How high a temperature can carbon fiber withstand, and why do many carbon fiber products not resist high temperatures.
How do Carbon fiber products perform in high-temperature environments? At Xinhong Industry, we are often asked how much heat our carbon fiber products can withstand. Can they handle temperatures as high as 800 degrees? There is a lot of confusion around this topic. In this article, we will discuss the relevant information about carbon fiber and high temperatures.
How High a Temperature Can Carbon Fiber Withstand?
Carbon fiber itself has very high heat resistance and can be considered an extremely heat-resistant material. However, when it comes to carbon fiber composites, it depends on the matrix material used. Carbon fiber is derived from petroleum and coal; initially, polyacrylonitrile (PAN) is extracted, and then carbon fiber is produced from PAN. This process requires advanced technology, and the stages of oxidation, carbonization, and graphitization must be completed at high temperatures.
Especially during the graphitization process, which occurs at temperatures of several thousand degrees, impurities are removed to produce carbon fiber filaments. Thus, the inherent heat resistance of carbon fiber is exceedingly high, capable of withstanding temperatures up to 3000℃ while maintaining excellent performance advantages.
Why Do Many Carbon Fiber Products Not Resist High Temperatures?
As mentioned earlier, carbon fiber exhibits good heat resistance. However, the production of carbon fiber products involves more than just carbon fiber itself; it also requires a matrix material to complete the manufacturing process of carbon fiber products. The heat resistance of carbon fiber products depends significantly on the heat resistance of the matrix material.
Many carbon fiber products do not withstand high temperatures primarily because the most commonly used composite material is a combination of carbon fiber and a resin matrix. The fiber content in these composites usually ranges from about 40% to 45%. Therefore, the heat resistance of the final carbon fiber product is related to the heat resistance of the resin. This is akin to the "barrel principle," where the heat resistance limit of the resin becomes the upper limit for the carbon fiber product.
Typically, the heat resistance of standard resin matrices is around 180℃. If the temperature exceeds this limit for an extended period, it may cause the resin matrix to melt, impacting the overall performance of the product. Furthermore, to enhance heat resistance, higher-performing resin matrices, such as special plastics like PEEK or PPS, may be chosen. Products made with these materials can achieve heat resistance above 200℃. For even higher heat resistance, carbon-based or ceramic-metal matrices would need to be selected.
In the production of carbon fiber products, it is essential to choose a reputable manufacturer specializing in carbon fiber products and inquire about their heat resistance capabilities to meet specific needs. Xinhong Industry, with decades of experience in carbon fiber manufacturing, has extensive expertise in producing and processing various carbon fiber products. Their complete molding equipment and advanced processing machines enable them to manufacture a wide range of carbon fiber models according to specifications. Xinhong's carbon fiber board products are well-regarded and have gained recognition across multiple industries. Among their offerings, the production of carbon fiber rollers stands out, making them a leading manufacturer in the country. For any inquiries, feel free to reach out.
