Karbonkuitujen

Karbonkuitujen, also known as carbon fibers, are extremely strong and stiff materials made of carbon atoms. These atoms are bonded together in a crystalline structure that aligns along the fiber's axis. This alignment gives carbon fibers their exceptional mechanical properties, making them significantly stronger and stiffer than steel by weight, while also being much lighter.

The production of carbon fibers typically involves heating a precursor material, most commonly polyacrylonitrile (PAN), in an oxygen-free environment. This process, called carbonization, removes non-carbon atoms and causes the remaining carbon atoms to rearrange into the desired crystalline structure. Other precursors can also be used, such as rayon or pitch, but PAN is the most widely used due to its efficiency and the quality of the resulting fibers.

Due to their high strength-to-weight ratio and stiffness, carbon fibers are often used in composite materials. When embedded in a polymer matrix, such as epoxy resin, they form carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRPs). These composites are highly valued in industries where reducing weight while maintaining or increasing strength is critical. Applications include aerospace, where they are used in aircraft components and spacecraft; automotive, for car bodies and performance parts; sporting goods, such as bicycle frames, tennis rackets, and golf clubs; and in civil engineering for structural reinforcement. The cost of carbon fiber production remains a factor limiting its widespread adoption in some less demanding applications, but ongoing research aims to improve manufacturing efficiency and reduce costs.