Journal of Textile Science & Engineering

Fabrics Woven with Carbon are Compressible

Abstract

Luca Mezzo*

The compressibility of carbon woven fabrics is a critical attribute that plays a pivotal role in their applications across a wide spectrum of industries, from aerospace engineering to advanced composites in automotive and sporting goods. This unique property stems from the intricate arrangement of carbon fibers within the fabric structure, giving rise to a material that can withstand significant compressive forces while maintaining its structural integrity. Carbon woven fabrics are primarily composed of carbon fibers, which are inherently strong and possess high stiffness properties. These fibers are skillfully woven into a fabric using various techniques, such as plain weave or twill weave, to create a three-dimensional network. This intricate arrangement not only imparts exceptional tensile strength to the fabric but also endows it with remarkable compressibility characteristics. One of the most significant advantages of carbon woven fabrics is their ability to undergo substantial compression without buckling or collapsing. This property is especially advantageous in applications where materials need to endure compression forces, such as in the design and manufacturing of advanced composites for aircraft components, automotive parts, or even in the construction of high-performance sporting equipment like tennis rackets and bicycles.