Advanced technologies today regularly bring to our life many different new products that can significantly simplify it or improve its quality. In particular, this concerns the creation of the latest developments in the chemical industry, the products of which are used in almost every branch of human activity. One such know-how now is carbon material. We will talk about him in the most detail in the article.
Definition
Carbon is essentially carbon fiber, that is, composite, having a different layer of material. Simply put, carbon fibers are in the form of a web, the shell of which, in turn, is made of thermosetting, polymer resins. Actually, carbon is today almost all composite materials, the bearing base of which is presented in the form of carbon fibers. However, in this case, the connecting elements may be different auxiliary components.
Cost
Carbon is a very expensive final product, the cost of which is determined by an impressive share of manual labor and a complex technical process as a whole. To understand how expensive carbon is, compare its cost with steel. So, if one kilogram of steel costs the manufacturer about $ 1, then the same weight of carbon is 20 times more expensive. The cost of carbon fiber can be reduced only by introducing full automation of the process of its creation.
Scope of application
Initially, carbon is a material that was created for spacecraft and the automotive industry. However, over time, thanks to its unique performance indicators (low specific gravity, high strength), it found application in other areas, such as:
- Aircraft manufacturing.
- Production of a variety of sports equipment, fishing rods, helmets.
- Production of medical equipment and more.
Special properties
Studying what carbon is, we note its main positive qualities. Products from this material can be molded in almost any configuration. And all because the carbon sheet has a very high flexibility, which, in turn, ensures optimal cutting and cutting. In this case, it is imperative to soak the finished product with epoxy resin. The products thus obtained can be ground, polished, painted, and even flexo printed without problems.
Distinctive features
Continuing to consider what is carbon (karbon), we indicate its unique characteristics. For all types of this carbon fiber reinforced plastic, the use of a reinforcing element is common - carbon fibers, the thickness of which is in the range of 0.005-0.01 mm, perfectly working in tension, but not tolerating bending and torsion. That is why carbon is a material that is operated in the form of a fabric. For additional reinforcement, rubber is often used, which gives the carbon fiber a gray tint. In general, carbon is characterized by wear resistance, strength, rigidity and low specific gravity. Its density is from 1450 kg / m3. up to 2000 kg / m3
Subtleties of manufacturing technology
Carbon fiber is obtained in air during heat treatment. That is, the oxidation of organic or polymer filaments occurs during the day at a temperature of 250 degrees Celsius. Then carbonization is carried out - heating the obtained fibers in an inert gas medium in the temperature range of 800-1500 degrees to prepare the molecular structure for optimal. This is followed by graphitization in the same medium, but already at temperatures up to 3000 degrees. This process can be repeated several times to increase the carbon concentration to 99%.
Release form
Carbon fibers can be either short, cut, or in the form of continuous threads on bobbins. But, as mentioned above, carbon has poor resistance to bending, then carbon fiber is often formed into a web called Carbon Fabric. And it turns out in the form of a variety of weaving: Christmas tree, matting and more. It happens that the fibers are simply intercepted before the resin is filled with rather large stitches. The main basis is most often epoxy resins, in which carbon fibers are layered in layers. A 1 millimeter thick sheet contains mainly three to four such layers.
Advantages
Carbon has a range of undeniable advantages, among which should be indicated:
- Small specific gravity. Even aluminum is 20% heavier than the described material.
- Carbon, combining carbon and Kevlar, is only slightly heavier than the analogue with rubber, but much stronger, and under the influence of shock load it only crumbles, but does not fly apart into small particles.
- Resistant to high temperatures. Carbon can withstand up to 2000 degrees Celsius. - It has good heat capacity and perfectly dampens vibration.
- It is steady against the phenomenon of corrosion.
- It has a high tensile strength and tensile strength.
- It has an aesthetic appearance and decorativeness.
disadvantages
However, carbon in comparison with metal products is distinguished by such negative qualities:
- High sensitivity to point sharp blows.
- The complexity of the restoration in the event of chips, breaks and various scratches.
- Burnout and fading under the influence of bright sunlight. That is why all things made of carbon are specially coated with varnish or enamel.
- Enough long-term production of products, requiring a significant investment of time.
- Problems with disposal and reuse. In areas of direct contact with the metal, corrosion begins, therefore, special fiberglass inserts are fixed at these points.
User Feedback
In conclusion, we note the reviews of people about the industry product described in the article. So what is carbon? This material, according to many users, is very good due to its strength, but lightness. This was especially appreciated by fishermen who have long used fishing rods, many of which are based on carbon. Of course, in addition to this, such fishing rods are also good in that they have great durability, because they are also characterized by increased wear resistance.