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Carbon composites are extremely versatile. Composites can be engineered to develop the optimal properties required for almost any application. The properties of a carbon composite structure depend on the selection of the components and how they are laid up. The two principal elements of a carbon composite structure are the matrix and the reinforcement. Fiber can be individual strands or multiple braided strands. The selection of the fiber, its orientation and its layering play an important role in determining the characteristics of the finished structure. The matrix serves to keep the fiber at the desired position and cause each and every fiber to work together. The matrix imparts important properties to the composite structure. The following highlights the principal advantages and characteristics of carbon composites. Strength: For the same strength, carbon composites are 80% lighter than steel and 60% lighter than aluminum. Stiffness: They exhibit higher stiffness to weight ratios than conventional materials Fatigue: Resist degradation in high fatigue applications and are much better than conventional materials Corrosion Resistance: Are essentially inert even in corrosive environments Electrical Conductivity: Can be made to be conductive or insulative. Thermal Expansion: Can be tailored to match surrounding structures thereby minimizing thermal stress. Energy Transmission: Can be made to absorb or transmit acoustical, electromagnetic, and other types of energy. Radar/Sonar: Can be made transparent or absorbing to radar and sonar Production Flexibility: Can be easily formed into complex shapes. Durability: Exhibit very long life characteristics even in harsh operating environments. |
