Carbon Fiber vs. Fiberglass: Key Differences Explained

carbon fiber vs fiberglass

The United States leads the world in the aerospace and automotive industries. This is in part due to our high-performing composite materials industries, which are set to expand to almost $37 billion in the next 10 years.

When it comes to manufacturing composites, there are a lot of options. Carbon fiber and fiberglass are two of the most widely used materials. Each has distinct qualities and attributes.

Below is a breakdown of carbon fiber vs fiberglass, including the unique advantages of each. Keep reading to find out which one may be right for your application or industry.

What Is Carbon Fiber?

Carbon fiber is a composite material made up of very thin filaments that are between 5 and 10 micrometers in diameter. They are made from carbon atoms bonded together in long chains.

The first known production of carbon fiber was in 1879 by Thomas Edison, the inventor of the incandescent lightbulb. He ran electricity through strips of cotton or bamboo, which heated the cellulose in the materials and “carbonized” them.

Carbon fiber materials can come in many different forms. It can be infused or mixed with resins or woven in different patterns to achieve distinct qualities.

What Is Fiberglass?

Fiberglass has been made for centuries, but the earliest patent was awarded to a Prussian inventor in 1880. As the name suggests, fiberglass comprises many fibers made of glass.

Fiberglass is made by melting minerals like silica sand, clay, dolomite, or limestone into a liquid. The liquid glass is then forced through a spinneret bundle with tiny holes. The liquid cools to create glass filaments. These strands are finally woven into fabrics or formed into mats.

Carbon Fiber vs Fiberglass: Differences

Both carbon fiber and fiberglass are very lightweight. However, high-quality carbon fiber comes out ahead in terms of having a very low strength-to-weight ratio. Carbon fiber strength is approximately 20 percent greater than the highest quality fiberglass.

Another big difference between carbon fiber vs fiberglass is that carbon fiber is extremely rigid, while fiberglass is relatively yielding. This makes carbon fiber more suited for projects where durability and structural integrity are a priority. For those who benefit from more flexibility, fiberglass may be the preferable choice.

Another area where carbon fiber excels relates to retaining dimensions when exposed to heat. Carbon fiber has a high thermal conductivity, which makes it suitable for applications (like electronics) where heat dissipation is important. Fiberglass has a low thermal conductivity, which makes it an excellent insulator.

Since it is made up of tiny glass particles, fiberglass can be toxic or a skin irritant if its integrity is compromised. For many applications, this is not an issue (as long as the material is sealed properly). However, for medical or other applications where toxicity may be an issue, carbon fiber is the best option.

Learn More About Carbon Fiber and Fiberglass Applications

There are unique carbon fiber and fiberglass benefits and uses to consider. The composite materials comparison above, along with the consultation of a reputable producer, can help you determine which is right for your application or business.

SMI Composites is committed to providing the highest quality of advanced composite manufacturing. We offer a range of production methods and materials, including carbon fiber and fiberglass. Contact us today to learn more about the distinct uses of carbon fiber vs fiberglass materials.

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