Carbon fiber is a miracle material that is strong, lightweight, durable, corrosion-resistant (and more), and is widely used in many different industries around the world.
It’s a captivating material with many different applications including sporting goods, engineering, and medicine. But did you know these facts about carbon fiber, carbon fiber manufacturers, and its history?
1. Carbon fiber was first “invented” well over half a century ago.
Carbon fiber may be “space-age” but it is certainly not new. It was actually first developed for the first time (officially) near Cleveland, Ohio.
Even before than that, carbon fiber filaments were used as early as 1860 to be used as oxidation-resistant filaments in incandescent light bulbs.
2. Carbon fiber composites can be used to substantially lighten vehicle weight, improving fuel economy.
When applied to lighten vehicle weight, carbon fiber can be used to improve fuel economy by as much as 35%.
3. Carbon fiber is lighter and stronger than steel.
High-performance carbon fiber materials are known not only for their lightweight nature but for their high strength. Carbon fiber can be made as much as 5 times stronger than steel while remaining only a fraction of the weight – up to 70% lighter.
4. Carbon fiber itself actually is UV-resistant (it’s the epoxy that isn’t).
Some people believe that carbon fiber is not UV-resistant, which makes it unsuitable for producing goods that will be exposed to a high degree of sunlight. This is actually not the case.
The carbon fibers themselves are completely impervious to ultraviolet radiation. It is the epoxy resin used to fill and bind them that is subject to photodegradation.
However, some carbon fiber manufacturers, such as Protech Composites, produce cutting-edge carbon fiber composite materials made with UV-resistant epoxy. To learn more about the company, its carbon fiber products, or its manufacturing processes, visit ProtechComposites.com or contact their customer service at 360-573-7800.
5. It’s available in a variety of weave patterns and finishes.
High-quality carbon fiber materials are available in a wide range of weaves and finishes, ranging from twill weaves to high-gloss carbon fiber, which can be used preferentially for their superior aesthetic appeal.
6. Carbon fiber can also be made to be very flexible – not just stiff.
Depending on the thickness, density, treatment and layup of the materials, carbon fiber can be either flexible (making it perfect for plates in running shoes or snowboards) or very stiff (making it suitable for automotive parts or ballistic shields).
7. Carbon fiber is an excellent conductor of electricity.
Carbon fibers themselves are excellent conductors of electricity, making them suitable for use in telecommunications and power transfer – not to mention for the production of light filaments, as mentioned in the first fact of this article.
8. Carbon fiber products can be produced from a wide range of raw material precursors (natural or synthetic materials that are carbon-bearing)
Carbon fibers, before they can be purified, woven, and fixed with epoxy, must first be isolated from materials known as precursors. Precursors of carbon fiber include synthetic materials like polyacrylonitrile, semi-synthetic materials like rayon (which is produced from wood fibers), or natural materials like pitch (which is naturally occurring in trees).
