Carbon fibre-reinforced polymers (CFRPs, or simply ‘carbon fibre’) have become the material of choice where high strength-to-weight ratios and rigidity are demanded. Here are the reasons why carbon fibre-reinforced polymers (CFRPs, or simply ‘carbon fibre’) can lead to greater efficiency.
Superior Performance
Carbon fibre is exceptionally tough and effectively resists harsh chemicals or
water that would cause corrosion or rust. Externally, it has great durability potential and tolerance to UV damage if designed well; it’s also non-magnetic and effectively blocks electromagnetic radiation. Carbon fibre is stable with changes in temperature and considered highly fire resistant. It really is the ultimate material.
If the above wasn’t enough to impress, carbon fibre materials also have high impact strengths, making them durable against sudden impacts. Unlike wood, which is prone to rotting or termite infestation and sensitive to humidity changes, CFRPs are stable and pest resistant. Unlike steel, carbon fibre doesn’t require re-painting or refinishing every couple of decades. Carbon fibre, like aluminium, resists salt spray corrosion, making it excellent for coastal applications throughout the world.
A lifetime of use
With the superior performance of carbon fibre in mind, it’s easy to see why it’s displacing
and outlasting traditional materials in building construction, like steel. If a CFRP is designed with longevity in mind – like UV and moisture resistance – then it has the potential to easily last the lifespan of a building with regular inspections and no maintenance.
Lower whole-life costs
The upfront cost of utilising carbon fibre in building design is greater than the equivalent in steel or aluminium, but the whole life savings quickly show. Because it’s lighter and stronger than traditional metal or timber designs, carbon fibre puts less stress on underlying structures, meaning less structural support is needed to achieve the overall design you want. The corollary is that you can also put a greater payload on an existing design without needing to worry about performance or having to spend on a larger or more complex structure to handle the weight.
There’s also reduced maintenance required over the lifespan of a building. Steel is often chosen in building design because it’s cheap and readily available but, as mentioned, there’s also the need to repaint every couple of decades to mitigate corrosion – and that costs money, and time in lost productivity
if a building needs to be closed. Since well- designed carbon fibre requires no ongoing maintenance (just regular inspections), there’s further savings to be had in the long-term life of a building or design.