This awesome composite material is lighter and stronger than pretty much every metal out there and it has revolutionized both the aerospace and the space industries, not to mention countless others. Carbon fiber is not only used for things such as small component parts, UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) etc, but it is now being used for entire airframe structures such as the fuselage and wings. Apart from that , it also sees its use in tackling environmental pollution problems. Sounds awesome right? Well, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. In fact, carbon fiber is used in so many ways throughout your everyday life that it should really have the word ‘awesome’ attached to it anytime you see it. You see, it is awesome.
1. Carbon Fiber In Aerospace:
Aerospace and space were some of the first industries to adopt carbon fiber. The high modulus of carbon fiber makes it suitable structurally to replace alloys such as aluminum and titanium. The weight savings carbon fiber provides is the primary reason carbon fiber has been adopted by the aerospace industry. Every pound of weight savings can make a serious difference in fuel consumption, which is why Boeing’s new 787 Dreamliner has been the best-selling passenger plane in history. The majority of this plane’s structure is carbon fiber reinforced composites
2. Sporting Goods:
Recreational sports is another market segment which is more than willing to pay more for higher performance. Tennis rackets, golf clubs, softball bats, hockey sticks, and archery arrows and bows are all products commonly manufactured with carbon fiber reinforced composites. Lighter weight equipment without compromising strength is a distinct advantage in sports. For example, with a lighter weight tennis racket, one can get much faster racket speed, and ultimately, hit the ball harder and faster. Athletes continue to push for an advantage in equipment. This is why serious bicyclists ride all carbon fiber bikes and use bicycle shoes that use carbon fiber
3. Wind Turbine Blades:
Although the majority of wind turbine blades use fiberglass, on large blades (often over 150 ft in length) include a spare, which is a stiffening rib that runs the length of the blade. These components are often 100% carbon, and as thick as a few inches at the root of the blade. Carbon fiber is used to provide the necessary stiffness, without adding a tremendous amount of weight. This is important because the lighter a wind turbine blade is, the more efficient it is at creating electricity.
4. Automotive:
Mass-produced automobiles are not yet adopting carbon fiber; this is because of the increased raw material cost and necessary changes in tooling, still, outweighs the benefits. However, Formula 1, NASCAR, and high-end cars are using carbon fiber. In many cases, it is not because of the benefits of properties or weight, but because of the look. There are many aftermarket automotive parts being made out of carbon fiber, and instead of being painted, they are clear-coated. The distinct carbon fiber weave has become a symbol of hi-tech and hi-performance. In fact, it is common to see an aftermarket automotive component that is a single layer of carbon fiber but has multiple layers of fiberglass below to lower costs. This would be an example where the look of the carbon fiber is actually the deciding factor
5. Medicine:
In the medical field, structural carbon fiber has been used in a variety of applications, but none so popular as the prosthetic industry. The use of carbon fiber for artificial limbs offers the best support for those who want or need the extra strength and longevity. Carbon fiber has also made its way into X-ray applications because the material is “radiolucent,” meaning that it shows as black on any X-ray imagery. Carbon fiber is also used in prosthetic limbs, which are strong, light, and comfortable to wear and use.
6. Military Equipment:
Because of the high costs of carbon fiber, its application is often limited to massive industries or government programs. As such, the military has used a number of carbon fiber prototyping options, including use in helmets, weapons, and of course, planes. Whereas carbon fiber was initially used for lighting in naval ships, today’s carbon fiber is used in everything from missiles and drones to helmets and tent posts. The key benefits of carbon fiber for the military are its strength and lightweight nature, facilitating easier transportation and improved energy conservation. Use of carbon fibre enables weight savings, high payload and fuel efficiency, high performance and speed capability. Weight and cost are the key features for military vehicle components. Strength is also highly essential. Since military vehicles are constructed with the protection factor in mind, they are bulky, however use of carbon fibre renders them lighter.
7. Musical Instruments:
Carbon fibre and other composite materials are being used in the development of musical instruments. MATIT is a company based in Finland which has developed the world’s first carbon fibre flute. The flute is made from a high modulus carbon fibre and has been developed to improve the acoustics of the instrument. Carbon fibre is also used in making guitars, which provide a better and richer sound compared to their wooden counterparts.
8. Radio Controlled Cars / Models:
Carbon fibre is even finding uses in radio controlled model cars and other models. Again, its properties allow sturdy, lightweight chassis and other components to be made to enhance performance. Again, carbon fibres weight, strength, resistance to fire and corrosion etc. make it a very suitable material.
9. Scientific Uses:
Carbon fibre also has several applications in science. One of the main uses is carbon fibre electrodes. These can be made simply by buying a sheet of carbon fibre not set in resin, but microscopic, single fibre electrodes have been around since the 1970’s. These electrodes are often used in areas of neuroscience, such as the measurements of extracellular spike potentials, which are basically action potentials across the membranes of neurons.
10. Furniture:
Even at home you can find products and furniture made out of and inspired by carbon fibers. For those who understand interior designing, they prefer bath tubs that are out of carbon since it is more sleek, unique and heavy duty. Others are coffee tables and chairs, even inspired iphone cases, bow ties and pens. Its black color brings a new look to all the ordinary things found at home.
