ZOLTEK Corporation Carbon Fiber Applications

Understanding Carbon Fiber

Carbon fiber is a versatile material renowned for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and resistance to corrosion and heat. When comparing CARBON FIBER VS STEEL, the debate often centers on which is superior in terms of flexibility and cost-efficiency. While steel may be cheaper, carbon fiber’s lightweight nature and superior strength make it a preferred choice in many applications.

Carbon Fiber Uses

Carbon fibers find diverse applications across various industries due to their cost-efficiency, high strength, and low weight. They also conduct electricity, further expanding their utility in commercial and industrial settings.

Key Applications:

• Automotive Industry: Carbon fiber is commonly used in automotive applications, from exterior components like hoods and spoilers to structural elements such as battery storage units in electric vehicles and passenger cells.
• Wind Energy: Pultruded carbon fiber blades are prevalent in wind turbines, providing strength and durability while maintaining lightweight characteristics.
• Energy Storage: ZOLTEK’s carbonized felts and fabrics are utilized in Redox Flow Battery (RFB) electrodes and Runaway Thermal Barrier (RTB) covers for Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), offering cost-efficient solutions for energy storage.
• Marine Industry: Carbon fiber is used in boat hulls, masts, and components due to its high strength and corrosion resistance, enhancing performance and durability in marine environments.
• Aerospace: Carbon fiber composites are used in aircraft components, including airplane brakes, providing lightweight solutions that improve fuel efficiency and performance.

Additional Applications:

• Civil Engineering: Carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP) are utilized in infrastructure projects for strengthening bridges, buildings, and other structures, providing lightweight and durable solutions.
• Sporting Equipment: Carbon fiber is commonly found in sporting goods such as tennis rackets, golf clubs, and bicycles, offering enhanced performance through its lightweight and stiff properties.
• Oil and Gas: Carbon fiber composites are used in oil and gas applications for piping, risers, and platform structures due to their corrosion resistance and high strength-to-weight ratio.
• Thermoplastic Compounding: Enhances physical properties in thermoplastic compounds, allowing applications to expand into new areas, including replacing traditional cast aluminum and magnesium applications.
• 3D Printing: Compounded for use in 3D printing materials, allowing the creation of strong, lightweight, and durable parts.
• CNG Storage / Pressure Vessels: Used in the construction of compressed natural gas (CNG) storage tanks and pressure vessels for their lightweight and high-strength characteristics.
• Intumescent Coatings: Applied in fire protection coatings that expand when exposed to heat, providing an effective thermal barrier.
• Composites: Integral in a variety of composite applications, providing enhanced strength, durability, and performance in products ranging from consumer goods to industrial components.

Exploring Possibilities

The potential applications of carbon fiber are vast and continually expanding. With over two decades of collaboration with ZOLTEK™ customers, we’ve witnessed numerous innovative uses of carbon fiber across these diverse fields.

Guidance for Usage

Discover how others have utilized our cost-efficient carbon fiber materials and find inspiration for your projects.