Carbon Fiber
Versatile, Corrosion Resistant & Conductive
History
Carbon fibers are high-strength fibers that 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.
Manufacturers
Hexcel™
Various Suppliers
Common Types & Filament Counts
Hexcel™ Types: AS4, AS4C, IM7, IM8
Filament Counts: 1K, 2K, 6K, 12K, 24K
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