2 Dec
3 min
3 min
Carbon Fiber in Automotive Use, what is it and why it matters
Reading Time: 3 minutes
At Thecarspec, our team shares a deep passion for cars—not just as machines, but as companions for thrilling road trips, fierce track battles, and awe-inspiring museum exhibits. We believe that understanding the technology behind these incredible vehicles enhances the joy of driving and admiring them.
What is Carbon Fiber and Why It Matters?
Thecarspec is convinced that carbon fiber is one of the most revolutionary materials in the automotive world today.
Carbon fiber is a material composite made of the heterogeneous combination of two or more phases, the most important of which being the matrix and the reinforcement.
To better understand the definition of material composites, the best example of one of them is reinforced concrete: concrete can withstand great compression loads but lacks in tensile strength, which is provided by the addition of steel rods.
Carbon fiber
is made of extremely thin, strong crystalline filaments of carbon woven together and bonded with resin to create a material that is incredibly lightweight yet remarkably strong—about five times stronger than steel by weight.
The combination of different materials results in great mechanical and chemical properties and the possibility to realize complex surfaces, all of which translate in the MotorSport Universe in lightweight, durable and aerodynamic components.
The components of material composites are divided in the following categories:
Matrix that is the “continuous” phase and it has multiple purpose:
1) It keeps the reinforcements in place, and transfers to them most of the external loads;
2) it protects the reinforcements from external agents;
3) it delays the propagation of cracks.
Matrixes can be inorganic and made by Ceramic (CMC) or Metallic (MMC) compounds or organic and made by Polymeric (PMC)
Reinforcements that has the purpose to withstand the loads and their contribution depends on the origin, shape, percentage of infill and disposition in the matrix.
The reinforcements can be shaped and positioned in different way according to the final purpose and dynamic usage of the part assembled in carbon fiber.
1) Fiber reinforced can be continuous and positioned in unidirectional strands, non-woven fabrics and woven fabrics
2) Fiber reinforced can be discontinuous with Long fibers, Short fibers, Nano fibers
Reinforcements can be made by Carbon fibers, Glass fibers, Aramid fibers and Natural fibers
For the matrix compound can be used additives to perfect fit the final usage of the carbon fiber part and these are Flammability reducers, Pigments, Antioxidants and UV stabilizers.
In order to reduce even more the weight of the part in made by carbon fiber there are Fillers that are glass microspheres filled with gas added to the matrix to lower the density and reduce the final weight or increase flexibility if the final usage requires this specification.
This unique combination of lightness and strength is why carbon fiber has become a favorite in both high-performance racing cars and luxury road vehicles. Thecarspec believes it is important because reducing weight without sacrificing strength directly improves a car’s acceleration, handling, braking, and overall driving dynamics. This means faster lap times on the track and more exhilarating drives on winding roads.
