Carbon fiber reinforced plastic composite (CFRP) is a lightweight, strong material that can be used to make a wide range of products used in everyday life. It is a term used to describe fiber reinforced composites with carbon fiber as the main structural component. Note that the "P" in CFRP can also stand for "plastic" rather than "polymer."

Typically, CFRP composites use thermosetting resins such as epoxy, polyester, or vinyl esters. Despite the use of thermoplastic resins in CFRP composites, "carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites" often uses its own acronym, CFRTP composites.

Knowing terminology and acronyms is important when working with composites or in the composites industry. More importantly, it is necessary to understand the properties of FRP composites and various reinforcement materials such as carbon fiber.

Properties of CFRP composites

Composites reinforced with carbon fiber are different from other FRP composites that use traditional materials such as glass fiber or arylon fiber. Advantages of CFRP composites include:

Light weight: Conventional fiberglass reinforced composites using continuous fiberglass and 70% fiberglass (glass weight/gross weight) typically have a density of 0.065 lb/cubic inch. A CFRP composite with the same 70% fiber weight might typically have a density of 0.055 lb/cubic inch.

Increased strength: Carbon fiber composites not only weigh less, but CFRP composites are stronger and stiffer per unit weight. This is true when comparing carbon fiber composites to glass fibers, and even more so when comparing metals.

For example, when comparing steel to CFRP composites, a good rule of thumb is that a carbon fiber structure of the same strength typically weighs 1/5 as steel. You can imagine why car companies are looking into using carbon fiber instead of steel.

When comparing CFRP composites to aluminum (one of the lightest metals used), the standard assumption is that an aluminum structure of the same strength might weigh 1.5 times as much as a carbon fiber structure.

Of course, there are many variables that can change this comparison. Grades and qualities of materials may vary, and for composites, the manufacturing process, fiber structure and quality need to be considered.

Disadvantages of CFRP composites

Cost: As amazing as the material is, there's a reason carbon fiber can't be used in every situation. Currently, the cost of CFRP composites is too high in many cases. Depending on current market conditions (supply and demand), the type of carbon fiber (aerospace grade versus commercial grade), and bundle size, carbon fiber prices can vary significantly.

Electrical conductivity: This can be a plus or minus for carbon fiber composites, depending on the application. Carbon fiber is extremely conductive, while glass fiber is insulating. Many applications use fiberglass instead of carbon fiber or metal, strictly because of electrical conductivity.

For example, in the utility industry, many products require the use of fiberglass. This is one of the reasons why the ladder uses fiberglass as the ladder rail. The chance of electric shock is much lower if the fiberglass ladder comes into contact with the power cord. The situation with CFRP ladders is different.

Although the cost of CFRP composites remains high, new technological advances in manufacturing are continuing to provide more cost effective products. Hopefully, within our lifetimes, we will see cost-effective carbon fiber widely used in consumer, industrial and automotive applications.

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Xiamen LFT composite plastic Co., Ltd. is a brand-name company that focuses on LFT&LFRT. Long Glass Fiber Series (LGF) & Long Carbon Fiber Series (LCF). The company's thermoplastic LFT can be used for LFT-G injection molding and extrusion, and can also be used for LFT-D molding. It can be produced according to customer requirements: 5~25mm length. The company's long-fiber continuous infiltration reinforced thermoplastics have passed ISO9001&16949 system certification, and the products have obtained lots of national trademarks and patents.