Carbon Fibre, Kevlar, Graphene… At Advanced Composites Engineering, our team of engineering experts have a range of experience working with different types of composite materials.
By their nature – different types of composites will have different characteristics and response curves due to the differing qualities of the materials contained within them.
But what sorts of materials are we talking about? For some people – especially manufacturers who have only ever worked with components, understanding the different types of material can be daunting. In this short blog, you can begin to find out more about some of the different sorts of composite materials we work with here in the manufacture of our composite tubes and components with the first in a series of upcoming updates.
Today we are going to examine one of the more popular materials that we work with on a daily basis – Carbon Fibre.
Composites 101
The first thing it is important to understand is exactly what a composite material is. A composite is simply a material that is made up of one of more different materials. Materials are often combined in this way to strengthen one material and to offer a finished blend that delivers qualities greater than those of the individual constituent material.
Below you can find examples of four different types of material that we work with on a regular basis here at Advanced Composites as well as some ideas for how these kinds of materials can be used in the world…
Carbon Fibre
Carbon Fibre is a material consisting of thin, strong crystalline filaments of carbon, and is used as a strengthening material, especially in resins and ceramics. When compared with alternative fibres, carbon fibres have a number of unique advantages including
- The fibres possess high mechanical strength making them suitable for use in even heavy duty, industrial settings.
- The fibres are very stiff and durable – even when subjected to stress.
- The fibres are incredibly lightweight – especially when compared to metal
- The fibres are subject to very low thermal expansion meaning that when they are subjected to heat the fibres expand to a much smaller degree than mental alternatives.
- Carbon Fibre also offers superior chemical resistance meaning it will be more durable than metal when exposed to the elements over time such as rain, wind, ice and sand. This superior resistance makes Carbon Fibre a popular choice in the aerospace and marine sectors where components will be subjected to these kind of elements constantly.
This unique range of properties has lead to carbon fibre being utilised for a range of different applications across sectors including military / defense, aerospace and automobile, as well as extensive use in civil engineering including the leisure and sports world – where the material can be found anywhere from boat masts to fishing rods and tennis rackets.
If you are looking for a new way of engineering components or composite tubes for your business – be sure to reach out and talk to our team of Composites experts today. Our team has over 40 years extensive experience working with Carbon Fibre and other materials – contact us today to discuss your requirements with us in more detail.