Bidirectional Woven Carbon Fiber
Overview
| Woven graphite is an excellent alternative to fiberglass and Kevlar - only mils thick with great strength. In addition to its great strength, graphite fabric also has very low density and is very stiff. Although it is quite costly, the material saving is appreciable since only one course of graphite is required for 3 or 4 of fiberglass. It cuts considerably easier than Kevlar. The excellent qualities of the graphite fabric itself give it an immediate waiting market in the aircraft building field. Carbon fibers are produced in a continuous operation, during which the polyacrylonitrile (PAN) precursor undergoes a series of precisely controlled processes. By exposing the precursor to extremely high temperatures, chemical changes occur which create high strength and stiffness to weight ratios through oxidation, carbonization and graphitization. Subjecting the precursor to successive heat treatment and sizing stages makes for easier handling and improved bonding, resulting in a material that is stronger than steel, lighter than aluminum and as stiff as titanium. Carbon fiber reinforcements, when properly engineered into the appropriate matrix, can achieve one of the strongest and most rigid composite structures available with significant weight savings when compared to metals and other materials. In addition to the high strength-to-weight ratio, carbon fiber reinforcements are thermally and electrically conductive, have very low CTE and excellent fatigue resistance. |
