Performance Strength Of Carbon Fiber, And Comparison With Aluminum And Steel

（1）What Does Carbon Fiber Look Like?

Carbon fiber has a unique appearance that sets it apart from other materials. Here are the key characteristics of how carbon fiber looks:

Color:

Carbon fiber is typically black, though it can also be dyed to other colors, though this is less common. The black color comes from the carbon content, which absorbs most visible light.

Texture:

Carbon fiber is composed of very thin filaments that are arranged together in bundles. These filaments have a matte, slightly shiny appearance, giving the material an almost “woven” look.

Structure:

Carbon fiber is often used in a woven fabric form, where the filaments are arranged in an interlocking pattern. This woven fabric can then be laminated with resin to create a composite material.

Finish:

The surface finish of carbon fiber can vary depending on the application and manufacturing process. It can be smooth and glossy or have a more textured, matte appearance.

Layers:

In carbon fiber composites, the fibers are often arranged in layers or “plies.” These layers can be seen as a stacked pattern on the surface of the material, especially if the composite is not fully covered with a smooth outer layer.

Transparency:

Although carbon fiber itself is opaque, thin layers of carbon fiber fabric can exhibit a degree of translucency, especially when backlighted or viewed at an angle.

Variability:

The visual appearance of carbon fiber can vary depending on the type of resin used, the manufacturing process, and any additional coatings or treatments applied to the surface.

In summary, carbon fiber has a black, matte-shiny appearance with a woven texture. When used in composites, the fibers are often arranged in layers that can be seen on the surface of the material. The specific appearance can vary depending on the application and manufacturing process.

Code	Weave style	Gram (g/m2)	Yarn		Fiber count 5mm		size(mm)
			Warp yarn	Weft yarn	Warp yarn	Weft yarn
CWP200	plain	200	3k	3k	12.5	12.5	1000
CWP300	plain	300	6k	6k	9.25	9.25	1000
CWT200	twill	200	3k	3k	12.5	12.5	1000
CWT400	twill	400	6k	6k	12.5	12.5	1000
CWU300	Uni-directional	300	12k		9.25		1000

（2）What Material is Carbon Fiber?

Carbon Fiber is a high-strength, high-modulus fiber that contains over 90% carbon. It is primarily composed of carbon atoms, with a diameter ranging from approximately 5 to 10 micrometers. Carbon Fiber is known for its exceptional properties, including:

• Lightweight:

• Carbon Fiber has a low density, making it a lightweight material.

• High strength:

• Light weight notwithstanding. Carbon fiber has high tensile strength. Usually more than aluminum alloy.

• High modulus:

• It has a high rigid-to-weight ratio. This means that it can resist deformation under load.

• Heat resistance:

• Carbon fiber has excellent heat resistance. Can withstand high temperatures without significant degradation.

• Corrosion resistance:

• Chemical resistance. Suitable for use in harsh environments.

Carbon fibers are typically carbonized organic precursor fibers at high temperatures (usually over 1000°C) in an inert atmosphere. Such as polyacrylonitrile (PAN) or rayon. The resulting fibers are then processed into various forms. Yarn included. Fabrics and composites.

Carbon fiber is widely used for high strength. High stiffness and lightweight applications. These include aerospace and automotive. Sports equipment and civil engineering. For example, carbon fiber composites are used in aircraft fuselages and car body panels. As well as bike frames and high-performance tennis racquets.

In summary, Carbon Fiber is a high-performance material that offers a unique combination of lightweight, strength, stiffness, and heat resistance. Its unique properties make it an essential material in various demanding applications.

（3）Creating Carbon Fiber Composites

The manufacturing of carbon fiber composites is a complex and complex process. It starts by making carbon fibers from organic polymer precursors, such as polyacrylonitrile. The fibers are then spun. Wash and stretch. It is then stabilized by adding chemicals. Later. Carbonization is performed under anaerobic and high temperature conditions. To eliminate all non-carbon components. This results in an almost pure carbon structure with a tight weave. After carbonization. The fiber surface is treated. To enhance the adhesion with the resin matrix. And sizing protection.

At the same time, the preparation of the resin matrix is a crucial step. A common resin. Such as epoxy resin and phenolic resin. Mix with additives. Solidify to form a solid foundation. This process requires precise control of mixing ratios and curing conditions. To ensure the desired properties of the final composite.

The key stage is the combination of carbon fiber and resin matrix. By dipping. Casting or molding. The fibers and resins can be completely mixed and permeate each other. In the process. A uniform distribution and tight bond between the fibers and the resin must be ensured.

After combination, plastic and post-treatment according to specific requirements. This composite material can be formed in a variety of shapes and sizes. Like a sheet. And tubes and rods. The next steps. Such as cutting. As well as grinding and coating may be necessary. To meet the specifications of the final product.

