Comparison of Carbon Fiber, Glass Fiber, Aramid Fiber, and Basalt Fiber

(A)  Physical Properties
a. Tensile Strength:
Carbon Fiber: 3,500 - 7,000 MPa
Glass Fiber: 1,500 - 2,500 MPa
Aramid Fiber: 2,500 - 3,620 MPa
Basalt Fiber: 3,000 - 4,850 MPa

b. Elastic Modulus:
Carbon Fiber: 200 - 700 GPa
Glass Fiber: 70 - 85 GPa
Aramid Fiber: 60 - 140 GPa
Basalt Fiber: 90 - 110 GPa

c. Elongation at Break:
Carbon Fiber: 1 - 2.5%
Glass Fiber: 2.5 - 5.5%
Aramid Fiber: 2.8 - 3.3%
Basalt Fiber: 2.2 - 3.1%

d. Weight:
Carbon Fiber: Lightest among the four
Glass Fiber: Heavier than carbon and aramid fibers, lighter than basalt fiber
Aramid Fiber: Lighter than glass and basalt fibers, heavier than carbon fiber
Basalt Fiber: Heaviest among the four

e. Density:
Carbon Fiber: 1.75 - 2.0 g/cm³
Glass Fiber: 2.5 - 2.6 g/cm³
Aramid Fiber: 1.44 - 1.45 g/cm³
Basalt Fiber: 2.6 - 2.8 g/cm³

(B)  Chemical Properties
a. Chemical Resistance:
Carbon Fiber: Excellent resistance to acids, alkalis, and organic solvents.
Glass Fiber: Good resistance to most chemicals, but can be degraded by strong acids and alkalis.
Aramid Fiber: Good resistance to most chemicals and organic solvents, but sensitive to UV radiation and strong acids.
Basalt Fiber: Excellent resistance to acids, alkalis, and organic solvents, as well as UV radiation.

b. Thermal Stability:
Carbon Fiber: High thermal stability, withstanding temperatures up to 3,000°C in a non-oxidizing atmosphere.
Glass Fiber: Good thermal stability, with a continuous service temperature range of -60°C to 450°C.
Aramid Fiber: Moderate thermal stability, with a continuous service temperature range of -200°C to 150°C.
Basalt Fiber: High thermal stability, with a continuous service temperature range of -260°C to 982°C.

(C)  Advantages and Disadvantages
Carbon Fiber:
Advantages: High strength-to-weight ratio, excellent stiffness, low thermal expansion, good fatigue and corrosion resistance.
Disadvantages: High cost, susceptibility to UV degradation, and sensitivity to impact damage.
Glass Fiber:
Advantages: Lower cost, good strength-to-weight ratio, and good corrosion resistance.
Disadvantages: Lower strength and stiffness compared to carbon and basalt fibers, and sensitivity to stress corrosion.
Aramid Fiber:
Advantages: High strength-to-weight ratio, excellent impact resistance, good fatigue and corrosion resistance.
Disadvantages: Lower compressive strength compared to carbon fiber, sensitivity to UV radiation, and moisture absorption.
Basalt Fiber:
Advantages: High strength-to-weight ratio, excellent thermal stability, good chemical resistance, and lower cost compared to carbon fiber.
Disadvantages: Heavier than carbon and aramid fibers, and limited availability.

(D)  Applications
Carbon Fiber:
Aerospace: Aircraft components, satellite structures.
Automotive: High-performance vehicles, lightweight components.
Sports equipment: Bicycles, tennis rackets, golf clubs.
Infrastructure: Bridge reinforcements, building materials.

Glass Fiber:
Construction: Insulation materials, roofing, and reinforcement for concrete.
Automotive: Body panels, engine components.
Marine: Boat hulls, yacht components.
Electronics: Printed circuit boards, electrical insulation.

Aramid Fiber:
Personal protection: Bulletproof vests, helmets.
Ropes and cables: High-strength cables, mooring lines.
Aerospace: Radomes, aircraft components.
Automotive: Tire reinforcements, brake pads.

Basalt Fiber:
Construction: Reinforcement for concrete, fireproof materials, insulation.
Automotive: Brake pads, exhaust system components.
Marine: Boat hulls, components for offshore structures.
Infrastructure: Pipelines, bridges, road construction.

(E)  Complementarity and Selection Criteria for Carbon Fiber, Glass Fiber, Aramid Fiber, and Basalt Fiber in Applications

1. Complementarity
Each of the four fiber types has unique properties that make them suitable for specific applications. This complementarity allows manufacturers and engineers to select the best fiber type for a given project based on their distinct strengths and weaknesses. For example:

Carbon fiber offers the highest strength-to-weight ratio and stiffness, making it ideal for applications requiring lightweight and rigid materials, such as aerospace and high-performance automotive components.

Glass fiber is more cost-effective than carbon fiber, making it a popular choice for applications where both strength and affordability are essential, such as in construction and automotive parts.

Aramid fiber is known for its excellent impact resistance and energy absorption, making it a prime choice for personal protection gear and high-strength cables.

Basalt fiber provides excellent thermal and chemical stability at a lower cost compared to carbon fiber, making it a suitable option for applications requiring heat and corrosion resistance, such as infrastructure and automotive exhaust systems.

2. Selection Criteria
When selecting the appropriate fiber type for a specific application, several factors should be considered:

a. Performance Requirements:
Assess the strength, stiffness, and weight requirements of the application.
Evaluate the need for impact resistance, fatigue resistance, or chemical resistance.

b. Cost Considerations:
Determine the project's budget constraints and analyze the cost-effectiveness of each fiber type.
Consider the long-term maintenance and replacement costs associated with each fiber type.

c. Environmental Factors:
Examine the application's exposure to UV radiation, temperature fluctuations, and chemical environments.