Carbon Fiber
or Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics (CFRP)
Carbon Fiber, at least in our context of use in sports equipment
like Carbon Fiber handle
bars and bicycle frames, is somewhat misleading, in that these
components are not truly made out of only carbon fibre, but rather
a mixture of typically at least two substances to create a composite
material.
Composite Material: A composite material is a mixture that
brings together two totally different materials to create a substance
that capitalizes on the properties of each. The two materials co-exits.
They do not chemically merge but rather have a symbiotic relationship.
The mixture consists of a reinforcement element that gives the final
product physical strength related properties and a binder that holds
the reinforcement material together. It is typically named after
its reinforcement material... thus carbon
handle bars are actually made of a plastic resin with carbon
fiber added for strength.
Characteristics: The carbon fiber, is actually long thin
strands of almost solid carbon. It comes in a standard, intermediate
and high modulus of elasticity, ranging from 250-400 GPa and tensile
strengths from 2500 to 7000 MPa. Thus as with all materials not
all carbon fiber is equal. Heat treatment can improve and alter
overall properties. These mechanical characteristics make carbon
fiber matrixes many times stronger than either aluminum or steel,
with much less weight.
The Matrix: The long thin carbon fibers are typically mixed
in with a matrix of epoxy, but other plastics, such as nylon and
polyester are also used to create a line of carbon fiber reinforced
plastics (CFRP) that are used extensively in many industries but
particularly in the automotive racing circuit. Likewise the aftermarket
for auto body panel has moved to carbon fiber to capitalize as well,
on the reduced weight and added rigidity it offers.
High end bicycles also use CFRP for frames, forks, handlebars and
seatposts. Carbon fibers are not only light and strong, but have
the ability to absorb vibrations which is particularly valuable
for long trek racing bicycles.
Interesting Sources of Information:
Fiber Options for Reinforcement: Carbon vs Glass vs Kevlar
Carbon Fiber Handlebars:
Here they talk about how carbon fiber is not very abrasion resistant
and that other forms of fiber like glass and Kevlar are used in
combination with carbon to capitalize on each materials best mechanical
vs price features.
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