Carbon fiber: an overview of the most used polymer matrix composite material used in automotive and in motorsports.

What are material composites?

Composite materials consist 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.

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.

Reinforcements can be made by Carbon fibers, Glass fibers, Aramid fibers and Natural fibers

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 and Nano 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.

Edit by ascari