COMPOSITE

MATERIALS
CARBON FIBRE

INTRODUCTION
Carbon fibers were developed in the 1950s as a
reinforcement for high-temperature molded plastic
components on missiles.
A carbon fiber is a long, thin strand of material about
0.0002-0.0004 in (0.005-0.010 mm) in diameter and
composed mostly of carbon atoms.
The carbon atoms are bonded together in microscopic
crystals that are more or less aligned parallel to the
long axis of the fiber.

MANUFACTURING
Acrylonitrile

Polyacrylonitrile Resin

Acrylic Fiber

Carbon fiber

Oxidised Fiber

CLASSIFICATION
1. PAN-based carbon fibers (the most popular
type of carbon fibers).
In this method carbon fibers are produced by conversion
of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) precursor through the
following stages:
Stretching filaments from polyacrylonitrile precursor and
their thermal oxidation at 400F (200C). The filaments
are held in tension.
Carbonization inNitrogenatmosphere at a temperature
about 2200 F (1200C) for several hours. During this
stage non-carbon elements (O,N,H) volatilize resulting
in enrichment of the fibers with carbon.

2. Pitch-based carbon fibers.

Carbon fibers of this type are manufactured from pitch:
Filaments are spun from coal tar or petroleum asphalt (pitch).
The fibers are cured at 600F (315C).
Carbonization in nitrogen atmosphere at a temperature about 2200 F
(1200C).
The most popular matrix materials for manufacturing Carbon Fiber Reinforced
Polymers (CFRP) are thermosets such as epoxy, polyester and thermoplastics
such as nylon (polyamide).
Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers (CFRP) materials usually have laminate
structure, providing reinforcing in two perpendicular directions.
Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers (CFRP) are manufactured byopen mold
processes,closed mold processesandPultrusionmethod.

APPLICATIONS
For creating body panels of some high end cars due to
its increased strength and decresed weight.
Used to make the safety cell cahssy of the race cars.

ADVANTAGES
Light weight;
High strength-to-weight ratio;
Very High modulus elasticity-to-weight ratio;
HighFatiguestrength;
Goodcorrosionresistance;
Very lowcoefficient of thermal expansion;
Lowimpact resistance;
High electric conductivity;

DISADVANTAGES
Non bio degradable.
Recycling process is very complex.
Difficult to repair.
Very expensive.