Along with strength and lightweight properties and other benefits make Carbon fiber a versatile, and valuable commercial product for a wide variety of markets.
What is Carbon FiberCarbon fiber — by far the most widely used fiber in high-performance applications, it is produced from a variety of precursors, including polyacrylonitrile (PAN), rayon and pitch. The precursor fibers are chemically treated, heated and stretched, then carbonized, to produce the high-strength fibers. Today, PAN- and pitch-based fibers are the main types of carbon fiber in most applications. Especially PAN-based carbon fibers are the most versatile, they provide a remarkable range of properties, including exceptional strength and extraordinary stiffness.Carbon fiber is commonly used to reinforce composite materials to create something strong, yet lightweight. In order to modify the characteristics of the layup, sometimes added such as glass fibers, Kevlar or Aluminum.Once carbon fiber bound with a polymer or resin (such as epoxy) which can generate to a composite that is then used in a variety of technical based industries. Properties of the carbon fiber composite are affected by the polymer resin matrix that combine with carbon fiber, and any additives to the resin and the carbon fiber reinforcement.The benefits of carbon fiber and its composites include:
1. Stiffness
2. High Strength
3. Electrical Conductivity
4. Fatigue Resistance
5. Good tensile strength
6. Fire Resistance/Not flammable
7. High Thermal Conductivity in some forms
8. Low coefficient of thermal expansion
9. Works well with an assortment of different materials (fiber, plastics, metals, wood, concrete)
10. Carbon fiber offers 2 to 5 times more rigidity (depending on the fiber used) than aluminum and steel.
When Carbon fiber combines with a resin matrix, like epoxy, carbon fiber offers, unprecedented strength and weight advantages.What is Resin?The resin fixes the carbon fibers in a geometric arrangement, conducts force to the fibers, and stabilizes the fibers while pressure builds. The embedded fibers strengthen and stiffen the composite and absorb forces throughout the length of the fibers. The chemical bond created in the resin matrix produces strength superior to most metals and other fiber-reinforced composites, giving you the ability to fabricate dynamic, energy-returning structures in passive devices.Composite element is made from 2 basic materials: fabrics (carbon fiber, aramide, glass) and resins. Although fabrics mainly offer product rigidity, a resin also plays a part, as it mostly affects resistance to temperature, permeability of fabrics and other characteristics of the finished product.