Is Carbon Fiber Very Strong?
1 Answers
Carbon fiber is an ultra-hard material that is 10 times harder than ordinary steel, second only to the hardness of diamond. Carbon fiber is formed by stacking organic polymer fibers with extremely high carbon content along the fiber bundle direction. Its exceptional resistance to shear force is not entirely due to its material properties. There is a decisive factor involved—critical voids. Here are the characteristics of carbon fiber: 1. High Carbon Content: In "pencils," a higher H index indicates higher carbon content, while a higher B index indicates higher graphite content. Naturally, those with a higher H index are harder, while those with a higher B index wear out faster. Graphite and diamond are both composed of carbon elements, but their atomic structures differ, resulting in different physical properties. However, in the material world, there is a commonality: carbon-based substances possess extremely high hardness and shear resistance. 2. Low Energy Absorption: F1 and many supercars use carbon fiber as a material for their bodies because carbon fiber is 20%-30% lighter than steel for the same volume, yet it is about 10 times harder than steel. Therefore, in F1 accidents, fatalities are not solely caused by high speeds; some are due to sharp carbon fiber fragments easily cutting through helmets and protective gear. Because of its outstanding hardness, in mass-produced civilian vehicles, carbon fiber is only permitted as a reinforcement for the main structure rather than being used extensively for exterior components. 3. Low Flame Resistance: While carbon fiber excels in physical properties, its performance in certain chemical properties is not as strong. For example, it has poor flame resistance.
