Understanding Carbon Fibre: Is Carbon Fibre a Polymer?

Are you considering using carbon fiber for your next project? Carbon fiber is an extremely strong and versatile material. However, understanding exactly what carbon fiber is and what it's best for can sometimes feel a little confusing. The beauty of carbon fiber is that it can be manufactured with the properties you require. To help you understand whether carbon fiber composites are right for you, we take a deeper look at carbon fiber and help you understand how it relates to polymers.

What are polymers?
Polymers are large molecules made up of smaller building blocks called monomers, which can be combined in a variety of ways. Polymers are unique in that they can be arranged in different ways and have different properties, depending on the monomers used and how they are linked. This versatility gives polymers a wide range of uses in our daily lives. Some examples of polymer products include plastics, rubber, and other products such as adhesives and coatings.

Is carbon fiber a polymer?
Carbon fiber itself is not a polymer but is made from a polymer precursor called polyacrylonitrile (PAN) or pitch. It goes through a process called carbonization, which converts the precursor material into carbon fiber. During the carbonization process, the polymer precursor experiences high temperatures in an oxygen-limited environment. This results in the destruction of the polymer molecular structure and the removal of non-carbon elements such as hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen.

As a result, the carbon atoms are left arranged in a highly ordered and aligned manner. This arrangement gives carbon fiber its exceptional strength, stiffness and weight. Carbon atoms form strong covalent bonds and have excellent mechanical properties compared to other materials.

For more information on what carbon fiber is, see our post, What is Carbon Fiber and How Does It Compare to Alloys?

What are the common applications of carbon fiber?
The unique properties of carbon fiber make it a popular choice in various industries including aerospace, automotive, sports equipment and construction. It is known for its high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance and ability to withstand extreme temperatures. However, carbon fiber isn't always the best material for every project. Contact us today to explore composite options and let us help you find the ideal solution for your application and budget.