Carbon Fiber

By Group 7
Basic Info
• Made from a mix of polymer, which is reinforced
by a coating of carbon
• Close/Similar to the structure of fiberglass,
except sturdier and lighter
• Is sometimes mixed with metals such as
aluminum
• One of the newest man-made byproducts
How It’s Made
• Starts usually with an inner layer of
fiberglass/carbon made-mould
• Usually polished, smoothened, hardened
• Then fiber and resins are added for
flexibility/versatility
• Finally compressed together
Importance?
• This material has changed the structure of civil
engineering
• Enables most structures (i.e bridges) to
strengthen and last longer
• It has enabled engineers to choose a lighter yet
sturdier alternative to steel
Breakthroughs
• Carbon Fiber has proven:
• Possibility for a material to have almost
unlimited durability
• Unlimited endurance limit for strength and
loading
• A material can be sturdy, strong and light
Advantages
• High resistance to heat (Melting Point 3,560 C)
• Good electrical conductor
• Light and strong
• Can be both flexible and rigid- depending on
fabric
• High durability
Disadvantages
• Very Expensive
• No known ways yet on how to mass produce
• Few common uses
• Non Biodegradable
• Poor thermal conductor
• Lack of vital materials needed to make Carbon
Fiber
Uses
• Body structures for cars
• Dashboard for cars
• Airplane fuselages
• Bike frames
• Bridge supports/Reinforcements
• Covers of Laptops/Phones, Etc.
• Electrical wirings
Images