Thermal Expansion of Carbon-Based Materials
Introduction
Carbon-based materials are used in a wide variety of applications due to their exceptionally strong properties. Carbon-based materials come in many formulations, including carbon fiber-reinforced plastics, graphite, and carbon nanotubes. One of the most important properties of carbon-based materials is their ability to expand when exposed to heat. This property, known as thermal expansion, can be beneficial in some applications and can be detrimental in others. This article will explore the thermal expansion of carbon-based materials and its implications in various applications.
Thermal Expansion
When materials are exposed to elevated temperatures, the change in the materials volume due to the increased temperature is referred to as thermal expansion. The expansion occurs because the molecules within the material vibrate faster at higher temperatures and take up more room than when at lower temperatures. The amount of expansion that a material undergoes as a result of a temperature change can be expressed as the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). The CTE is a measure of the change in the materials volume per unit change in temperature.
Carbon-Based Materials
Carbon is an element that occurs naturally in several forms. The most common of these forms are graphite, diamond, and fullerenes. There are also many engineered forms of carbon, including carbon fiber composites and carbon nanotubes. Graphite is the most common of these carbon-based materials and is widely used in the production of components for sporting goods, automotive parts, and aerospace materials. Carbon fiber composites are also used in these industries and are particularly popular in the aerospace industry due to their excellent strength-to-weight ratio and durability. Carbon nanotubes are the newest form of carbon and have been heavily researched for applications in the electronics and aerospace industries.
Thermal Expansion of Carbon-Based Materials
The coefficient of thermal expansion for carbon-based materials varies depending on the type of material and its formulation. Graphite and carbon fiber composites typically have a CTE of 5-10 x 10-6 Celsius^-1, while carbon nanotubes have a CTE of 6-9 x 10-6 Celsius^-1. Carbon-based materials tend to experience more volume change when exposed to higher temperatures than other materials with similar CTEs. This is due to the fact that the molecules of carbon-based materials vibrate faster at higher temperatures, resulting in a greater amount of expansion.
Applications of Thermal Expansion
The thermal expansion of carbon-based materials can have both beneficial and detrimental effects in various applications. For example, in the aerospace industry, carbon fiber composites are often used to construct components due to their strength-to-weight ratio and durability. However, the expansion of these materials can cause stress on the components over time, leading to premature failure. On the other hand, in the automotive industry, the expansion of graphite is often used as a benefit. Graphite is used in engine bearings due to its ability to expand and contract based on the temperature of the engine, offering improved lubrication and decreased engine wear.
Conclusion
Carbon-based materials are widely used in a variety of applications due to their exceptional strengths and properties. One of the most important of these properties is their ability to expand when exposed to heat. This phenomenon, known as thermal expansion, can be beneficial in some applications, while detrimental in others. The thermal expansion of carbon-based materials must be taken into consideration when using them in various applications.
