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Carbon Fiber Characteristics
Carbon fiber materials are increasingly used for components in a wide variety of applications, based on their excellent strength-to-weight ratio. They are are very stiff, strong and light, and exhibit properties close to steel, yet weight close to plastics. Dielectric Manufacturing offers carbon fiber fabrication.
Carbon fibers can have excellent tensile properties, low densities, high thermal and chemical stabilities (in the absence of oxidizing agents), good thermal and electrical conductivities, and excellent creep resistance.
This material is properly referred to as Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers – or CFRP, which is a composite material made up of carbon fibers embedded in a matrix of polymer resin. The carbon fibers provide high strength and stiffness, while the polymer resin provides protection from the environment and enhances durability. As it is not a plastic, it is neither a thermoset or thermoplastic material. However, thermoset and thermoplastic resins, such as epoxy are often used to bind the carbon fibers into composite layers for machining. Thus, the specific material properties of a particular CFRP are determined by the type of binder, the layout of the fibers, and the ratio of fibers to the polymer.
Contact Dielectric Manufacturing to discuss which carbon fiber composite best matches your need.
Carbon Fiber Applications
Carbon fiber reinforced polymers are commonly used in aerospace applications because of their attractive strength-to-weight ratio. About one-third of CFRPs are used to fabricate aircraft components, and space rocket and vessel components.
CFRPs are also ideal for sports equipment, such as hockey sticks, tennis racquets, bicycle frames, golf clubs, safety helmets, and for components of race cars and other automotive applications. The strength and lightness of carbon fiber composites make them ideal for use in applications where weight is a critical factor.
Other uses for carbon fiber composites are in the medical sector, for equipment and tools, and for military gear.
See more details on carbon fiber properties at the National Library of Medicine website.
