What is Carbon Fiber Composite Material?

1. Definition and Composition

Carbon fiber composite material is a lightweight, high-strength material formed by combining high-strength carbon fibers as reinforcement with resin, metal, ceramic, or other materials as the matrix through composite processes.

2. Core Advantages

Lightweight : With a density of only about 1.5 g·cm⁻³, which is approximately one-fifth of that of steel, it significantly reduces the self-weight of equipment.
High Strength/High Modulus : Its tensile strength can reach 3–7 GPa, and the elastic modulus ranges from 200–700 GPa, far exceeding that of traditional metals.
High Temperature and Corrosion Resistance : It remains structurally stable at temperatures above 200 °C and is almost immune to corrosive media such as acids, alkalis, and salt spray.

3. Value in Heat Treatment

Enables furnace bodies, radiant tubes, and rollers to withstand thermal cycles without deformation, improving thermal efficiency and reducing energy consumption.

Material Properties of Carbon Fiber (Strength, Modulus)

What Are the Material Properties (Strength and Modulus) of Carbon Fiber Itself?
 1. Tensile Strength
  The ultimate tensile strength of conventional high strength carbon fibers ranges from 3–5 GPa, and some high modulus types can exceed 6 GPa.
  Specific values are influenced by fiber types (such as PAN and pitch based) and post treatment processes, with the highest values exceeding 7 GPa.

 2. Elastic Modulus
  The elastic modulus of high modulus carbon fibers ranges from 350–700 GPa, much higher than that of steel (200 GPa).
  This ensures that the composite material produces almost no significant elastic deformation under force, guaranteeing the dimensional accuracy of heat treatment fixtures.

 3. Density and Specific Strength
  With a density of about 1.5–2.0 g·cm⁻³, its specific strength (strength/density) is more than 20 times that of steel, making it the preferred material for lightweight structures.

 4. Comprehensive Performance Comparison
Compared with metals, graphite, and ceramics, carbon fiber forms a unique combination of advantages in terms of strength, stiffness, coefficient of thermal expansion, and machinability. It especially exhibits better toughness and crack resistance in high temperature thermal shock environments.

What Are the Common Types of Carbon Fiber Matrix Materials?
 1. Resin Matrix (CFRP)
  Using thermosetting or thermoplastic resins such as epoxy and phenolic as the matrix, it is the mainstream form accounting for over 90% of the market.
  It is suitable for applications requiring high strength and easy processing, such as aviation, automotive, and heat treatment equipment.

 2. Metal Matrix (CFRM)
  Commonly using aluminum, magnesium, titanium, and their alloys, it provides higher thermal conductivity and high temperature resistance, making it suitable for internal structural components of furnace bodies.

 3. Ceramic Matrix (CFRC)
  Using ceramics such as alumina and silicon carbide as the matrix, it has excellent high temperature and wear resistance, mainly used in extreme environments like engine nozzles.

 4. Rubber Matrix (CFRR)
  Using wear resistant rubber or polyurethane, it is mainly used for components requiring flexibility and wear resistance, such as pipes and seals.

Common Carbon Fiber Matrix Materials

How Does Different Carbon Fiber Content Affect the Strength, Stiffness, and Toughness of Composite Materials?
 1. Increase in Fiber Volume Fraction → Significant Enhancement of Strength and Stiffness
  When the carbon fiber volume fraction increases from 20% to 30%, the tensile strength and elastic modulus of the composite material both show significant improvements, after which the growth rate levels off.

 2. The Dual Nature of High Fiber Content
  When the fiber content is in the range of 55–70%, the ultimate strength of the material can reach 2–3 times that of the matrix material, but the toughness (impact energy absorption) decreases, making it prone to brittle fracture.

 3. Optimal Ratio in Practical Engineering
  In applications such as heat treatment fixtures that require a balance of strength and certain toughness, a fiber content of 40–50% is often used to achieve strength improvement while maintaining sufficient impact toughness.

 4. Company's Technical Advantages
  Wuxi Junteng Fanghu Alloy Casting Co., Ltd. can precisely adjust the carbon fiber content according to customer needs and provide a variety of customized products such as heat treatment fixtures, radiant tubes, and furnace rolls, helping users find the optimal balance between strength, stiffness, and toughness.

Impact of Carbon Fiber Content on Composite Properties

Core Competitiveness of Wuxi Junteng Fanghu Alloy Casting Co., Ltd.
 1. Professional Production Capability of Heat Resistant Alloys and CFCs
  Using investment casting and centrifugal casting technologies, its products cover a variety of key heat treatment components such as centrifugal tubes, radiant tubes, furnace rolls, and fan blades.

 2. Global Customer Network
  It has provided supporting products for internationally renowned furnace manufacturers such as IPSEN, AICHELIN, and SECO WARWICK, with over 170 overseas customers, verifying the reliability and international competitiveness of its products.

 3. Technical Services and Solution Optimization
  In addition to providing standard products, the company can also offer technical consultations and customized optimizations for heat treatment fixtures, helping customers reduce energy consumption and improve heat treatment efficiency.

 4. Quality and Delivery Assurance
  Relying on years of experience in the design and manufacturing of alloy steel components, it strictly controls material ratios and heat treatment processes to ensure the long term stable operation of CFC products in high temperature and corrosive environments.

Core Competitiveness of Wuxi Junteng Fanghu Alloy Casting Co., Ltd.