CARBON FIBERS Meaning and
Definition
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Carbon fibers are thin filaments composed primarily of carbon atoms, which exhibit extraordinary strength and stiffness. These fibrous materials are made up of long, tightly packed chains of carbon atoms bonded together in a crystal-like structure. They are manufactured through an intricate process known as carbonization, where organic polymers, such as rayon or polyacrylonitrile (PAN), are subject to high temperatures in the absence of oxygen. This heating process eliminates the other elements present in the original polymer, leaving behind highly pure carbon filaments.
Due to their unique structure, carbon fibers possess exceptional mechanical properties, including high tensile strength, lightweight, and high resistance to various types of chemical reactions. The high strength-to-weight ratio of carbon fibers makes them incredibly useful for applications requiring materials that must endure significant stress without adding excessive weight. This characteristic makes them highly sought after in industries such as aerospace, automotive, sports equipment, and civil engineering.
Carbon fibers are commonly used in the fabrication of composite materials, where they are combined with a polymer matrix to create a composite structure. The resulting material, referred to as carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) or carbon fiber composite, inherits the strength of carbon fibers while maintaining flexibility and versatility of polymers. CFRP finds applications in a wide range of industries, including aerospace, automotive, construction, and marine, where high strength, stiffness, and low weight are crucial factors.
Etymology of CARBON FIBERS
The word "carbon fibers" is a compound noun consisting of two parts: "carbon" and "fibers".
The term "carbon" originates from the Latin word "carbo", meaning "charcoal". It is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "ker", which has the meaning of "to burn" or "heat". Carbon is a chemical element with the symbol "C" and atomic number 6, known for its versatile properties and abundance in the Earth's atmosphere.
The word "fiber" comes from the Latin word "fibra", meaning "thread" or "filament". It is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "dheigh", which has the meaning of "to mold" or "form". In its broadest sense, a fiber refers to a thin thread-like structure composed of flexible, elongated molecules.
