Ceramic Matrix Composites Market

Market Definition

Ceramic matrix composites (CMC) comprise advanced materials made by reinforcing ceramic matrices with fibers or particles to enhance their mechanical strength, thermal stability, and resistance to wear and corrosion. 

This market encompasses the production, development, and application of advanced composite materials made by reinforcing ceramic matrices with fibers or other reinforcements to enhance their mechanical properties. 

The market includes various types of ceramic matrix composites such as silicon carbide-based and oxide-based composites, and covers their use in components like turbine engines, brake systems, and heat shields. The report outlines the primary drivers of market growth, along with an in-depth analysis of emerging trends and evolving regulatory frameworks shaping the industry's trajectory.

Ceramic Matrix Composites Market Overview

The global ceramic matrix composites market size was valued at USD 13.25 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow from USD 14.40 billion in 2025 to USD 27.87 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 9.89% during the forecast period. 

This growth is attributed to the rising adoption of advanced composites across diverse end-use sectors such as aerospace, automotive, energy, and defense. Moreover, the increasing demand for lightweight, high-strength materials that can withstand extreme temperatures and harsh operating conditions is accelerating their integration, particularly in turbine engines, braking systems, and thermal protection applications.

Major companies operating in the ceramic matrix composites industry are CoorsTek Inc., Lancer Systems, General Electric Company, Axiom Materials, Spirit AeroSystems, Inc., 3M, Ultramet, COIC, Touchstone Advanced Composites, Fraunhofer ISC, SGL Carbon, UBE Corporation, Morgan Advanced Materials, applied thin films Inc., and CFCCARBON CO, LTD.

The growing emphasis on fuel efficiency, emission reduction, and performance enhancement in critical industries is further boosting the market growth. Additionally, ongoing innovations in fiber reinforcement, ceramic processing technologies, along with expanding applications in industrial and marine sectors, is driving the adoption of ceramic matrix composites.

• In June 2024, Springer Nature Limited published a study by researchers from Beihang University and Central South University on a ceramic matrix composite film made with inkjet printing and laser sintering. The film showed doubled hardness and modulus, 3.8 times higher fracture toughness, strong bonding up to 86.6 megapascals, and stability up to 1050 degrees Celsius.

Key Highlights

1. The ceramic matrix composites market size was valued at USD 13.25 billion in 2024.
2. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.89% from 2025 to 2032.
3. North America held a market share of 34.21% in 2024, with a valuation of USD 4.53 billion.
4. The carbon/carbon segment garnered USD 5.46 billion in revenue in 2024.
5. The aerospace & defense segment is expected to reach USD 9.76 billion by 2032.
6. Asia Pacific is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 10.63% through the projection period.

Market Driver

Thermal and Mechanical Stability in Harsh Environments

The growth of the market is propelled by the increasing need for materials that can withstand extreme thermal and mechanical stresses across advanced engineering applications.

These composites demonstrate superior performance in high-temperature environments, where conventional metals and alloys fail due to oxidation, thermal degradation, or structural fatigue. Industries such as aerospace, defense, and energy are leveraging ceramic matrix composites for components like turbine blades, heat shields, and exhaust systems that require exceptional resistance to thermal shock, corrosion, and mechanical wear.

This demand is further supported by the materials’ low density and high strength-to-weight ratio, enabling enhanced fuel efficiency and system reliability in mission-critical operations. As a result, investments in next-generation thermal and structural materials are accelerating the adoption of ceramic matrix composites across sectors operating in harsh and demanding environments.

For instance, Rolls-Royce is developing silicon carbide-based ceramic matrix composites for use in next-generation jet engines to withstand higher operating temperatures, improve thermal efficiency, and reduce overall engine weight.

These composites are intended for high-temperature sections such as turbine shrouds and combustor liners, where they offer superior thermal resistance and durability compared to traditional super alloys.

Market Challenge

Risk of Brittleness and Micro Cracking

The risk of brittleness and micro cracking poses a considerable challenge to the growth of the ceramic matrix composites market, especially in sectors such as aerospace, automotive, and energy. 

The inherent brittleness of ceramic materials can lead to the initiation and propagation of micro-cracks under mechanical stress or thermal cycling, compromising the structural integrity and longevity of components. These micro-cracks reduce the material’s toughness and may result in premature failure, limiting broader adoption in critical applications.

To mitigate these challenges, manufacturers are focusing on enhancing the toughness of ceramic matrix composites through improved fiber reinforcement techniques and optimized matrix formulations. 

Techniques such as incorporating continuous fibers and engineering the fiber-matrix interface enable controlled crack deflection and energy absorption, which help prevent crack growth. Additionally, advances in processing methods and thermal treatments improve microstructural uniformity, reducing brittleness and enhancing durability.

Market Trend

Advancements in Manufacturing and Material Technologies

Advancements in manufacturing and material technologies are significantly transforming the ceramic matrix composites industry by improving production efficiency, precision, and scalability. Modern fabrication techniques such as chemical vapor infiltration, polymer infiltration and pyrolysis, and additive manufacturing enable the production of complex ceramic composite structures with enhanced microstructural control and reduced defects. 

These innovations facilitate faster, more cost-effective manufacturing of high-performance components, supporting applications in aerospace, automotive, energy, and defense sectors. Enhanced process automation and real-time quality monitoring systems contribute to consistent product reliability and minimize manufacturing errors, thereby reducing overall production costs and lead times. 

Furthermore, the integration of digital tools and advanced simulation methods is optimizing design and fabrication workflows, allowing for the development of tailored, lightweight, and durable ceramic composite solutions.

