General Performance Carbon Fiber applications

Pitch-Based General Performance Carbon Fiber (GPCF). As described in the introduction, continuous-strand GPCF has been produced commercially only by the Kureha Chemical Industries Company. Public attention has recently been attracted to this type of carbon fiber by the success in using carbon-fiber-reinforced concrete in the construction of the Arsasheed Monument in Iraq (24) by the Kashima Construction (Kashima Kensetsu) Co. Future construction projects in Japan plan to utilize further this type of fiber-reinforced concrete. Such applications may lead to mass consumption of fiber if its price can be brought below 9/kg ( 4/lb). The authors believe that some substantial reductions in the price of the general-performance fiber, perhaps to 6.5/kg ( 3/lb), may occur in the near future. 

In comparison with the USA, the aerospace and defense industries of Japan are quite small. This is the principal reason for the relatively slow commercialization of pitch-based high-performance carbon fiber (HPCF) in Japan. As incentive for the HPCF industry, other fields of applications must be sought. In general, the... 

Ceramic reinforcing fibers are utilized both in a continuous form (endless fibers) and in a discontinuous form (e.g. whiskers, short fibers). Most of the continuous fibers are utilized in the manufacture of composites with polymer matrices (PMC), where they are in competition with other high performance fibers (boron, carbon fibers), mainly for military or aerospace applications. Discontinuous fibers are generally used for the manufacture of metal matrix (MMC) and ceramic matrix (CMC) composites. 

MAJOR APPLICATIONS General-purpose molding and extrusion polymer for high-performance applications, especially as resin for carbon fiber composites. Examples include chemical resistant tubing and electrical insulation, automotive bearings, pump and valve construction for corrosive applications, and compressor valve plates. 

Although mechanical performance of composites can depend on the processing conditions, the batch-mixed and the twin-screw extraded nanocomposites developed in this study did not show any significant ddfeience. Also, we note that while the nanocomposites were generally less flexible as compared to the pure LLDPE, they still retained a fairly high elon tion-at-break of about 140%, compared to about only 30% displayed by short P-55 carbon fiber composites. Coupled with an EM SE of about 22-24 dB, PR-19 HT and MWNT HT nanocomposites indicate a potential in applications that require significant mechanical flexibility. 

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