Graphite golf shafts

Graphite is a unique crystal structure of carbon wherein layers of carbon atoms are stacked parallel to each other and can extend indefinitely in two dimensions as in the shafts of carbon fiber golf clubs. Graphite is also one of the softest elements, making it an excellent dry lubricant. 

Carbon fibres are manufactured from rayon and polyacrylonitrile. Carbon fibres can be heated up to 1500°C and contains up to 95% of elemental carbon. Graphite fibres can be heated above 2500 C with 99% carbon. The formation of carbon fibres from polyacrylonitrile is outlined in Fig. 1 -34. Carbon fibres are used in the aerospace industry, in compressor blade to jet engines, helicopter rotor- blades, aircraft fuselage structures, golf-club shafts, cross-bows for archery and in high speed reciprocating parts in loom. 

Other fibers and polymers have also been used, and the trend is toward increased utilization of composites in automobiles and aircraft. For example, a composite of graphite fibers in a polymer matrix is used in the construction of the F-117 Stealth fighter and other military aircraft. Graphite-polymer composites are used in a number of sporting goods such as golf club shafts, tennis racquets, fishing rods, and skis. The F-16 military aircraft was the first... 

Callaway Golf retail a large compression cured carbon fiber composite (C4) head attached to a 53 g graphite shaft [163],... 

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