In its most basic form, a composite material is one which is composed of at least two elements working together to produce material properties that are different than the properties of those elements on their own. Whether you’re working with a polymer matrix composite, metal matrix composite, or ceramic matrix composite, ZOLTEK carbon fiber is a fantastic resource wherever high strength-to-weight ratio and rigidity are required.
We commonly see carbon fiber as either their matrix or reinforcement element in aerospace, automotive, civil engineering, sporting goods and an increasing number of other consumer and technical composite applications
ZOLTEK Carbon Fibers lend themselves well to a variety of manufacturing methods including, molding, vacuum bagging, compression molding, filament winding, spray lay-up, wet(hand) lay-up, pultrusion, resin transfer molding (RTM, prepregs, and resin film infusion (RFI). Because of the versatility of our carbon fiber products, the possibility for composite creation is nearly limitless.
It’s worth noting the process through which ZOLTEK carbon fibers come to be such a spectacular fit for composite applications. The resin matrix spreads the load applied to the composite between each of the individual fibers and also protects the fibers from damage caused by abrasion and impact. High strengths and stiffness, ease of molding complex shapes, high environmental resistance all coupled with low densities, are outcomes of carbon fiber composites.
When your composite application requires the benefits of the highest specific stiffness of any commercially available fiber, very high strength in both tension and compression and a high resistance to corrosion, and protection against creep and fatigue, one of our carbon fiber products is the ideal investment.
Click here to contact a Zoltek representative to learn more about how carbon fiber composites can work for your application.