Composite materials have revolutionized various industries. There are many options for innovative composites that replace traditional materials with superior characteristics. Carbon fiber and Aramid fiber are two famous names. From aerospace to orthopedics, automation to sports industries, carbon fiber composites offer lightweight designs without compromising strength. Aramid fiber is a composite material with similar traits of incredible strength and low weight used in bulletproof vests, firefighter suits, tires, and industrial applications. Both carbon fiber and aramid fiber are superstars in the world of composite materials, offering incredible strength and unique properties. Still, they have fundamental differences, and they excel in different areas. To help you understand their difference and use, we'll discuss everything you need to know about carbon fiber vs aramid.
Let's get started.
Material Composition: Carbon vs Aramid Fiber
Carbon fiber is a composite material composed of thin strands of carbon atoms (imagine millions of microscopic straws) bonded together in a crystal lattice structure. The composite material composition is about 90% carbon fiber from polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and 10% from petroleum pitch. The exact composition differs from one manufacturer to another. The composite is mixed with epoxy resin and manufactured in various forms through different processes according to the product and its application. The composite material has characteristics of high strength, stiffness, and lightness. Carbon fiber has good resistance to chemicals, including corrosive substances and most solvents, but it can degrade or lose strength when exposed to high temperatures for extended periods.
Aramid Fiber is a synthetic polymer with aromatic rings in its structure. Think of long chains with special ring-shaped links. The "aromatic polyamide" is a class of synthetic, high-performance fibers that is a composite material. The manufacturing process differs from company to company but generally involves adding a precursor with resin or epoxy. This composite material, too, shares a similar high strength-to-weight ratio and lightness.
Carbon fiber vs Aramid Fiber
Strength and Weight
Carbon Fiber boasts an impressive strength-to-weight ratio. It's incredibly strong for its weight, making it ideal for applications needing lightweight strength, such as aircraft parts, racing cars, and high-performance orthopedic parts.
While equally strong and lightweight, aramid fiber is slightly less stiff than carbon fiber, however, it excels in impact resistance, making it perfect for protective gear like bulletproof vests.
Both composite materials are strong and light in weight but differ in applications.
Flexibility
Carbon Fiber is relatively stiff and inflexible—think of a sturdy ruler. The composite material suits applications requiring rigidity, like racing bike frames, orthopedic rods, and telescopic poles.
Aramid Fiber is comparatively more flexible and resilient. Imagine a bendy straw that bounces back. It is perfect for applications that require flexibility without compromising on strength, lightness, and heat sensitivity, like firefighter gear and bulletproof vests.
Heat Resistance
Carbon Fiber composite handles high temperatures well. Carbon fiber sheets are manufactured with compression molding, making them suitable for aerospace components exposed to extreme heat.
Aramid Fiber also offers good heat resistance but is not as high as carbon fiber. It is still great for applications needing heat protection, like fireproof clothing.
Cost
Carbon Fiber is generally more expensive than aramid fiber due to its complex manufacturing process. In terms of cost-effectiveness, aramid fiber weighs heavily.
Common Uses
Carbon Fiber composites are available in various forms. Carbon fiber rods, sheets, tubes, CNC parts, and fabric are used for structural strengthening, aerospace parts, sporting goods such as golf clubs and tennis rackets, automotive components, and high-performance bicycles.
Aramid Fiber composites are used in areas and industries that utilize their superior strength, low weight, and flexibility, such as protective gear (such as bulletproof vests and firefighter suits), tires, and industrial applications (belts, ropes).
Choosing between Carbon Fiber and Aramid Fiber
Both composite materials have incredible properties that place them above traditional materials. When deciding between carbon fiber and aramid fiber, consider the key factors:
Strength: How much weight or impact does the material need to handle?
Weight: Is lightweight construction crucial?
Flexibility: Does the material need to bend or remain rigid?
Heat Resistance: How much heat will the material be exposed to?
Conductivity: Does the material need to conduct electricity?
Cost: What is your budget?
By understanding these factors and the strengths of each fiber, you can choose the champion that best suits your project!
For carbon fiber composite requirements, explore NitPro Composites, the leading manufacturer of all things carbon fiber. Get customized carbon fiber products manufactured with the latest technologies. Get carbon fiber sheets manufactured by compression molding method as well as vacuum infusion using carbon fiber fabric with epoxy resin and carbon fiber prepreg in different shapes, sizes, and dimensions. Choose roll-wrapped prepreg rabon fiber rods or ones made with pultrusion. CNC carbon fiber parts are customized according to design and requirement. Pultruded profiles are manufactured as per designs and requirements.
