High-performance carbon fiber products are widely recognized across industries, not only for their lightweight properties but also for their exceptional strength. This article systematically compares the strength characteristics of carbon fiber products and steel.
Strength Comparison
Raw Material Strength
Carbon Fiber: Standard T300 carbon fiber has a tensile strength of approximately 3,500 MPa.
Steel: Ordinary steel (e.g., Q235) exhibits a tensile strength of about 600 MPa.
Thus, carbon fiber's strength exceeds steel by over sixfold.
Product Strength
Taking tubular products as an example:
Resin-based Carbon Fiber Tubes: Tensile strength ≈ 1,500 MPa.
Q235 Steel Tubes: Tensile strength ≈ 400 MPa.
Even as finished products, carbon fiber maintains significant strength advantages.
Specific Modulus Advantage
With a density of 1.6 g/cm³ (vs. steel's 7.8 g/cm³), carbon fiber's specific modulus (strength-to-density ratio) highlights its superior lightweight and high-strength properties.
Why Are Carbon Fiber Products So Strong?
Atomic Structure:
Axially aligned carbon atom layers provide exceptional load-bearing capacity along the fiber direction.
Fiber Density:
Higher fiber density within the resin matrix enhances axial strength.
Fatigue Resistance:
Carbon fiber maintains structural integrity under cyclic loading, significantly extending service life.
Conclusion
Carbon fiber products surpass steel in strength and specific modulus due to their atomic-level ordered structure, low density, and high fiber density. Despite their flexible appearance, their mechanical performance comprehensively outperforms traditional metals.
