Carbon Fibre in Cars: Concept or Future Megamarket?

Textiles Intelligence, May 2010, Pages: 5

Carbon fibre is a material consisting of extremely thin fibres. The fibres have diameters of around 0.005-0.010 mm, and they are composed mostly of carbon atoms.

The carbon atoms are bonded together in microscopic crystals which are more or less aligned parallel to the long axis of the fibre. This crystal alignment makes the fibre very strong for its size. To form a yarn, several thousand carbon fibres are twisted together. The yarn may then be used by itself or woven into a fabric.

Furthermore, carbon fibre can be used to make so-called carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP)—which forms the basis of carbon fibre parts currently used in aircraft, sports equipment and racing cars.

CFRP consists of carbon fibres or carbon fibre fabrics in combination with plastic resins to provide a material which has a high strength-to-weight ratio.

Also, the density of carbon fibre is considerably lower than the density of steel, making it ideal for applications requiring low weight, and ensuring its continuing success in aerospace applications.

WHAT IS CARBON FIBRE?
CARBON FIBRE IN AIRCRAFT: RAPID GROWTH
DRAWBACKS OF CARBON FIBRE
CARBON FIBRE IN THE AUTOMOTIVE SECTOR: POISED FOR RAPID EXPANSION
SGL and BMW
Toray and Mercedes-Benz
Zoltek Automotive
Teijin
OUTLOOK

- BMW
- Mercedes-Benz
- SGL
- Teijin
- Toray
- Zoltek Automotive

Customers who bought this item also bought

• Carbon Fibre in Automotive Applications
• Global market review of automotive material trends - forecasts to 2027
• Supply Chain Analysis of the Automotive Carbon Fiber Composites
• Weight Reduction in Automotive Design & Manufacturing
• Global market review of electric vehicles - forecasts to 2018
• Leather in European Auto Industry 2012
• Automotive Plastics - A Global Market Watch, 2011 - 2016
• The Automotive Technology Roadmap 2009
• Automotive Mirrors & Cameras Report 2013
• Use of Carbon Fiber in the Automotive Industry 2012