Carbon Fiber Reinforced Resin Composites
Carbon fiber reinforced resin composites are engineered structural materials comprised of two main components; a polymer matrix, such as epoxy, polyester or vinyl ester resin, and embedded carbon fiber reinforcement. Today, they are used in hundreds of applications across a wide range of industries and market segments, including aerospace, automotive, sporting goods, marine and wind energy.
Carbon fiber reinforced resin composites have some unique advantages as well as properties that differentiate them from traditional materials. Carbon fiber reinforced resin composites are lightweight, stiff, strong and extremely thermally stable. This combination of properties makes them attractive for use in a variety of high-performance applications and environments. Carbon fiber reinforced resin composites can also be designed to have a high coefficient of thermal expansion and controlled electrical resistance characteristics, which are often of paramount importance in a given application.
In addition to the mechanical and thermal stability inherent in the material, carbon fiber reinforced resin composites are non-corrosive, leading to significantly longer lifecycle costs in applications exposed to extreme environments. These materials are also highly durable and can stand up to high levels of load and stress for extended periods of time. Also, since the material is highly oriented in its construction, it is also up to four times more rigid than typical metals.
Carbon fiber reinforced resin composites can also play a role in reducing the environmental impact of a product or system. The lightweight material decreases the overall weight of a product or system, which also reduces fuel consumption and emissions during use. Through effective design, the shape and volume of products can also be reduced, leading to further reductions in environmental impact.
The combination of mechanical, thermal, environmental and economic benefits of carbon fiber reinforced resin composites have led to the material becoming more commonplace in a wide array of industries. The aerospace industry was the first to use the technology due to its high performance requirements and tight cost constraints, but advances in carbon fiber manufacturing technology and improved understanding of the material’s properties and behavior has made it more viable for a broader range of applications.
Today, carbon fiber reinforced resin composites are used in a variety of applications and markets where weight and cost considerations, durability, and performance are paramount. Its lightweight, stiffness and strength, combined with a long service life, make the material an attractive option for wind turbines, aircraft components, medical implants, and even consumer products like bicycles.
In order to take advantage of the full potential of these materials, however, careful design and attention to details of fabrication and assembly is necessary. While carbon fiber reinforced resin composites have sufficient strength on their own, the right design and assembly process can make them even more durable and capable in a variety of environments. By manipulating the weaving patterns, resin type and thickness, manufacturers can achieve improved performance in most applications.
For manufacturers looking to explore the possibilities of carbon fiber reinforced resin composites, a clear understanding of the material, its benefits and its drawbacks is essential. Working with a qualified, experienced manufacturer and designer is key to understanding how to best use these materials for a given application. With the right design and fabrication, carbon fiber reinforced resin composites can offer a viable solution for almost any challenge.
