1. Carbon Fiber By Group 7

2. Basic Info • Made from a mix of polymer, which is reinforced by a coating of carbon • Close/Similar to the structure of fiberglass, except sturdier and lighter • Is sometimes mixed with metals such as aluminum • One of the newest man-made byproducts

3. How It’s Made • Starts usually with an inner layer of fiberglass/carbon made-mould • Usually polished, smoothened, hardened • Then fiber and resins are added for flexibility/versatility • Finally compressed together

4. Importance? • This material has changed the structure of civil engineering • Enables most structures (i.e bridges) to strengthen and last longer • It has enabled engineers to choose a lighter yet sturdier alternative to steel

5. Breakthroughs • Carbon Fiber has proven: • Possibility for a material to have almost unlimited durability • Unlimited endurance limit for strength and loading • A material can be sturdy, strong and light

6. Advantages • High resistance to heat (Melting Point 3,560 C) • Good electrical conductor • Light and strong • Can be both flexible and rigid- depending on fabric • High durability

7. Disadvantages • Very Expensive • No known ways yet on how to mass produce • Few common uses • Non Biodegradable • Poor thermal conductor • Lack of vital materials needed to make Carbon Fiber

8. Uses • Body structures for cars • Dashboard for cars • Airplane fuselages • Bike frames • Bridge supports/Reinforcements • Covers of Laptops/Phones, Etc. • Electrical wirings

9. Images