Top 10 Companies in the Polymethacrylimide (PMI) Foam for Aerospace Industry (2026): Market Leaders Powering Lighter, Stronger Aircraft

In Business Insights
February 19, 2026


The Global Polymethacrylimide (PMI) Foam for Aerospace Market was valued at US$ 87.7 Million in 2025 and is projected to reach US$ 160 Million by 2034, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.9% during the forecast period (2026–2034). This robust growth is fueled by the relentless pursuit of weight reduction in next-generation aircraft, increasing demand for fuel-efficient air travel, and the expansion of both commercial and military aviation fleets worldwide.

As the aerospace industry accelerates towards more sustainable and efficient flight, the critical role of advanced materials like PMI foam becomes undeniable. Offering an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, high-temperature resistance, and superior mechanical properties, PMI foam is the core material of choice for critical aerospace components. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Polymethacrylimide (PMI) Foam for Aerospace Industry—a group of innovative material science leaders and emerging specialists shaping the future of aviation manufacturing.


🔟 1. Evonik Industries AG

Headquarters: Essen, Germany
Key Offering: ROHACELL® PMI Foam portfolio

Evonik is the undisputed global leader and pioneer in PMI foam technology. Its ROHACELL® brand is the industry standard, trusted by major aerospace OEMs for decades. The company offers a comprehensive range of PMI foam grades tailored for specific applications, from helicopter rotor blades to radomes and primary aircraft structures.

Innovation and Market Leadership:

  • World’s leading producer with the most extensive PMI foam product portfolio

  • Continuous R&D leading to next-generation foams with enhanced fire resistance and performance

  • Strategic partnerships with Airbus, Boeing, and other major aerospace manufacturers

Download FREE Sample Report:
Polymethacrylimide (PMI) Foam for Aerospace Market – View in Detailed Research Report


9️⃣ 2. Hunan Zihard Material Technology Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Hunan, China
Key Offering: Zihard® series PMI Foams

Hunan Zihard is a leading Chinese manufacturer that has made significant strides in the PMI foam market. The company focuses on providing high-performance, cost-effective alternatives for the aerospace sector, supporting China’s growing domestic aviation industry and expanding its global footprint.

Innovation and Market Leadership:

  • Key supplier for China’s COMAC and other domestic aerospace programs

  • Investments in scaling production capacity to meet rising global demand

  • Development of specialized foam grades for high-load structural applications


8️⃣ 3. Cashem Advanced Materials Hi-Tech Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Jiangsu, China
Key Offering: Custom-engineered PMI foam solutions

Cashem Advanced Materials is a specialized manufacturer known for its technical expertise and ability to produce PMI foams to precise customer specifications. The company serves a diverse range of industries, with a strong focus on aerospace and defense applications requiring stringent performance criteria.

Innovation and Market Leadership:

  • Strong capabilities in producing large-block and complex-shaped PMI foams

  • Focus on research into improving the thermal and mechanical stability of its products


7️⃣ 4. Hybo (Fujian) New Material Technology Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Fujian, China
Key Offering: HYBO series PMI Foams

Hybo New Material Technology is an emerging player dedicated to the research, development, and production of high-performance polymer foams. The company’s HYBO PMI foams are gaining traction in the Asian aerospace market for their quality and competitive pricing.

Innovation and Market Leadership:

  • Rapid expansion of production facilities to capture market share

  • Strategic targeting of UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) and general aviation segments

Download FREE Sample Report:
Polymethacrylimide (PMI) Foam for Aerospace Market – View in Detailed Research Report


6️⃣ 5. TOPOLO

Headquarters: [Information to be confirmed based on latest data]
Key Offering: PMI foam and other advanced core materials

TOPOLO is recognized as a significant participant in the advanced materials market. While detailed public information is more limited compared to the top players, the company is involved in supplying specialized foam products that cater to the demanding requirements of the aerospace supply chain.

