Materials – Fiber
Composite Fiber can be organic or inorganic material drawn into filaments between 5-20 µm in diameter. These filaments are bundled into continuous strands of Tow used for winding, or yarns used to weave fabric. Parts can be fabricated from stranded Tow, non-woven mat or woven fabric broadgoods and tape.
Fiber Dominated Behavior
Tensile and compressive load is carried in the fiber direction; therefore orientation tailors the loading capability. The orientation aspect of fibrous composites provides unique ability to save material weight where little or no load carrying capability is required.
Fiber Characteristics
Fiber strength and properties vary with the material and process used to make the fiber. Carbon fibers can provide High modulus over 100 Msi (690 Gpa) and high strength greater than 500 ksi (3.5 Gpa). Variations in properties are seen within the same fiber “type” between suppliers due to quality control and processing parameters.
Fiber Properties
Fibers provide low thermal expansion and dimensional stability at temperature, excellent fatigue resistance, and display light weight densities between .054-.09 lb/cuin (1.5-2.5 g/cc).
Differences in Fiber Types
Inorganic fibers such as glass and carbon tend to perform better under variable environmental conditions. Organic fibers tend to have lower density and increased toughness.
General characteristics of carbon fiber
Thermal conductivity – excellent
Electrical conductivity – good
Specific Stiffness/Modulus – outstanding
Toughness – good
Cost –increases with performance
General characteristics of glass fibers
Thermal insulation – excellent
Electrical insulation – good
Specific Stiffness/Modulus – good
Toughness – outstanding
Cost – excellent
Possibilities
Combinations of multiple fiber types change composite properties to better meet application requirements such as electrical resistance or isolation from glass and high stiffness from high modulus carbon fiber.
Latest Fiber Options
CCDI employs the latest fiber reinforcement options available to specifically tailor the strength and performance characteristics of our composite tubes rolls and shafts.
