Guide to Carbon Fiber Material

Guide to Carbon Fiber Material Carbon fiber is, exactly what it sounds like - fiber made of carbon. But, these fibers are only a base. What is commonly referred to as carbon fiber is a material consisting of very thin filaments of carbon atoms. When bound together with plastic polymer resin by heat, pressure or in a vacuum a composite material is formed that is both strong and lightweight. Much like cloth, beaver dams, or a rattan chair, the strength of carbon fiber is in the weave. The more complex the weave, the more durable the composite will be. It is helpful to imagine a wire screen that is interwoven with another screen at an angle, and another at a slightly different angle, and so on, with each wire in each screen made of carbon fiber strands. Now imagine this mesh of screens drenched in liquid plastic, and then pressed or heated until the material fuses together. The angle of the weave, as well as the resin used with the fiber, will determine the strength of the overall composite. The resin is most commonly epoxy, but can also be thermoplastic, polyurethane, vinyl ester, or polyester. DaveAlan/E/Getty Images Alternatively, a mold may be cast and the carbon fibers applied over it. The carbon fiber composite is then allowed to cure, often by a vacuum process. In this method, the mold is used to achieve the desired shape. This technique is preferred for uncomplicated forms that are needed on demand. Carbon fiber material has a wide range of applications, as it can be formed at various densities in limitless shapes and sizes. Carbon fiber is often shaped into tubing, fabric, and cloth, and can be custom-formed into any number of composite parts and pieces. Common Uses of Carbon Fiber High-end automobile componentsBicycle framesFishing rodsShoe solesBaseball batsProtective cases for laptops and iPhones The Apollo IE hypercar. Martyn Lucy/Getty Images   More exotic uses can be found in the: Aeronautics and aerospace industriesOil and gas industryUnmanned aerial vehiclesSatellitesFormula-1 race cars Some would argue, though, that the possibilities for carbon fiber are limited only by demand and the manufacturer’s imagination. Now, it’s even common to find carbon fiber in: Musical instrumentsFurnitureArtStructural elements of buildingsBridgesWind turbine blades   gilaxia/Getty Images If carbon fiber could be said to have any detractions, it would be production cost. Carbon fiber is not easily mass-produced and is therefore very expensive. A carbon fiber bicycle will easily run in the thousands of dollars, and its use in automotive is still limited to exotic racing cars. Carbon fiber is popular in these items and others are due to its weight-to-strength ratio and its resistance to flame, so much so that there is a market for synthetics that look like carbon fiber. However, imitations are often only partially carbon fiber or simply plastic made to look like carbon fiber. This occurs often in after-market protective casings for computers and other small consumer electronics. The upside is that carbon fiber parts and products, if not damaged, will almost literally last forever. This makes them a good investment for consumers, and also keeps products in circulation. For example, if a consumer is not willing to pay for a set of brand new carbon fiber golf clubs, there is a chance those clubs will be pop up on the secondary used market. Carbon fiber is often confused with fiberglass, and while there are similarities in manufacturing and some crossover in end products like furniture and automobile moldings, they are different. Fiberglass is a polymer that is reinforced with woven strands of silica glass rather than carbon. Carbon fiber composites are stronger, while fiberglass has more flexibility. And, both have various chemical compositions that make them better suited for different applications. Recycling carbon fiber is very difficult. The only available method for complete recycling is a process called thermal depolymerization, wherein the carbon fiber product is superheated in an oxygen-free chamber. The freed carbon can then be secured and reused, and whatever bonding or reinforced material that was used (epoxy, vinyl, etc.) is burned away. Carbon fiber can also be broken down manually at lower temperatures, but the resulting material will be weaker due to the shortened fibers, and thus likely not to be used in its most ideal application. For example, a large piece of tubing that is no longer being used may be split up, and the remaining parts used for computer casings, briefcases or furniture. Carbon fiber is an incredibly useful material used in composites, and it will continue to grow manufacturing market share. As more methods of producing carbon fiber composites economically are developed, the price will continue to fall, and more industries will take advantage of this unique material.

10 Jobs Where You Can Be a Hero

10 Jobs Where You Can Be a Hero Remember when you were young and full of promise and passion and thought that no matter what you decided to do when you grew up, it would be something big and important? That you would make the world a better place? Well, you’re never too old to follow through on your old do-gooder dreams. And often those who work in fields where they are constantly giving back to the world are most fulfilled. Whether you’re just starting out and want to make a difference, or you’re changing jobs because you’re tired of not making a difference, here are a few jobs where you can be the one who saves the day. 1. TeacherUndersung and underpaid, this is one of the most important jobs for shaping the way the world will be. Teach the next generation to be better than ours. Teach them to think and to feel and to have compassion. Help them understand the context of what’s come before and how history has a way of repeating itself unless old mistakes are avoided. Mold new her oes! Build up society with a bunch of inspired and inspirational wee people!2. NurseThese everyday heroes are also undersung and also underpaid. Imagine a hospital without them. Doctors would be utterly helpless. 90% of the actual care patients receive is usually from nurses. Save lives, help people through their hardest moments, care for babies and the dying†¦ it’s all of life and death in one rewarding job.3. Computer ScientistAt first glance, this career might not seem like a heroic one, but just think how much computers and apps are currently shaping our lives. Be in charge of coming up with the software and programs that solve the most dire problems of our time.4. Police OfficerThe world always needs more good guys- even the men and women in blue. Be one of them. Help make the shift toward community policing. Be an example for how all Americans can coexist safely and with respect. And save lives while you’re doing it. Work your way up to chief and you can rea lly shape a department and bring communities together.5. Early Childhood EducationBefore they hit the classroom, kids hang out with ECE teachers, who are usually responsible for kids’ early math and literacy skills, plus learning how to interact (and share) with others. ECE teachers are on the front lines of child development.6. Non-Profit Executive DirectorIt may take a while to get up to this level, and non-profit sector employees often report high stress and low pay. However,  if you’re driven by the mission of your organization and truly passionate, then you do have a massive opportunity to make the world a better place.7. Behavior AnalystMake the world a better place one person at a time. A whopping 94% of analysts report that they find their job meaningful and fulfilling. Work one on one with clients to make their lives better on a very personal level.8. Social WorkerEngage with people and help them out of tough situations. You’ll provide physical and ps ychosocial support and improve people’s lives by helping them to cope with their most major problems- things like domestic violence, abuse, neglect- and help them acquire treatment.9. ActivistIt’s a mad world out there- and lots of â€Å"little guys† need the strong to speak for them. Be a voice for positive change in the world. Help create awareness and compassion for causes most people might not think about or understand.10. Ethics OfficerHold the business world accountable to standards of humanity. You’ll be helping to make sure companies run smoothly and efficiently, but also making sure corners aren’t being cut that will compromise what’s right and good in the world. Make sure the company is honest and help them negotiate tricky spots and problems without sacrificing principles.