HOW IS CARBON FIBER MANUFACTURED?

Carbon fiber is manufactured by heating, oxidizing, and carbonizing polyacrylonitrile polymer fibers. The resulting carbon fibers are typically molded into high strength composite materials for structural applications or are used in their pure form for electrical and friction applications.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES TO USING CARBON FIBER?

Carbon fiber composites have amazing structural properties. Carbon fiber composites are ten times stronger than steel, yet are still five times lighter. In comparison to aluminum, carbon fiber composites are eight times stronger, two times stiffer, yet still 1.5 times lighter. Carbon fiber composites have superior fatigue properties to all known metallic structures, and when coupled with the proper resins, carbon fiber composites are one of the most corrosion resistant materials available.

WHAT ARE THE COMPOSITES?

Composites are broadly known as reinforced plastics. Specifically, composites are a reinforcing fiber in a polymer matrix. Most commonly, the reinforcing fiber is fiberglass, although superior high strength fibers such as aramid and carbon are used in advanced applications. The polymer matrix is a thermoset resin, with polyester, vinyl ester, and epoxy resins most often the matrix of choice. Specialized resins, such as, phenolic, polyurethane and silicone are used for specific applications.

WHY USE CARBON FIBER IN YOUR COMPOSITES?

When carbon fibers are used in industry, they are woven into sheets, tubes, or other desired shapes. Epoxy resins or other binders are often added to the carbon fibers. The resulting composite of epoxy and carbon fibers is stronger than either component individually.
Carbon fibers have found wide application in commercial and civilian aircraft, recreational, industrial, and transportation markets. Carbon fibers are used in composites with a lightweight matrix. Carbon fiber composites are ideally suited to applications where strength, stiffness, lower weight, and outstanding fatigue characteristics are critical requirements. They also can be used in the occasion where high temperature, chemical inertness and high damping are important.

HERE ARE THE ADVANTAGES TO CARBON FIBER COMPOSITES SUCH AS OUR PRODUCTS?

HIGH STRENGTH Composite materials can be designed to meet the specific strength requirements of an application. A distinct advantage of composites, over other materials, is the ability to use many combinations of resins and reinforcements, and therefore custom tailor the mechanical and physical properties of a structure. LIGHT WEIGHT Composites offer materials that can be designed for both light weight and high strength. In fact, composites are used to produce the highest strength to weight ratio structures known to man. Corrosion Resistance Composites provide long-term resistance to severe chemical and temperature environments. Composites are the material of choice for outdoor exposure, chemical handling applications and severe environment service. DESIGN FLEXIBILITY Composites have an advantage over other materials because they can be molded into complex shapes at relatively low cost. The flexibility offers designers a freedom which is a hallmark of composites achievement. DURABILITY Composite structures have an exceedingly long life span. Coupled with low maintenance requirements, the longevity of composites is a benefit in critical applications. In a half-century of composites development, well designed composite structures have yet to wear-out.