What Are the Main Types of Carbon Fiber?

Carbon fibers also referred to as CF. It normally has a diameter ranging from 5 to 10 micrometers and mostly comprises of carbon atoms. This metal is five times stronger and two times stiffer than steel. This composite material is mostly used in the aerospace industry, civil engineering, military, racing and other sectors as well. However, when you consider the cost, it is costlier than glass, basalt and plastic fibers.

 

History of carbon fiber:

The history of carbon fiber dates back to the 1860s when Joseph Swan created it for the first time. This was later on used in the manufacturing of light bulbs. In 1879, Thomas Elva Edison created an all-carbon filament which was created by high-temperature baking of bamboo slivers and cotton threads. This was followed by Lewis Latimer, who in the year 1880, made a carbon wire filament that was used in the incandescent light bulb. And finally, in 1958, Roger Bacon at Union Carbide Parma Technical Center located in Cleveland, Ohio, developed high-performance carbon fibers. Since then, the fabrication of this metal has become effective. And it is used in numerous industries across the globe.

 

What are the different types of carbon fiber?

Carbon fiber can be divided into several types. Each type is of a different kind. Some of the different types of carbon fiber include:

 

●       Based on raw materials:

1.     PAN-based carbon fiber – It is created by precursor carbonization. It is widely used in aerospace, sports and industrial fields because of its high tensile strength and elastic modulus.

2.     Pitch-based carbon fiber – It is created by carbonization of coal or oil precursor. It is popular for its high stiffness and high elastic modulus.

 

●       Based on mechanical properties:

1.     UHM – Popularly known as ultra-high elastic modulus, it is used mostly in satellites, drones, and competition sports equipment. Its elastic modulus is 600 GPa and tensile strength is above 2,500 MPa.

2.     HM – Popularly referred to as high elastic modulus, it is used in automotive and aerospace industries. Its elastic modulus ranges from 300 to 600 GPa and its strength is of minimum 2,500 MPa.

3.     IM – Commonly known as intermediate elastic modulus, its elastic modulus is within 280 to 350 GPa and its tensile strength is nothing less than 3,500 MPa. It is mostly used in the automative and aerospace industry to enhance their overall performance.

4.     HT – Often referred to as standard elastic modulus, it is mostly used in the wind turbine and aircraft structures industry. Its elastic modulus is within 280 GPa while its tensile strength is nothing less than 2,500 MPa.

5.     LM – Also known as low elastic modulus the tensile strength is equal to 3,500 MPa and the elastic modulus is nearly 200 GPa.

 

●       Based on final heat treatment temperature:

1.     HTT – Known as high-heat-treatment, its heat temperature is higher than 2000°C.

2.     IHT – Also known as intermediate-heat-treatment, its temperature is equal to 1500°C or more than this.

3.     LHT – Popularly known as low-heat-treatment, its temperature does not cross 1000°C.

 

These are some of the well-known kinds of carbon fiber. Another popular variety is the f type carbon fiber.

 

Summing it up:

It is possible to manufacture this metal in complex shapes and precise designs. The best part about this metal is its ability to reduce weight without sacrificing its durability. It is one-of-a-kind metal with widespread applications.