The fastest train in China’s Greater Bay Area uses Sinopec carbon fiber

According to the Chinese petroleum and chemical group, the performance of a train cowl using carbon fiber composites is fully compliant with operating conditions. Compared with the aluminum alloy material of the same module, the use of carbon fiber can reduce weight by 35%-40% and effectively help trains increase speed. 

Guangzhou Metro Line 18 is known as the fastest subway in the Guangdong -Hong Kong – Macao Greater Bay Area, with a top speed up to 160 km/h. The “Bay Area Blue” train is the first subway train in China using lightweight and high-strength carbon fiber composites on its train cowl. 

Since 2019, Sinopec and CRRC, the Chinese state-owned rolling stock manufacturer, carry out collaborative innovation. They strive to overcome the key core technologies challenges for the large-scale application of carbon fiber composite materials in the field of rail transit. 

They have established a complete technology research and development system, and formed a world-leading “one-stop” for Lightweight Technology Solutions, according to Sinopec. 

Next step, Sinopec carbon fiber will also be applied on the Guangzhou Metro Line 22 trains. The R&D team of Sinopec and CRRC is also actively working to apply carbon fiber composite material technology research on 400 km/h high-speed trains, maglev trains, etc.