridization with other nanocarbons (e.g., graphene, carbon nanotubes) are being explored to expand the material’s functional performance and reduce processing costs.

Applications of mesophase pitch-based carbon fibers are diverse and growing. In aerospace, they are used in structural components requiring high stiffness and low thermal expansion. In electronics, they serve as thermal interface materials, heat sinks, and EMI shielding components. The fibers are also integral to carbon–carbon (C/C) composites used in rocket nozzles, brake discs, and re-entry vehicle heat shields. Their high-temperature stability and chemical inertness also make them suitable for nuclear energy components and specialized industrial processes.

Looking forward, the development of environmentally benign production methods, scalable fabrication processes, and multifunctional composite systems will be central to the next generation of mesophase pitch-based carbon fiber technologies. Their unique combination of properties makes them indispensable for future high-performance, lightweight, and thermally resilient materials in the aerospace, defense, electronics, and energy sectors.

According to APO Research, The global Mesophase Pitch-Based Carbon Fiber market was valued at US$ million in 2024 and is anticipated to reach US$ million by 2031, witnessing a CAGR of xx% during the forecast period 2025-2031.

North American market for Mesophase Pitch-Based Carbon Fiber is estimated to increase from $ million in 2025 to reach $ million by 2031, at a CAGR of % during the forecast period of 2026 through 2031.

Asia-Pacific market for Mesophase Pitch-Based Carbon Fiber is estimated to increase from $ million in 2025 to reach $ million by 2031, at a CAGR of % during the forecast period of 2025 through 2031.

Europe market for Mesophase Pitch-Based Carbon Fiber is estimated to increase from $ million in 2025 to reach $ million by 2031, at a CAGR of % during the forecast period of 2025 through 2031.

The major global manufacturers of Mesophase Pitch-Based Carbon Fiber include etc. In 2024, the world's top three vendors accounted for approximately % of the revenue.

This report aims to provide a comprehensive presentation of the global market for Mesophase Pitch-Based Carbon Fiber, with both quantitative and qualitative analysis, to help readers develop business/growth strategies, assess the market competitive situation, analyze their position in the current marketplace, and make informed business decisions regarding Mesophase Pitch-Based Carbon Fiber.

The report will help the Mesophase Pitch-Based Carbon Fiber manufacturers, new entrants, and industry chain related companies in this market with information on the revenues, sales volume, and average price for the overall market and the sub-segments across the different segments, by company, by Type, by Application, and by regions.

The Mesophase Pitch-Based Carbon Fiber market size, estimations, and forecasts are provided in terms of sales volume (tons) and revenue ($ millions), considering 2024 as the base year, with history and forecast data for the period from 2020 to 2031. This report segments the global Mesophase Pitch-Based Carbon Fiber market comprehensively. Regional market sizes, concerning products by Type, by Application, and by players, are also provided. For a more in-depth understanding of the market, the report provides profiles of the competitive landscape, key competitors, and their respective market ranks. The report also discusses technological trends and new product developments.

In this section, the readers will gain an understanding of the key players competing. This report has studied the key growth strategies, such as innovative trends and developments, intensification of product portfolio, mergers and acquisitions, collaborations, new product innovation, and geographical expansion, undertaken by these participants to maintain their presence. Apart from business strategies, the study includes current developments and key financials. The readers will also get access to the data related to global revenue, price, and sales by manufacturers for the period 2020-2025. This all-inclusive report will certainly serve the clients to stay updated and make effective decisions in their businesses.

Mitsubishi Chemical

Nippon Graphite Fiber

Jining Carbon Group

Solvay

Liaoning Novcarb

Dongyi Carbon

High-Modulus (E > 500 GPa)

Ultra-High-Modulus (E ≈ 700–900 GPa)

Low-Modulus ( 150> E >40 GPa)

Aerospace & Defense

Electronics & Thermal Management

Industrial Applications

Other

North America

United States

Canada

Mexico

Europe

Germany

France

U.K.

Italy

Russia

Spain

Netherlands

Switzerland

Sweden

Poland

Asia-Pacific

China

Japan

South Korea

India

Australia

Taiwan

Southeast Asia

South America

Brazil

Argentina

Chile

Colombia

Middle East & Africa

Egypt

South Africa

Israel

Türkiye

GCC Countries

High-impact rendering factors and drivers have been studied in this report to aid the readers to understand the general development. Moreover, the report includes restraints and challenges that may act as stumbling blocks on the way of the players. This will assist the users to be attentive and make informed decisions related to business. Specialists have also laid their focus on the upcoming business prospects.

1. This report will help the readers to understand the competition within the industries and strategies for the competitive environment to enhance the potential profit. The report also focuses on the competitive landscape of the global Mesophase Pitch-Based Carbon Fiber market, and introduces in detail the market share, industry ranking, competitor ecosystem, market performance, new product development, operation situation, expansion, and acquisition. etc. of the main players, which helps the readers to identify the main competitors and deeply understand the competition pattern of the market.

2. This report will help stakeholders to understand the global industry status and trends of Mesophase Pitch-Based Carbon Fiber and provides them with information on key market drivers, restraints, challenges, and opportunities.

3. This report will help stakeholders to understand competitors better and gain more insights to strengthen their position in their businesses. The competitive landscape section includes the market share and rank (in volume and value), competitor ecosystem, new product development, expansion, and acquisition.

4. This report stays updated with novel technology integration, features, and the latest developments in the market

5. This report helps stakeholders to gain insights into which regions to target globally

6. This report helps stakeholders to gain insights into the end-user perception concerning the adoption of Mesophase Pitch-Based Carbon Fiber.

7. This report helps stakeholders to identify some of the key players in the market and understand their valuable contribution.

Chapter 1: Research objectives, research methods, data sources, data cross-validation;

Chapter 2: Introduces the report scope of the report, executive summary of different market segments (by region, product type, application, etc), including the market size of each market segment, future development potential, and so on. It offers a high-level view of the current state of the market and its likely evolution in the short to mid-term, and long term.

Chapter 3: Detailed analysis of Mesophase Pitch-Based Carbon Fiber manufacturers competitive landscape, price, production and value market share, latest development plan, merger, and acquisition information, etc.

Chapter 4: Provides profiles of key players, introducing the basic situation of the main companies in the market in detail, including product production/output, value, price, gross margin, product introduction, recent development, etc.

Chapter 5: Production/output, value of Mesophase Pitch-Based Carbon Fiber by region/country. It provides a quantitative analysis of the market size and development potential of each region in the next six years.

Chapter 6: Consumption of Mesophase Pitch-Based Carbon Fiber in regional level and country level. It provides a quantitative analysis of the market size and development potential of each region and its main countries and introduces the market development, future development prospects, market space, and production of each country in the world.

Chapter 7: Provides the analysis of various market segments by type, covering the market size and development potential of each market segment, to help readers find the blue ocean market in different market segments.

Chapter 8: Provides the analysis of various market segments by application, covering the market size and development potential of each market segment, to help readers find the blue ocean market in different downstream markets.

Chapter 9: Analysis of industrial chain, including the upstream and downstream of the industry.

Chapter 10: Introduces the market dynamics, latest developments of the market, the driving factors and restrictive factors of the market, the challenges and risks faced by manufacturers in the industry, and the analysis of relevant policies in the industry.

Chapter 11: The main points and conclusions of the report.