1 - Acta Technica Corviniensis

1.László SZABÓ, 2. Rudolf SZABÓTHE CARBON AGE – CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CARBON FIBERS1‐2. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ENGINEERING INSTITUTE, REJTŐ SÁNDOR FACULTY OF LIGHT INDUSTRY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTIONENGINEERING, ÓBUDA UNIVERSITY,1034 BUDAPEST, DOBERDÓ U. 6, HUNGARYABSTRACT: In the various areas, quantities of the materials and goods used by mankind show rapid growth, whereas its form,rate of use is significantly varying. Today requirements and expectations concerning the various materials are wide ranging,so the properties of these materials are developed in accordance to the demands. Presently the carbon fiber is being usedmore and more frequently in those areas which require special demands. This is explainable by its outstanding properties,namely high tenacity, stiffness, low heat dilation, conductivity etc. From composites, lightweight structures may beproduced to meet higher level applications. Carbon fiber reinforced composites – in the areas demanding high mechanicalusage, will be of determining importance in the future.KEYWORDS: carbon fiber fabrication, properties, applicationINTRODUCTIONPresently Carbon Fiber is being used more and morefrequently in those areas which require specialdemands. This is explainable by its outstandingproperties, namely, (high tenacity, stiffness, low heatdilation, conductivity etc.). Carbon Fiber is rigid,brittle and because of this, its processing requiresparticular care, special handling. With thedevelopment of the manufacturing, and processingtechnologies and the decrease of its price, carbonfibers expectedly and in the future will play a key rolein the field of high demanding composites.DISCUSSIONSIn the various areas, quantities of the materials andgoods used by mankind show rapid growth, whereasits form, rate of use is significantly varying (Figure 1).In the second half of the 20 th Century, concerning thehigh ratio of metal usage, a change and shift towardspolymers, composites and ceramics can be observed,and their usage is increasing significantly. Todayrequirements and expectations concerning the variousmaterials are wide ranging, so the properties of thesematerials are developed in accordance to thedemands.sources for research are readily available. Demandsare emerging in more and more areas for using thethusly developed materials and structures, and withthe further development of processing technologies,along with mass production, their prices aredecreasing making them available for use in a widerange.In 1879, Edison made the first Carbon Fiber bycarbonizing bamboo fiber to use it as incandescentfilament in light bulbs. Carbon Fiber, because of itsexcellent properties and high price was first made inthe 1960’s from regenerated fibers, and then bycarbonizing PAN fiber. It began to be applied in theAerospace industry. This was followed by theexpensive and valuable sport goods, and currentlymachinery parts (Figure 2).Figure 1. Relative importance of material developmentthrough historyIn the development of new materials, a decisive role isplayed by Space Research and the Military Industry inwhich for developing special material properties, theFigure 2. Trend and forecast in carbon fibres shipmentFrom composites, lightweight structures may beproduced to meet higher level applications. Themechanical properties of fibers, textiles used forreinforcing composites, related to weight arecharacterized by high tenacity, low elongation andhigh elasticity modulus. Amongst the plasticreinforcementfibrous materials, the properties ofcarbon fiber „Black Magic” are especially outstanding.Carbon fiber reinforced composites – in the areasdemanding high mechanical usage, will be ofdetermining importance in the future (Figure3).© copyright FACULTY of ENGINEERING ‐ HUNEDOARA, ROMANIA 53