Carbon fiber, a high-performance material that combines the hardness of carbon with the processing properties of fiber, has been widely used in many fields of military and civilian industries. Its outstanding performance has made carbon fiber a leader in new industrial materials in high-tech fields, earning it the nickname “King of Materials.”
Carbon fiber definition
Carbon fiber is a carefully woven fiber composed of carbon, with a carbon content exceeding 90%. This high purity gives it exceptional properties.
At a microscopic level, the structure of carbon fiber is very similar to that of graphite, consisting of layered carbon flake crystals called graphene. Graphene consists of a single layer of atoms, with the carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal pattern within its surface, resembling a honeycomb. This unique atomic structure makes graphene the strongest known material.
The structure of carbon fiber is similar to the graphene layered crystals in graphite, but the arrangement is more irregular, which affects its performance. Graphite’s carbon sheet crystals are stacked in an orderly manner; however, in carbon fiber, these crystals are not always arranged in such an orderly manner. Sometimes, the carbon sheet crystals are intricately intertwined, and this structural difference has a significant impact on the performance of carbon fiber.
Classification and properties of carbon fiber
Classification and use
Carbon fiber can be categorized by mechanical properties and tow size, with different types suitable for different industrial applications. The carbon fiber production process includes key steps such as pre-oxidation and carbonization, while the precursor is derived from basic raw materials such as acrylonitrile.
Based on different mechanical properties, carbon fiber can be divided into general-purpose, high-strength, high-strength medium-fine, high-fine, and high-strength high-fine. Furthermore, carbon fiber can be further categorized by tow size, including small-tow and large-tow carbon fibers.
Excellent performance
Carbon fiber, renowned for its high specific strength and specific modulus, is a preferred material in fields such as aerospace. Specific strength is the ratio of a material’s strength to its density, while specific modulus is the ratio of its modulus to its density.
These two key metrics together measure a material’s load-bearing capacity. Carbon fiber’s high specific strength and modulus mean it offers exceptional strength and stiffness at a lightweight weight, making it an ideal fit for structural design.
Application of carbon fiber
Aerospace use
Carbon fiber is crucial in civilian, military, and space applications, enhancing the performance of aircraft, missiles, and satellites. In civilian aircraft manufacturing, carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) is widely used as the primary load-bearing structural material for various components. Carbon fiber also plays an indispensable role in the modern aerospace industry, where its exceptional performance makes it an ideal choice for spacecraft. Carbon fiber composites are widely used in satellite structures, solar panels, and antennas.
Automobile Industry and Wind Power
Carbon fiber is used in the manufacture of automobile bodies and wind turbine blades, improving efficiency and performance. In automotive manufacturing, carbon fiber and its composite materials are gradually replacing traditional metal materials. From car bodies to engines, these materials are being adopted to enhance vehicle performance. Composite materials also play a vital role in wind turbine generation, serving as the primary material for wind turbine blades and other key structural components.
ports and Leisure
In sports equipment, carbon fiber improves product strength and durability. Due to its lightweight yet strong properties, composite materials excel in high-end tennis rackets, golf clubs, fishing rods, badminton rackets, and other sporting goods.