Carbon fiber & glass fiber research (formula student car body) - Coursework Example

Though the ribbons are primarily parallel on the surfaces of a carbon fiber, the inner layers of the fiber fold during a "hairpin” fashion. This is quite distinct to graphite in which the carbon sheets remain parallel. The great strength of carbon fiber is attributed to the interlocking and folding of ribbons (Mahrez, Mohamed & Katman, 2005). This means that the carbon atom sheets cannot slide past one another as in graphite. Carbon fibers are produced through controlled pyrolysis of organic precursors.

Through the heat treatment of the precursor oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen are removed and carbon fibers remain. Mechanical properties of carbon fibers are enhanced by increasing the orientation and crystallinity, and through reducing defects within the fiber (Moran, 2004). The most effective way to achieve this is to start out with a highly oriented precursor and then maintaining the high orientation in the stabilization and carbonization through tension. The two main applications of carbon fibers are in specialized technologies, that include nuclear engineering and aerospace and normal engineering which embrace engineering elements like bearings, gears, fan blades, cams and automobiles (Oribi Manufacturing, 2011).

There are new applications of carbon fibers like rehabilitation of a bridge in building and construction, decoration in aviation interiors, musical instruments and automotive and also after-market transportation merchandise (Oribi Manufacturing, 2011). The conductivity of carbon provides extra new application in electronic industry. The table below illustrates a number of characteristics and applications of carbon fibers. Glass fiber is a flexible glass material. The basic building block of glass fiber is a mixture of silica sand and other ingredients like borates.

Glass fiber in fabric gives the best combination of properties like high strength and fire resistance. Its