Advantages Of Carbon Fiber
Carbon fiber composites stand out from the crowd for several reasons. Here are a few:
- Lightweight – carbon fiber is a low density material with a very high strength to weight ratio
- High tensile strength – one of the strongest of all commercial reinforcing fibers when it comes to tension, carbon fiber is very difficult to stretch or bend
- Low thermal expansion – carbon fiber will expand or contract much less in hot or cold conditions than materials like steel and aluminum
- Exceptional durability – carbon fiber has superior fatigue properties compared to metal, meaning components made of carbon fiber won’t wear out as quickly under the stress of constant use
- Corrosion-resistance – when made with the appropriate resins, carbon fiber is one of the most corrosion-resistant materials available
- Radiolucence – carbon fiber is transparent to radiation and invisible in x-rays, making it valuable for usage in medical equipment and facilities
- Electrical conductivity – carbon fiber composites are an excellent conductor of electricity
- Ultra-violet resistant – carbon fiber can be UV resistant with use of the proper resins
Disadvantages
- Carbon fiber will break or shatter when it’s compressed, pushed beyond its strength capabilities or exposed to high impact. It will crack if hit by a hammer. Machining and holes can also create weak areas that may increase its likelihood of breaking.
- Relative cost – carbon fiber is a high quality material with a price to match. While prices have dropped significantly in the past five years, demand has not increased enough to increase the supply substantially. As a result, prices will likely remain the same for the near future.