Advantages of Carbon Fibre
Lightweight -resulting in improved fuel efficiency and engine performance
Health & safety – reduced risk of injuries for personnel lifting and manually handling carbon fibre equipment due to its lightweight
Crack resistance – carbon fiber parts are far less likely to suffer from failure due to fatigue and cracking compared to metals that are homogeneous
High strength – the tensile strength of carbon fibre is greater than steel. The relative density of steel is 4.5 times higher
Corrosion resistance – eg chemicals, salt water/air, ultra violet light, electrolysis
Design flexibility – can be molded into very complex shapes giving designers freedom of design
Part consolidation – a single composite part may replace an entire assembly of metal parts
Dimensional stability – does not change shape with variations in temperature so is ideal for measuring equipment and accurate instruments
Durable – long life and reduced maintenance issues. It is being used more in aircraft to increase operational hours between airframe inspections
Fire resistant – carbon structures can easily pass FRAS (Flame Retardant, Anti Static) requirements when used with fire retardant resin systems
Non-magnetic – can be used next to sensitive electrical equipment; eg, in hospitals
High thermal conductivity – great for conducting heat