Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I obtain carbon fiber?

Q I would like to purchase carbon fiber. What should I do?: Please refer to the page for the specific material or product and the page “Process of consultation
and contract.” Then, use the Inquiry Form to let us know what you want in detail. A product representative will get back to you as soon as possible.

Q Do you have any carbon fiber distributors or agents outside Japan?: We have distributors in the United States, Europe, Asia, and many other locations around the world. If you specify a desired destination in the
Inquiry Form, we can introduce you to a distributor or agent.

Q Is there anything I need to be careful about if I export purchased carbon fiber?: Some of our carbon fiber products or products manufactured from our carbon fiber materials may be subject to the provisions of the Export Trade Control Order. The export of such products is subject to the approval of the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, in accordance with ministerial ordinances relating to the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act.
For more information, please refer to the Export Control page of the website of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

Q How can I purchase processed products (CFRP) made from carbon fiber?: Processed products (CFRP) are basically made-to-order. Please refer to
the page for the specific processed product and the page “Process of consultation
and contract.” Then, use the Inquiry Form to let us know what you want in detail. A product representative will get back to you as soon as possible.

Q What are the advantages of using carbon fiber?: Carbon fiber is a stronger and harder material than metal and fiberglass, so it can be used to make products lighter.
Since carbon fiber is an anisotropic material, it also allows for greater flexibility in product design. In addition to excellent mechanical properties, carbon fiber offers excellent chemical resistance and corrosion resistance, as well as electrical conductivity, high thermal conductivity, and a low coefficient of thermal expansion. For more information, please refer to the page “Performance of Carbon Fiber & Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics.”

Q What kind of forms are carbon fiber products available in?: Carbon fiber is sometimes used in the form of Continuous fiber, but it can also be used in various other forms. For example, it can be cut into short lengths, woven, or impregnated with resin (that soaks into the fiber).
Mitsubishi Chemical offers a wide range of products in a variety of forms to meet the needs of our customers. For more information, please refer to the “Product Forms” page.

Q I often hear the term carbon fiber reinforced plastics. What kind of materials is carbon fiber combined with?: The most common materials that are combined with carbon fiber (typically called a base material or matrix) are thermosetting resins (plastics that harden when heated). The thermosetting resins most commonly used for composite materials are epoxy resins, which are compatible with high-performance carbon fiber.
On the other hand, the use of other kinds of thermosetting resin and thermoplastic resins (plastics that soften when heated) are also increasing. In addition to resins, there are also composite materials that use metal, carbon, rubber, cement, and other materials as base materials.

Q What is the difference between PAN-based and pitch-based carbon fibers and their respective characteristics?: PAN-based carbon fiber is made from polyacrylonitrile, an acrylic fiber raw material, whereas pitch-based carbon fiber is made from coal pitch (coal tar). PAN-based carbon fiber is generally superior in strength development, while pitch-based carbon fiber offers superior elastic modulus (rigidity) development.
It’s also true that each particular carbon fiber has its own unique characteristics.
For more information, please refer to the “Carbon Fiber Manufacturing Process” and “Carbon Fiber Tow (Continuous fiber)” pages.

Q What is DIALEAD? What is PYROFIL? What is GRAFIL?: DIALEAD is a brand of products associated with pitch-based carbon fiber (though some DIALEAD brand products use PAN-based carbon fiber), while PYROFIL and GRAFIL are brands of products associated with PAN-based carbon fiber.
PYROFIL and GRAFIL are both PAN-based carbon fiber materials, but PYROFIL is mostly produced in Japan, while GRAFIL is mostly produced in the U.S. (Some PYROFIL products are produced in the U.S. too.) For more information, please refer to the page
“Carbon Fiber Tow (Continuous fiber)” and the website of Mitsubishi Chemical Carbon Fiber and Composites, Inc. (U.S.A.).

Q Is there anything I should pay attention to when handling carbon fiber?: Since individual carbon fibers are very thin and do not stretch, they can easily break or fray during handling. And any broken or frayed carbon fibers that are suspended in the air can adversely affect human health or damage equipment. We recommend handling carbon fiber materials with care and using local exhaust ventilation when processing them.
When disposing of carbon fiber, be sure to separate it from general waste and dispose of it as industrial waste (“waste plastic”).
If you wish to recycle carbon fiber, please contact us. For details, please refer to the SDS.

Q What specific effects does carbon fiber have on equipment and on the human body?: Since carbon fiber is electrically conductive, carbon fiber floating in the air can cause a short circuit if it enters into manufacturing equipment. Protect electrical systems to prevent the entry of carbon fiber. Since carbon fiber materials are rigid and made up of thin fibers, they can cause itching or pain if they adhere to skin or mucous membranes. Minimize exposure to skin and mucous membranes as much as possible and if any carbon fiber adheres to your body, wash it off with water, without rubbing. For details, please refer to the SDS.

Q How can I get a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for products?: SDSs are not available for download on the website.
We apologize for the inconvenience, but please use the Inquiry Form to submit your request. Thank you!

Q How should I store carbon fiber prepreg?: Since prepreg is made of thermosetting resin, it will harden at a certain temperature. For this reason, unless you use the product immediately after delivery, store it at a temperature of -18ºC or lower. If you store the product in a freezer, we recommend that you seal it tightly in packaging film and position it horizontally.

Q What kind of environmental initiatives are you taking in your carbon fiber business?: Replacing conventional materials with carbon fiber reinforced plastics enables significant weight savings in aircraft, automobiles, and other means of mobility. The higher fuel efficiency due to lower weight results in a CO2 emissions reduction that is far greater than the amount of CO2 emitted during production of the carbon fiber. Carbon fiber reinforced plastics enable the design of larger wind turbine blades and consequently higher wind power output.
For more information, please refer to the “Environment & Recycling” page.

Q Can carbon fiber be recycled?: Mitsubishi Chemical engages in the business of recycling carbon fiber reinforced plastics. Our aim is to make our carbon fiber reinforced plastics business contribute to a circular economy, by leveraging our unique, integrated product and technology chain, from recycling to reprocessing.
For more information, please refer to the “Environment & Recycling” page.