FAQs about Advanced Composites

1. What are advanced composites?

Advanced composites utilize a combination of resins and fibers, customarily carbon/graphite, kevlar, or fiberglass with an epoxy resin . The fibers provide the high stiffness , while the surrounding polymer resin matrix holds the structure together, allowing infinite design capability. Although composites can be made from almost any fiber, most products are made with carbon fibers because they offer the highest stiffness- to- weight ratio. Composites are resistant to fatigue and harsh enviornments, are easily repairable, have negligible creep and look good too.

2. How do carbon composites compare with metals?

Generally, carbon composites are two thirds the weight of aluminum, and two and a half times as stiff.

Some data for a typical epoxy and intermediate-modulus fiber in a uni directional composite (Hercules IM7/8551) @ 77 degrees F., in US units, is as follows:

0 degree tensile strength 400,000 psi
0 degree tensile modulus 24.5 x 106 psi
0 degree tensile elongation 1.62 %
90 degree tensile strength 11,100 psi
90 degree tensile modulus 1.20 x 105 psi
90 degree tensile elongation 0.92 %
0 degree compression strength 240,000 psi
0 degree compression modulus 21.5 x 105 psi
0 degree short beam shear strength: 14,500 psi
cured ply thickness 0.0055 in.
fiber volume 62 %
Fiber/resin areal weight @ typical 35% resin content 0.0443 lb/ft2

3. What is the CTE of carbon composites?

The coefficient of thermal extansion (CTE) of carbon composites is less than that of Invar. A CTE of zero can be achieved with high modulus materials.

4. Are composites conductive?

Carbon is conductive, the resin matrix is essentially non conductive.

5. Where can I learn more about composites?

Other than the obvious answer, "contact Composite Tooling to learn more about what we can do for you", you can learn more about composites from the following sources:

General information

  • The High-Performance Composites Source Book In Plainview NY, USA. phone (303) 467-1776, fax (303) 467-1777.
  • The Handbook of Composites edt by George Lubin. Van Nostrand Reinhold Co. 135 W. 50th St. NY,NY, USA 10020
  • Composites Fabricators Association. In Arlington, VA, USA, phone 703-524-3332

Suppliers of dry and pre-empregnated cloth:

  • Hexcel. In Pleasanton, CA, USA. phone: 1-800-444-3923

On the Internet:

If you are interested in looking for more information on carbon composites, some good places to include:

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