Carbon: Versatile, Corrosion Resistant & Conductive
Key Features of Carbon Fiber:
- High strength & modulus
- Corrosion resistant
- Electrical & thermal conductor
- Flame resistant
- UV inert
- X-Ray Permeable
- Excellent EMI
History
Carbon fibers have been available since Thomas Edison used them in the light bulb in the late 1800s. Carbon fiber production took off during the 1960’s but the high price of the material limited its initial usage.
Traditionally, carbon fiber tows were used in thermoset composite applications but are being incorporated into thermoplastics more and more. Today, there are several types and manufacturers of carbon fiber tows, which has broadened the materials usage to a vast number of applications and markets.
Composition
The majority of production carbon fibers are made from the precursor polyacrylonitrile (PAN). The precursor undergoes several processes including carbonization and oxidation which produces high tensile & modulus carbon fiber filaments.
Carbon fiber can also be produced from other carbon-rich precursors such as Pitch & Rayon. Typically, higher carbon purity yields greater conductive and modulus properties but in turn produces a less flexible and stiff tow.
FIBER-LINE® Enhancing Processes for Carbon:
FIBER-LINE® Carbon Fiber Products:
Manufacturers
Hexcel™
Various Suppliers
Common Types & Filament Counts
Hexcel™ Types: AS4, AS4C, IM7, IM8
Filament Counts: 1K, 2K, 6K, 12K, 24K
Carbon Bare Fiber Performance
Carbon Data
Standard Modulus
| Property | UOM | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Breaking Tenacity | g/d | 23.0 |
| Specific Gravity | Ratio | 1.80 |
| Elongation @ Break | % | 1.5 |
| Tensile Modules | g/d | 1480 |
| Moisture Regain* | % | 0 |
| Creep** | % | 0 |
| Shrinkage*** | % | 0 |
* Equilibrium moisture regain @ 55% RH ** Creep @ 40%-58% ultimate tensile strength *** Shrinkage in dry air @ 177 C for 30 minutes
This data is provided for informational purposes only, and does not constitute a specification. FIBER-LINE makes no warranty, express or implied, that the product conforms to these values. Contact your FIBER-LINE representative for exact product details which conform to your specific requirements.