Toray has announced that it has developed Torayca T1200 carbon fibre, the world's highest strength at 1,160 kilopound per square inch (Ksi). This new offering will move us forward to reducing environmental footprints by lightening carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic materials. This fibre also opens a new performance frontier for strength-driven applications. Its potential applications range from aerostructures and defense to alternative energy and consumer products.

As carbon fibre products have proven their value and become more commercialised, the supply of high-strength carbon fibre has increased globally. Pushing this performance frontier has increased the demand for specialty applications. Toray set about refining its proprietary nanoscale structural control technology to design and achieve an internal structure that resists damage.

Leveraging this fundamental technology led Toray to develop Torayca T1200 in its new facility within the Ehime Plant (in Masaki-cho, Ehime Prefecture). T1200 has a tensile strength of up to 1,160 Ksi, more than 10 per cent higher than Torayca T1100, which currently has the highest tensile strength available. T1100 applications include defense weapon systems, space, aircraft, and sports and leisure equipment, the company said in a press release.

Toray began the commercial production of Torayca carbon fibre in 1971 at the Ehime Plant and diversified the application into compressed natural gas and high-pressure hydrogen tanks, automobiles, aircraft, and sporting equipment. In 1986, Toray developed Torayca T1000 and further expanded carbon fibre's potential by commercialising Torayca T1100. Toray remains a global leader, with both carbon fibres exhibiting the highest strength available worldwide.

As part of the Toray Group's sustainability vision, the company committed itself to providing innovative technologies and advanced materials that contribute to sustainable progress. Torayca T1200 embodies the Toray Group's vision for balancing greenhouse gas emissions and absorption worldwide. The company will continue to enhance the performance and supplies of Torayca carbon fibre in keeping with its corporate philosophy of contributing to society by creating new value with innovative ideas, technologies, and products.