Today's KNOWLEDGE Share:Types of Fibers

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

Composite Essentials!

What are some of the different fiber types that can be used as reinforcement phases in composite materials? 

Today we would like to share with you the definitions and examples of the most common fibers used in the industry! 

Carbon fibers are long and thin strands of material with about 0.005-0.010 mm in diameter, composed mostly of carbon atoms (more than 90% content). The carbon atoms are bonded together in microscopic crystals that are more or less aligned parallel to the long axis of the fiber. The crystal alignment makes the fiber incredibly strong for its size. 

Glass fiber is a non-metallic material made from extremely fine fibers of glass. The base ingredients of glass fibers are forms of silica, mainly sand, limestone, stone ash and borax. It is also considered the oldest, and most familiar, performance fiber. 

Aramid (short for “aromatic polyamide”) fibers are synthetic fibers in which the fiber-forming substance is a long-chain synthetic polyamide that has at least 85% of the amide linkages attached directly to two aromatic rings. Its molecules are linked by strong hydrogen bonds that transfer mechanical stress very efficiently, making it possible to use chains of relatively low molecular weight. The most famous aramid fiber is DuPont's Kevlar. 

Polymer fibers are a subset of artificial fibers, which are based on synthetic chemicals rather than arising from natural materials by a purely physical process. Examples: PE fibers (Dyneema, Spectra), PP fibers (Innegra), PET fibers, polyester fibers and many others. Aramid fibers are also considered polymeric. 

Natural fibers are fibers that are produced by geological processes, or from the bodies of plants or animals. Examples: Hemp, jute, flax, kenaf, basalt, cotton, etc. 

Other fibers that we can mention: Boron fibers, metallic fibers (aluminum, titanium, steel) and ceramic oxide fibers. 

Now imagine the amount of possibilities when it comes to creating hybrid fabrics! 

source:managingcomposites/thenativelab