What Does Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) Mean?
A carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) refers to a type of durable and strong material that is composed of linked-chain carbon atoms in a matrix structure of polymer resin. These polymers are highly corrosion resistant.
Corrosionpedia Explains Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP)
Carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRPs) include epoxy, polyester, nylon and vinyl. However, the fibers often include glass or aluminum in addition to carbon. This material variation provides strength and rigidity to CFRP.
The properties of CFRP are dependent on the ratio of fiber to polymer, the types of additives and the matrix structure.
Carbon fiber-reinforced polymers have the best strength-to-weight ratio of all construction materials. They are commonly used in the following industries:
- Aerospace
- Automotive
- Civil engineering
- Sporting goods
Despite having a high strength-to-weight ratio, one structural disadvantage is its relatively low fatigue endurance limit. Therefore, a sufficient safety limit must be factored in when it is used in applications that may present significant risk to humans or the environment in the event of a premature failure.
Synonyms
Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced Plastic, Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced Thermoplastic, Carbon Fiber, Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer