Carbon Fibre in Cars: Concept or Future Megamarket?

Carbon fibre is a material consisting of extremely thin fibres. The fibres have diameters of around 0.005-0.010 mm, and they are composed mostly of carbon atoms.

The carbon atoms are bonded together in microscopic crystals which are more or less aligned parallel to the long axis of the fibre. This crystal alignment makes the fibre very strong for its size. To form a yarn, several thousand carbon fibres are twisted together. The yarn may then be used by itself or woven into a fabric.

Furthermore, carbon fibre can be used to make so-called carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP)—which forms the basis of carbon fibre parts currently used in aircraft, sports equipment and racing cars.

CFRP consists of carbon fibres or carbon fibre fabrics in combination with plastic resins to provide a material which has a high strength-toweight ratio.

Also, the density of carbon fibre is considerably lower than the density of steel, making it ideal for applications requiring low weight, and ensuring its continuing success in aerospace applications.