Carbon Fibres
category
Carbon fibres are high-performance fibres containing >90% carbon produced by controlled pyrolysis of organic precursors (PAN 95%, pitch 5%, rayon <1%) at 1000-3000°C, creating aligned graphitic structure with exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. Global production ~150,000 tonnes annually, growing 10-12% driven by aerospace and automotive.
Role
The ultimate reinforcement fibre for high-performance composites, enabling aerospace structures, racing vehicles, sporting goods, and emerging applications in automotive, wind energy, and pressure vessels requiring maximum specific strength and stiffness.
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Subtopics
- PAN-Based Carbon Fibre Manufacturing PAN-based process (95% of production): (1) PAN precursor fibre (MW 100,000-300,000) produced via wet…
- Carbon Fibre Types and Properties Classifications: Standard modulus (230-240 GPa, strength 3.5-4.5 GPa—general aerospace), Intermediat…
- Carbon Fibre Precursor Materials Precursors: PAN (polyacrylonitrile, 95% of production—highest strength, $15-30/kg precursor), pitch …
- Carbon Fibre Surface Treatment and Sizing Surface treatment: electrolytic oxidation in aqueous electrolyte (NH₄HCO₃, NaOH) creates oxygen func…
- Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) Composites CFRP properties at 60% fibre volume: tensile strength 1500-2500 MPa, modulus 120-180 GPa (standard),…
- Carbon Fibre in Aerospace Applications Aerospace applications (35% of carbon fibre demand): commercial aircraft primary structures (fuselag…
- Carbon Fibre in Automotive Applications Automotive adoption: luxury/supercar (Lamborghini, Ferrari—Class A surfaces, chassis tubs), BMW i3/i…
- Carbon Fibre in Wind Energy Wind turbine applications: carbon/glass hybrid blades with carbon in spar caps (30-40% of blade leng…
- Carbon Fibre in Pressure Vessels Type III (metallic liner + carbon overwrap) and Type IV (plastic liner + carbon overwrap) pressure v…
- Carbon Fibre Recycling and Sustainability Recycling methods: pyrolysis at 450-700°C (removes matrix, recovers fibres with 20-30% strength loss…