Carbon fibre main properties

Carbon fibre is a material composed by extremely thin filaments, mainly made up of carbon atoms bonded together. The manufacturing processes, the alignment, thickness and shape in which these filaments are arranged, will define the behaviour and final characteristics of these fabrics.

The following are some of the inherent characteristics of carbon fibre:

High mechanical strength: 

Mechanical strength is a key property to consider when planning the design and manufacture of our project, as it will determine the resistance of our parts to the loads and forces to which they will be subjected. Carbon fibre, thanks to its weight-strength / weight-density ratio, is several times more resistant than metallic materials, such as steel, and at the same time, it is much lighter and has a higher tenacity.

Heat resistance:

One of the benefits of using carbon fibre composites is their high temperature resistance and low thermal expansion. Carbon fibre composites can withstand temperatures up to 815°C (1500°F) without deformation, but they are also resistant to temperature variations, retaining their shape and properties. This makes them an ideal material for applications where high temperatures are a key consideration, such as aerospace and automotive applications.

Thermal conductivity:

Carbon fibre composites have low thermal conductivity, which makes them ideal for thermal insulation.

Electrical conductivity:

Carbon fibre is an excellent electrical conductor because it contains a large number of carbon atoms. The carbon atoms are arranged in a regular pattern and have a high degree of electrical conductivity.

Chemical resistance:

Carbon fibre is not resistant to all chemicals, but it is resistant to significantly more chemicals than other materials. It is important to remember that the degree of resistance varies according to the type of carbon fibre, the matrix, and the surface finish.

Corrosion resistance:

Carbon fibre is a non-corrosive material, making it ideal for use in salt water environments. This is especially useful for boat building, water piping and other product applications that are exposed to salty water. Carbon fibre, as mentioned above, is also resistant to a wide range of chemicals. This means that it can be used in many different industrial applications where the chemicals used may corrode or degrade other materials.