Japanese firm to supply carbon fiber for Thai CNG tanks

Teijin group company Toho Tenax (Tokyo) has been confirmed as the exclusive supplier of carbon fiber to Thai compressed natural gas (CNG) tank manufacturer Metal Mate (Samutprakarn). Toho Tenax envisions sales of $10 million annually under the agreement.

Tenax carbon fiber will be used in the production of "Type 3 design' lightweight, high-capacity tanks, which comprises metal cylinders fully wrapped with fiber-reinforced resin. Metal Mate is the first manufacturer in Thailand to produce Type 3 cylinders made with carbon fiber. The tanks are expected to help meet the growing demand for vehicles powered by CNG, which are gaining popularity due to their reduced environmental impact.

Toho Tenax markets its high-quality carbon fiber for applications including pressure vessels, aircraft, vehicles and wind-power generators. Moving forward, the company intends to expand sales for pressure vessel applications in Asia, especially China and Southeast Asia, as well as Europe and the United States. Annual TENAX carbon fiber sales for pressure vessel applications are expected to reach $50 million by 2015.

Toho Tenax also plans to expand sales of TENAX carbon fiber for other industrial applications, including electronic devices, automotive parts and wind-power generators, in the fast-growing markets of Asia. —[email protected]