Carbon fiber, in and of itself, is not plastic, but it's almost always used in conjunction with plastic to create carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP).
Understanding Carbon Fiber and CFRP
Carbon fiber is a material composed of extremely thin strands of carbon atoms bonded together in a crystal alignment. These fibers are incredibly strong and lightweight. However, in this form, they are brittle and difficult to use.
To overcome these limitations, carbon fibers are embedded in a matrix, most commonly a type of thermosetting plastic resin like epoxy. This combination results in a composite material called Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP), also known as carbon fiber composite.
Why the confusion?
The confusion arises because almost all commercially available "carbon fiber" products are actually CFRP. The plastic resin serves several crucial functions:
- Binding the fibers: It holds the carbon fibers together, allowing them to share the load.
- Protecting the fibers: The resin shields the delicate carbon fibers from damage and environmental factors.
- Distributing the load: It helps to evenly distribute stress across the fibers, maximizing their strength.
- Shape and Form: The resin allows the composite to be molded into complex shapes.
Analogy
Think of carbon fiber as the steel rebar in concrete. The steel provides the strength, but the concrete matrix holds it together and gives it shape. Similarly, carbon fiber provides the strength in CFRP, while the plastic resin binds it and gives it form.
Examples of CFRP Applications
CFRP is used in a wide range of applications where high strength and low weight are critical, including:
- Aerospace: Aircraft fuselages, wings, and structural components.
- Automotive: Racing car bodies, performance parts, and structural components.
- Sports Equipment: Golf clubs, tennis rackets, bicycle frames.
- Industrial Applications: Robotics, tooling, and manufacturing equipment.
Conclusion
While carbon fiber itself is not plastic, the term "carbon fiber" commonly refers to carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), a composite material consisting of carbon fibers embedded in a plastic matrix. Therefore, the typical "carbon fiber" product you encounter does contain plastic.
