Carbon Fiber: Secret Ingredient of the 21st Century

Carbon Fiber: Secret Ingredient of the 21st Century

Carbon Fiber: Secret Ingredient of the 21st Century

Invented in 1879, carbon fiber is now used in

everything from batting helmets to violins.

Carbon Fiber Started With Edison

Thomas Edison stumbled upon a carbon-fiber precursor while experimenting with lightbulb filaments in 1879. He superheated splinters of bamboo and produced strands of carbon that could withstand high temperatures and conduct electricity. Physicist Roger Bacon expanded on this process in 1958, creating "whiskers" roughly 10 times the tensile strength and more than three times the stiffness of steel. Researchers eventually learned how to manufacture these carbon whiskers into a pliable weave, chemically bonding the fibers to substances like plastic to create strong composite materials.



Built for Danger

Because it's so light, carbon fiber is a very useful material for aerospace and racing engineers. Both NASA and Nascar have shifted away from metals in favor of carbon fiber-reinforced components. But lighter vehicles and the resulting increase in fuel efficiency aren't the only advantages: Resistance to heat and stretching during high-speed maneuvers ensures the survival of astronauts and race-car drivers alike.

Many Flavors

All CF is relatively strong; that's why it pops up in aircraft brakes and iPhone cases. However, not all carbon fiber is created equal. Different starting materials, chemical mixes, and baking temperatures all have an impact on the strength and structural integrity of the resulting strands. This variety allows manufacturers to cook up the perfect mix, whether it's for bicycles or buildings.