• In January 2025, Cranfield University, in collaboration with the University of Southern Queensland, launched the ACCORD (Acceleration of Ceramic Matrix Composite Research Developments) project. Funded by Research England with USD 0.02 million, this initiative aims to advance ceramic matrix composite manufacturing by modernizing outdated methods, addressing supply chain challenges, and promoting sustainability.

Ceramic Matrix Composites Market Report Snapshot

Segmentation	Details
By Product	Silicon Carbide, Oxide/Oxide, Carbon/Carbon, and Others
By End Use Industry	Aerospace & Defense, Automotive, Energy & Power, Industrial, and Others
By Region	North America: U.S., Canada, Mexico
	Europe: France, UK, Spain, Germany, Italy, Russia, Rest of Europe
	Asia-Pacific: China, Japan, India, Australia, ASEAN, South Korea, Rest of Asia-Pacific
	Middle East & Africa: Turkey, U.A.E, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Rest of Middle East & Africa
	South America: Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America

Market Segmentation

• By Product (Silicon Carbide, Oxide/Oxide, Carbon/Carbon, and Others): The carbon/carbon segment earned USD 5.46 billion in 2024 mainly due to its exceptional thermal resistance and strength, making it highly preferred in aerospace and defense applications.
• By End Use Industry (Aerospace & Defense, Automotive, Energy & Power, Industrial, and Others): The aerospace & defense segment held a share of 36.54% in 2024, propelled by the increasing demand for lightweight, high-performance materials to improve fuel efficiency and withstand extreme operating conditions.

Ceramic Matrix Composites Market Regional Analysis

Based on region, the global market has been classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South America.

North America ceramic matrix composites market share stood at around 34.21% in 2024, valued at USD 4.53 billion. This dominance is attributed to the presence of leading aerospace and defense manufacturers, significant investments in research and development of ceramic matrix composites, and early adoption of advanced material technologies. 

North America’s well-established manufacturing infrastructure and skilled workforce support sustained market growth. Favorable government initiatives focused on defense modernization, renewable energy development, and advanced composites research further drive this expansion. 

Furthermore, growing demand for high-performance ceramic matrix composites in industries such as automotive, energy, and industrial manufacturing is contributing to the region’s market growth.

• In January 2024, the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Scientific and Technical Information, published a new manufacturing process that eliminates the costly ceramic infiltration step in ceramic matrix composites production by using a high-char-yield preceramic resin. This approach maintains material quality while reducing costs, making ceramic matrix composites more competitive for industries like concentrated solar power.

The Asia-Pacific ceramic matrix composites industry is set to grow at a CAGR of 10.63% over the forecast period. This growth is attributed to the increasing focus on industrialization and technological advancement in the aerospace, automotive, and energy sectors, fueling demand for high-performance ceramic matrix composites.

The region’s expanding industrial base, supported by government policies and technological innovation, is driving the adoption of advanced composites and modern manufacturing methods. 

Moreover, the rising infrastructure projects and renewable energy installations in Asia Pacific is further accelerating the adoption of ceramic matrix composites across industries. Additionally, strategic collaborations between industry players and academic institutions are driving continuous innovation in advanced ceramic matrix composites, thereby driving market growth.

Regulatory Frameworks

• In the European Union, the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulation ensures the safe use of substances in ceramic matrix composites by requiring manufacturers to assess and manage risks. This applies to materials like preceramic polymers and fiber reinforcements, promoting both human and environmental safety.
• In the U.S., the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates emissions and waste management practices associated with ceramic matrix composite manufacturing under the Clean Air Act and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. These regulations aim to ensure environmental compliance during high-temperature processing and chemical usage involved in CMC production.
• In Japan, the Industrial Safety and Health Act and the Chemical Substances Control Law regulate worker safety and environmental protection in the production and application of advanced materials, including ceramic composites.

Competitive Landscape

The ceramic matrix composites market features a blend of established global manufacturers and emerging regional players, striving to expand their product offerings and market presence through continuous technological innovation, capacity enhancement, and strategic collaborations. 

Companies are investing significantly in research and development to improve the thermal resistance, toughness, and manufacturability of ceramic composites, while also focusing on reducing production costs.

• In July 2024, SRI International announced the development of advanced ceramic matrix composites designed to withstand extreme heat and corrosive environments. The new process improves durability and reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating costly infiltration steps. These materials are ideal for applications in concentrated solar power, hypersonic vehicle protection, heat exchangers, and fusion reactors, marking a significant advancement in high-performance, cost-effective composites.

They are developing advanced, lightweight, and durable composite materials to address the growing demand in aerospace, automotive, energy, and defense industries. Furthermore, these firms are actively collaborating with industry stakeholders and research institutions to tailor composite solutions for specialized applications and accelerate their adoption worldwide.

List of Key Companies in Ceramic Matrix Composites Market:

• CoorsTek Inc.
• Lancer Systems
• General Electric Company
• Axiom Materials
• Spirit AeroSystems, Inc.
• 3M
• Ultramet
• COIC
• Touchstone Advanced Composites
• Fraunhofer ISC
• SGL Carbon
• UBE Corporation
• Morgan Advanced Materials
• applied thin films Inc.
• CFCCARBON CO, LTD

Recent Developments (Product Launch)

• In February 2024, Mitsubishi Chemical Group introduced a high-temperature-resistant ceramic matrix composite reinforced with pitch-based carbon fibers, designed to endure conditions up to 1,500 degrees Celsius. Intended for applications in the space sector, the material is set to be presented at key aerospace exhibitions in Tokyo and Paris.