What qualities does carbon fiber have?

Carbon fiber is currently widely used in the fields of aeronautics, sports, automotive, etc., due to its main qualities: hardness and lightness. However, as the years go by, manufacturing costs have been reduced and more and more of this material can be found in everyday objects.

What is carbon fiber?

Before going into the many properties and qualities of carbon fiber, it is important to explain what it is. It is a material composed of carbon filaments intertwined to form threads, known as rovings, which are used to make fabrics and textiles among other textile structures. These in turn are combined with epoxy resins and polymers to create composite structures, also known as composites.

Each of the carbon filaments is made from a polymer that is often rayon, polyacrylnitril or a petroleum-derived resin. These precursor materials are subjected to a carbonization and graphitization process, depending on the desired grade.

Its atomic structure is similar to that of graphite, with sheets of carbon atoms in a hexagonal pattern; however, in carbon fiber the sheets are arranged in a regular pattern in one direction along the microfibers, which makes it a highly resistant and at the same time very flexible material.

To give you an idea, the tensile strength of carbon fiber is higher than that of steel, but still lighter than aluminum.

There are different types of grades which are divided by their process and result in different tensile strength, stiffness, etc. According to the application, different grades are used to make various textile structures such as rovings, woven, knitted, woven and felted.

Qualities of carbon fiber

The answer to the question of what qualities carbon fiber has is really surprising.

Mechanical and chemical resistance

As mentioned above, the atomic structure of carbon fiber allows it to absorb certain types of impacts without losing its shape or breaking. It is also able to withstand external agents without wearing out or corroding easily.

Flexibility

Thanks to its structure, it is moldable when manufactured, a characteristic that allows it to adapt to almost any model that is needed in a single piece. Its level of elasticity allows it to alter its shape without breaking.

Low density

Carbon fiber has a considerably lower density than steel and aluminum, making it a lightweight material like plastic.

Electrically conductive and thermal insulation

Due to its composition, carbon fiber has a low thermal conductivity, which makes it a material frequently used as a thermal insulator.

Low thermal expansion

At high temperatures, it does not change its size as other materials do.

Today we can find carbon fiber in parts, sports bicycles, aircraft components and even in the medical area for the manufacture of prostheses and surgical equipment.

Although the manufacturing costs are still higher compared to, for example, steel, the benefits are well worth the investment. With carbon fiber, it is possible to considerably reduce maintenance costs, in addition to increasing the useful life and safety of the objects in which it is used.

In ESGRAF you will find a wide range of carbon and graphite products. Contact us for advice and support in your project.

Limitations to consider

Performance depends on graphite grade, grain orientation, temperature, load, pressure, speed, and operating environment. Material selection should be confirmed for your actual process conditions.

Information needed for a quote

To guide selection or prepare a quote, ESGRAF typically needs:

• Application and operating conditions (temperature, atmosphere, load).
• Dimensions, technical drawing, or CAD file when applicable.
• Required quantity.
• Requested grade or material currently in use.
• Observed issue with the previous part or lubricant, if any.

Request a quote

Share these details with our team at ESGRAF or request information. A specialist will review your application before recommending a grade or geometry.