It is practically impossible to overlook carbon fibers nowadays. The reason for this is, of course, the fact that carbon fibers are so versatile in their impact on the whole human civilization. Nowadays, there is practically no area where it wouldn´t have at least minimum impact. As for their basic features, it is a thin material about 5-8 μm, consisting of a dominant proportion of carbon atoms bonded together in small crystals and then to long carbon fibers. It is the special and symmetrical arrangement of crystals that makes the fiber to be extremely solid despite its micro-size.
Carbon fibers
Although carbon fibers appear to be a material that is perfect in all aspects, it is not completely true. The truth is, when processing the carbon fibers( we mean of course grinding or cutting, etc...) you must remember to wear protective equipment. Otherwise, there is a risk of inhalation of dust (similar to the toner of a modern laser printer) or skin irritation.
Why do we actually use carbon fibers ?
There are many reasons, but the main one is excellent physical parameters: they have an average softness of 5-10 µm and a density of 1750 kg/m3. And from the other textile fibers nowadays available they differ for example by fragility (less ductility compare to glass fibers), and also by a smaller module of elasticity. When the fiber warms up, it does not stretch, as one would expect, but it is shortened in a perpendicular direction. Moreover, longitudinally, carbon fibers have extremely small electrical resistance (only 1.9 × 10 --6 Ω/m). The properties of a carbon fiber part are close to that of steel and the weight is close to that of plastic. Thus, the strength-to-weight ratio (as well as stiffness-to-weight ratio) of a carbon fiber part is much higher than either steel or plastic. The specific details depend on the matter of construction of the part and the application.
What types of carbon fibers do we have nowadays ?
These are common types of carbon fibers nowadays:
- standard carbon fibers: AS - average strength, HS - high strength, HT - high tenacity
- HM – High Modulus
- IM – Intermediate Modulus
- VHM - Very High Modulus, UHM - Ultra High Modulus
- SBCF - Stretch-Broken Carbon Fiber
- chopped carbon fibers - carbon powder
- recycled carbon fibers
Fibers with above-average, and excellent properties are those fibers with a strength of up to 7 GPa and a diameter of 0.2, that are made using technology „Vapor-Grown Carbon Fibers“. And other modern materials of incredible parameters are also tested: for example nanotubes with a ductility resistance of up to 150 GPa with a length of 5 mm.
Carbon fibers
Perhaps not in any other areas, like in modern (and traditional) archery, carbon materials caused such a coup. The carbon arrows are completely resistant to water and air humidity and do not bend in any way compared to aluminum. When they reach their maximum pliability, they simply break. However, this does not mean that any quality arrow will not last thousands of shots ...
Where can we see the carbon fibers ?
Over the last couple of years, carbon fibers has been widely used in the aircraft industry (approx 22 % of the market). Other 17 % are aerogenerators for wind power stations (off-shore platforms, etc.). In the sphere of general composites of all types, it is 16 % and these include all sorts of gas tanks, military and civilian boats, … Sporting equipment (approx 14 % ) – mostly arrows, but that is not all - also modern golf clubs, bicycles, boats, the base of the skis, … Last 5 % belongs to automotive industry, especially for bumpers and vehicle frames.
Carbon fibers
With some products, the carbon fibers are still considered to be synonym of certain luxury, rather than basic equipment. However, this will undoubtedly change for the better in the coming years, when the volume of manufacturers on the market will increase + the volume of inventions associated with carbon fibers will also increase.
How expensive the carbon fibers are ?
The most expensive carbon fibers are those used in the aircraft industry. The other areas, where are no such high demands on quality, follows (huge aircraft requires much higher demands on quality materials than a golf club). When the carbon fibers began to be produced in larger amounts, back then in 1985 1 kg was selling for about $ 120. Around new millennium, the price dropped to approx 40 USD/ kg. However, we believe, that the price will drop to 15-30 USD/kg in the future.