Carbon fiber reinforced carbon composite materials
Carbon fiber reinforced carbon (C/C) composites are composite materials that also contain carbon fiber reinforcement. These composites have a unique role in design and structure as heavier parts can be made lighter due to their low density. Carbon fiber reinforced carbon composites are used in a wide variety of industrial applications, from aerospace to automotive.
Carbon fiber reinforced carbon composite materials are made from a blend of carbon fibers and thermoset resin. The thermoset resin is typically a polyurethane, epoxy, vinyl ester, or acrylic, and it forms a matrix around the carbon fibers. This matrix serves to bind the fibers together, forming a fabric-like strength that increases the strength and durability of the composite material. The carbon fibers, usually in the form of woven fabrics, are held together with a combination of the thermoset resin and heat treatment.
The main advantages of carbon fiber reinforced carbon composite materials over traditional materials such as metals and alloys are their light weight and extreme strength. This increases their practicality in many applications, as they are much lighter than metals and alloys, making them easier to transport, which in turn reduces costs. Additionally, carbon fiber reinforced carbon composites have superior fatigue strength and improved thermal resistance, making them well suited for applications requiring high strength, durability, and heat resistance.
Carbon fiber reinforced carbon composites have the potential to be used in a variety of sectors, including aerospace, automotive, sporting equipment, and medical devices. Due to their high strength and low weight, carbon fiber reinforced carbon composites are used in high performance aerospace components such as engine and wing assemblies, as well as for the construction of lightweight external structures such as fuselages and wings. In the automotive sector, carbon fiber reinforced carbon composites are used for both structural and aesthetic parts, such as body panels, spoilers, and frames. The low weight of the materials makes them ideal for use in sporting equipment, such as golf clubs and tennis rackets, while their high strength and durability makes them suitable for use in medical devices, such as prosthetic limbs.
Carbon fiber reinforced carbon composites are relatively complex materials and are usually manufactured with automated processes, such as filament winding, hot pressing, and infusion. This mass production process results in a light, high strength material that is versatile and cost effective.
Carbon fiber reinforced carbon composites have distinct advantages compared to other materials, such as low weight and extreme strength, as well as superior fatigue strength and improved thermal resistance. These features make them ideal for use in a variety of industrial applications, from aerospace and automotive to sports equipment and medical devices. While their production is relatively complex and automated, resulting in a light, high strength material that is also cost effective. As such, carbon fiber reinforced carbon composites are likely to be used more frequently over the coming years in a variety of sectors.
