Carbon Fiber or Graphite Fiber, as it is also referred to, is composed mostly of Carbon Atoms that are bonded together to offer great strength and durability, without the additional weight problems associated with heavier less flexible materials.
With its highly flexible and extra durable inner and outer strength, lightweight physique, and its unique ability to reduce thermal expansion, Carbon Fiber makes the perfect material for aerodynamics, as well as low volume, high quality, components in everything from military engineering to Formula One racing.
A brief history of Carbon Fiber
In 1958, the pioneering engineer, Roger Bacon created the first Carbon Fiber at Union Carbide Parma Technical Center, which is now referred to as Graf Tech Holdings Inc., located in the United States of America.
This Cleveland, Ohio based Research Scientist developed a process of heating strands of Rayon until they carbonized. However, this was inefficient and produced a product that contained about 20% carbon and did not have the required strength and stiffness that was needed. However, in the mid 1970's, experimental work was carried out to find new raw materials, which led to 'Carbon Fibers' made from petroleum pitch derived from the oil process. With about 85% Carbon Fiber, these fibers where very successful and produced excellent strength and flexibility.
