The upstream raw material supply for specialty fibers has long been constrained by overseas dependence, but this situation is now facing a systematic breakthrough. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) recently released the list of selected units for the 'Open Competition' mechanism in fine chemical key product innovation, with several textile-related projects included, focusing on the localization of key monomers for PBO fiber (DAR) and PIPD fiber (TAP).
Background
The list covers three categories: intermediate raw materials, key materials, and key equipment. In the high-performance fiber monomer sector, Zhejiang Dinglong Technology Co., Ltd., Chengdu Eastar Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd., and Sichuan University jointly undertook the task of localizing the PBO fiber key monomer DAR. Dinglong Technology also entered the PIPD fiber key monomer TAP project. This indicates a concentrated national effort to overcome the 'bottleneck' in the upstream of specialty fibers.
On the fiber material side, China Blue Star Chengrand Chemical Co., Ltd. is responsible for PIPD fiber development, while Puyang Green Yu New Material Technology Co., Ltd. entered the melamine fiber project. Melamine fiber is a high-performance flame-retardant material, and its industrialization will directly enhance the self-sufficiency of domestic flame-retardant fabrics.
In the carbon fiber and composite material supporting field, several companies including Zhejiang Baowan Carbon Fiber, Lianyungang Shenying Composite Materials, and Yulin Hengshen New Materials were selected for tasks related to high-strength high-modulus carbon fiber precursor oil agents. The National Advanced Functional Fiber Innovation Center and Weihai Tuozhan Fiber Co., Ltd. jointly undertook the development of carbon fiber composite sizing agents. Additionally, the Yangtze River Delta Physics Research Center was selected for the development of high-performance fiber polymerization reactors, ensuring equipment self-sufficiency.
Industry Impact
PBO fiber, known as a 'super fiber,' has strength ten times that of steel and is in high demand for aerospace, ballistic materials, and optical cable reinforcement. However, its key monomer DAR has long been monopolized by Japanese companies like Toyobo, leading to high costs and unstable supply for domestic firms. Localization of DAR would significantly reduce PBO fiber production costs and boost the competitiveness of downstream products like ballistic vests and special cables.
PIPD fiber, another high-end organic fiber with excellent heat resistance, is used in high-temperature filtration and flame-retardant protective clothing. Localization of its key monomer TAP is equally critical. From an industry perspective, successful monomer localization will complete the specialty fiber supply chain, allowing domestic firms to shift from 'buying fibers' to 'producing fibers.'
Localization of carbon fiber precursor oil agents and sizing agents directly affects the quality of carbon fiber composites. While domestic carbon fiber has approached international strength levels, interfacial bonding performance still lags, largely due to imported oil and sizing agents. Weihai Tuozhan Fiber, a leading domestic carbon fiber producer, participating in sizing agent R&D indicates that top firms are extending from fiber production to auxiliary chemicals, potentially achieving full-chain self-sufficiency in carbon fiber composites within 3-5 years.
Localization of polymerization reactors targets the equipment level. High-performance fiber production requires reactors with high pressure resistance, corrosion resistance, and precise temperature control, which were previously imported from Germany and Japan. The Yangtze River Delta Physics Research Center's inclusion signals that equipment self-sufficiency is now part of the national strategy, which will reduce capital expenditure for fiber producers in the long run.