Carbon fiber (alternately called graphite fiber) is a polimer (made from another polymer, called polyacrylonitrile, by a complicated heating process) which is a form of graphite material consisting of extremely thin fibers about 0.005-0.010 mm in diameter and composed mostly of carbon atoms. The carbon atoms are bonded together in microscopic crystals (hexagonal aromatic rings) that are more or less aligned parallel to the long axis of the fiber. The crystal alignment makes the fiber incredibly strong for its size. Several thousand carbon fibers are twisted together to form a yarn, which may be used by itself or woven into a fabric. Carbon fiber can be combined with epoxy and wound or molded to form composite materials such as carbon fiber reinforced plastic (also referenced as carbon fiber) to provide a high strength to weight ratio material. The density of carbon fiber is also considerably lower than the density of steel making it ideal for applications requiring low weight. The properties of carbon fiber such as high tensile strength, low weight, and low thermal expansion make it very popular in aerospace, military, and motorsports along with other competition sports. The unique appearance of carbon fiber also makes it popular for stylistic purposes.
These fibers are not used by themselves. Instead, they're used to reinforce materials like epoxy resins and other thermosetting materials. We call these reinforced materials composites because they have more than one component.
Carbon fiber Specific elastic Modulus Carbon Fatique resistance
Carbon fiber reinforced composites are very strong for their weight. They're often stronger than steel, but a whole lot lighter. Because of this, they can be used to replace metals in many uses, from parts for airplanes and the space shuttle to tennis rackets and golf clubs.
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