Carbon fiber composites are widely used in the vehicle industry as their lightweight and high strength. Besides, they also have many other advantages in the related products, such as thermal insulation panels.
Carbon fiber composites are widely used in the vehicle industry as their lightweight and high strength. Besides, they also have many other advantages in the related products, such as thermal insulation panels.
Material & Property | Carbon Steel | 6061 Aluminum Alloy | Carbon Fiber |
---|---|---|---|
Tensile Modulus (E, GN/m2) | 210 | 69 | 83 |
Tensile Strength (F, GN/m2) | 0.45 to 0.83 | 0.26 | 0.38 |
Density (P, g/cm3) | 7.8 | 2.7 | 1.54 |
Specific Stiffness (E/P) | 26.9 | 25.5 | 53.9 |
Specific Strength (F/P) | 0.058 to 0.106 | 0.096 | 0.24 |
Remarks: The basic properties of carbon fiber panels depend on the resin content.
From the table, we find that carbon fiber is high in specific stiffness and specific strength, and low in density. Although traditional steel panel is even higher in strength, it is too heavy to be lightweight. Aluminum is a little heavier than carbon fiber but much lower in strength. So, considering the specific strength, the carbon fiber panel is undoubtedly the best.
Metal panels are not flexible in multiple directions. Thickening is the only way to improve strength. However composite panels can be strengthened through lamination of different directions. They also have extra coupling strength of the outer and inner surfaces.
Carbon fiber panels are obviously advanced in corrosion resistance. It is a micro-crystalline structure formed by high-temperature graphitization at 2000-3000°C. The structure itself is highly resistant to medium corrosion. It can also be elastic in up to 50% hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, or phosphoric acid.
Compared with metal parts, especially aluminum alloys, carbon fiber panels have excellent fatigue properties. They also play a prominent part in chassis and other vehicle parts requiring high fatigue resistance.
Thermoplastic panels are more recyclable than thermoset products. Composite panels can be also designed into thermal insulation parts in no matter building panels or car body panels. More and more caravans and motor homes begin to use composite thermal insulation panels in their doors, roofs, and sidewalls. You can also contact us for more information.