Throughout the manufacturing process, strict quality control is indispensable. Every step must be executed precisely to guarantee the robustness, aesthetics, and structural integrity of the final product.

Ultimately, the carefully crafted carbon fiber composites, owing to their lightweight, high strength, and high modulus, find widespread applications in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and sports equipment.

（4）Properties of Carbon Fiber

Carbon fiber possesses a range of unique physical and chemical properties that make it an exceptionally advantageous material for various applications. Here are the key properties of carbon fiber:

Physical Properties:

Low density and light weight: The density of carbon fiber is usually between 1.5 and 2g /cm³. About a quarter of the density of steel. Half the density of aluminum alloy. This makes carbon fiber ideal for applications where weight reduction is critical.

High strength and high modulus: the tensile strength of carbon fiber can reach 3000-4000mpa. The elastic modulus can exceed 200gpa. These properties make carbon fiber composites useful in aerospace. Civil engineering and other fields are widely used.

High temperature resistance: Carbon fiber can be used at temperatures up to 2000°C. It remains non-melting and non-softening in non-oxidizing atmospheres up to 3000°C.

Low temperature resistance: Carbon fiber remains flexible at temperatures of minus 180°C. It doesn’t get brittle.

Low coefficient of thermal expansion: the coefficient of thermal expansion of carbon fiber decreases with increasing temperature. The dimensional performance is stable in the environment with large temperature changes.

Good electrical conductivity: carbon fiber has good electrical conductivity. Conductive components suitable for use in electronic devices.

Chemical Properties:

Corrosion resistance: Carbon fiber has strong resistance to common organic solvents and acids. And alkali corrosion properties. It doesn’t dissolve. It doesn’t expand. It has excellent corrosion resistance. In 50% hydrochloric acid. After soaking in sulfuric acid or phosphoric acid for 200 days, its elastic modulus can still be maintained. Strength and diameter.

Oil, radiation, radiation resistance: Carbon fiber also has oil and radiation resistance. And radiation-resistant. Suitable for use in specific environments.

Chemical stability: The chemical properties of carbon fiber are similar to carbon. Except for strong oxidants. It is inert to most bases.

Mechanical Properties:

Compression Resistance and Tensile Strength: Carbon fiber has high compression resistance and tensile strength, often reaching compressive strengths of over 2000 MPa and tensile strengths of over 3500 MPa.

Flexibility: Carbon fiber exhibits good flexibility, allowing it to maintain its performance in applications with different shapes and sizes.

Electrical Properties:

Carbon fiber has a positive charge affinity, attracting negative charges. This property enables carbon fiber to find applications in electrical equipment, battery materials, and other fields.

（5）Modulus of Elasticity and Tensile Strength of Carbon Fiber

Carbon fiber is known for its excellent mechanical properties. In particular, its high elastic modulus and tensile strength. Modulus of elasticity. Also known as Young’s modulus. Measure the stiffness of the material. The stress required to produce a certain strain within the elastic limit is also expressed. Carbon fiber typically has an elastic modulus of more than 200GPa. Making it extremely rigid and resistant to deformation under load.

The tensile strength of carbon fiber represents the maximum stress the material can withstand before tensile failure. Carbon fiber has extremely high tensile strength. From thousands of megapascals (MPa) to more than 5GPa in high performance grades such as T800. This significant tensile strength allows the carbon fiber to resist breaking or failure under significant tensile forces.

But the point is. The combination of high elastic modulus and tensile strength of carbon fiber provides unmatched mechanical properties. Make it aerospace. And the automotive and sports equipment industries need light weight. A popular material for rigidity and durability applications.

（6）Mechanical Properties of Carbon Fiber Composite Parts

Carbon fiber composite components have excellent mechanical properties. Including high tensile strength and compressive strength. As well as elastic modulus and bending strength. While keeping the weight light. These properties make carbon fiber composites widely used in aerospace and transportation. And sports equipment. The tensile strength of carbon fiber composites is several times that of steel. Less than a quarter of the density of steel. Therefore, it has a very high specific strength. This is despite the fact that carbon fiber composites are challenging and expensive to process. But its unique mechanical properties prove that the effort is worth it.

（7）Comparing Carbon Fiber to Aluminum and Steel

Compare carbon fiber with aluminum and steel. Carbon fiber stands out for its excellent lightweight properties. Its density is significantly lower than that of these two metals. It also has higher tensile strength. More than aluminum and steel. Making it an ideal material for applications requiring high load carrying capacity. Carbon fiber’s corrosion resistance and design flexibility further enhance its appeal. Although it is usually more expensive to manufacture. In the meantime. The wide availability and applicability of aluminum and steel in various industries provides cost-effective solutions. The final choice depends on the specific application needs and economic considerations.