ENGMATERIAL
Carbon Fiber
- A carbon fiber is a chain of molecules lined up with a large number of carbon atoms in a crystal structure.
- While the fiber is extremely thin, down to 5–15 μm in diameter, its tensile strength and rigidity are high. In addition, its resistance against high temperature and chemicals is excellent while involving less thermal expansion. Carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP) mixed with resins such as epoxy are commonly used.
CFRP Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer/Plastic
- This is a plastic composite material that combines textiles of carbon fiber or carbon fiber and synthetic resins.
- CFRPs are lighter than metals, but the tensile strength and elastic modulus are higher than those of metals.
- CFRPs are as light as 1.5–1.6 g/cm3 (iron density: 7.8 g/cm3) at the fiber volume ratio of 60%.
The tensile strength and elastic modulus are higher than those of special steel.