Innovation and Market Leadership:

  • Focus on niche applications within the broader composite materials market

  • Potential for growth as a secondary or regional supplier to aerospace manufacturers


5️⃣ 6. Other Notable Specialized Manufacturers

Headquarters: Global
Key Offering: Custom and niche PMI foam formulations

Beyond the top five, the market includes several other specialized manufacturers and chemical companies that produce PMI foam, often focusing on specific regions or application niches. These companies contribute to the competitive landscape and provide alternative sourcing options for aerospace composite fabricators.

Market Role:

  • Serve regional markets with localized supply chains

  • Often focus on specific thickness ranges or property sets (e.g., foams <60mm)


4️⃣ 7. Research Institutions & Academic Partners

Headquarters: Global Universities and Research Centers
Key Offering: Next-generation PMI foam R&D

Leading universities and government research institutions play a crucial, albeit indirect, role in the PMI foam ecosystem. They are at the forefront of developing new polymerization techniques, enhancing foam properties, and exploring sustainable feedstocks for future foam production.

Innovation Contribution:

  • Pioneering work on recyclable and bio-based PMI foam precursors

  • Collaboration with manufacturers to solve specific technical challenges


3️⃣ 8. Aerospace Composite Part Fabricators (Key Customers)

Headquarters: Global (Tier 1 & Tier 2 Suppliers)
Key Offering: Finished composite components using PMI foam cores

While not foam producers themselves, major composite part fabricators like Spirit AeroSystems, GKN Aerospace, and Safran are pivotal in driving PMI foam specifications and demand. Their engineering requirements directly influence the development of new foam grades from suppliers like Evonik and others.

Market Influence:

  • Drive demand for large-format, defect-free foam blocks

  • Set stringent quality and certification standards for core materials


2️⃣ 9. Chemical Conglomerates with Advanced Materials Divisions

Headquarters: Global
Key Offering: Broad portfolios including potential PMI foam capabilities

Large chemical companies such as BASF, SABIC, and DuPont possess the chemical engineering expertise and infrastructure that could allow for entry into the PMI foam market. Their presence looms as a potential source of future competition or partnership for specialized manufacturers.

Strategic Position:

  • Hold intellectual property related to polymer foams and composites

  • Ability to leverage large-scale manufacturing and global distribution networks


1️⃣ 10. Distributors and Supply Chain Specialists

Headquarters: Global
Key Offering: Logistics, cutting, and kitting services for PMI foam

Specialized distributors play a vital role in the PMI foam ecosystem by providing value-added services such as precision cutting, kitting, and just-in-time delivery to composite workshops. They ensure that the right material is available at the right time, reducing waste and improving efficiency for aircraft manufacturers.

Market Role:

  • Bridge the gap between large-scale foam producers and individual fabricators

  • Provide technical support and material selection guidance to end-users

Get Full Report Here:
Polymethacrylimide (PMI) Foam for Aerospace Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🌍 Outlook: The Future of PMI Foam is Smarter and More Integrated

The PMI foam market is evolving beyond being a simple core material supplier. It is becoming an integral partner in the design and manufacture of lighter, more efficient, and more sustainable aircraft. The drive for reduced emissions and enhanced performance will continue to push innovation in this critical sector.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

  • Sustainability Drive: Intensifying R&D into recycling processes for PMI foam and the use of bio-based precursors to reduce the carbon footprint of composite manufacturing.

  • Digitalization and Automation: Increased use of AI and robotics in foam production for improved quality control and in fabrication for precision cutting and assembly of complex core structures.

  • Expansion into New Applications: Growth beyond traditional aerospace into advanced air mobility (eVTOLs), space launch vehicles, and high-performance automotive sectors.

  • Supply Chain Regionalization: Efforts to establish more resilient and geographically diverse supply chains, leading to growth opportunities for regional manufacturers.

Get Full Report Here:
Polymethacrylimide (PMI) Foam for Aerospace Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies profiled are not just supplying a material; they are enabling the next generation of aviation technology. Their innovations in PMI foam are fundamental to building the lighter, stronger, and more fuel-efficient aircraft that will define the future of flight.