Introduction
Carbon fiber is a material consisting of thin filaments with a diameter of 3 to 15 microns formed mainly by carbon atoms. Carbon atoms are combined into microscopic crystals aligned parallel to each other. The alignment of the crystals gives the fiber greater tensile strength. Carbon fibers are characterized by high tensile strength, low specific gravity, low coefficient of thermal expansion, and chemical inertia. Its plastics are polymer composite materials made of intertwined carbon fiber strands arranged in a matrix of polymer resins. Carbon composite materials are characterized by high strength, rigidity, and low weight, often stronger than steel, but much lighter.
Discussion
Moreover, carbon fiber consists of many fine strands of carbon. The tensile strength of the threads, comparable to the strength of alloy steel, with a weight less than that of aluminum, determines the high mechanical characteristics of carbons. It is interesting that the most common technology for obtaining such a durable material is based on the method of charring fibers, according to the initial properties close to wool. High energy costs are the main reason for the high cost of carbon fiber (Golkarnarenji et al., 2018). However, this is more than compensated by an impressive result. Compared to conventional structural materials, such as aluminum or steel, carbon fiber composites have some useful properties. Carbon fibers are characterized by high tensile strength, low specific gravity, low coefficient of thermal expansion, and chemical inertia.
The properties of carbon fibers determine the possibility of their use as heat shields and thermal insulation material in high-temperature engineering. Due to its high chemical resistance, carbon fibers are used to filter aggressive media, purify gases, and manufacture protective suits (Golkarnarenji et al., 2018). Carbon fibers are used for reinforcement of composite, heat-protective, chemical-resistant fillers in various types of carbon fiber plastics. Electrodes, thermocouples, screens absorbing electromagnetic radiation, and products for electrical and radio engineering are made from modernized carbon fibers.
Rigid and flexible electric heaters, heated clothes, and shoes are produced on the basis of carbon fibers. Nonwoven carbon materials serve as high-temperature insulation for technological installations and pipelines. Carbon fiber ion exchangers are used to purify air, as well as process gases and liquids, extract valuable components from the latter, and manufacture personal protective equipment for respiratory organs. Currently, carbon fibers are used for the thermal protection of spacecraft, aircraft, and rockets, the manufacture of their nose parts, engine parts, heat-conducting devices, power plants, and the production of activated carbon fibers.
In addition to high strength properties and low weight, carbon fiber, and composites based on it have a black color and conduct electricity well, which determines and limits the areas where carbon fiber and carbon fiber are used. In addition, carbon fiber and carbon fiber have a very low, almost zero coefficient of linear expansion, which makes carbon fiber indispensable in some special applications (Forintos & Czigany, 2019). Carbon fiber is supplied to manufacturers of woven materials in the form of threads, which are a group of elementary carbon fibers. Carbon materials also have medical applications: a living organism does not reject them. Therefore, if you fasten a broken bone with a carbon fiber-based pin, and replace the damaged tendon with a light and durable carbon tape, then the body will not perceive this material as foreign.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it can be noted that carbon fiber is a fairly durable material that is used in a variety of fields. The combination of lightness and strength of the resulting products makes it possible to replace aluminum alloys with carbon fiber. Carbon fiber and composite materials are intensively entering the familiar world of every person.
It is used in aviation, automotive, nuclear industry, and medicine.
References
Forintos, N., & Czigany, T. (2019). Multifunctional application of carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites: Electrical properties of the reinforcing carbon fibers–A short review. Composites Part B: Engineering, 162, 331-343. Web.
Golkarnarenji, G., Naebe, M., Badii, K., Milani, A. S., Jazar, R. N., & Khayyam, H. (2018). Production of low cost carbon-fiber through energy optimization of stabilization process. Materials, 11(3), 385. Web.