Blog

Sunlight May Degrade Plastics
Many plastics will degrade in sunlight without the addition of light blockers, stabilizers or UV absorbers. Materials may discolor, crack or completely disintegrate. While the UV degradation of a polymer in sunlight is usually only .05 deep in the material’s surface the highly brittle nature of some plastics may lead to complete component failure.
Signs of UV Degradation
*Brittle outer layer (loss of tensile elongation)
*Reduction in molecular weight
*Loss in mechanical properties
*Change in chemical properties
*Discoloration, … Read more

Carbon Fibers in Plastic Materials
The use of carbon fibers in plastic materials has a long history.  As early as 1879, Thomas Edison was experimenting with carbon fibers made from cotton threads and bamboo slivers.  In fact, the first incandescent light bulb heated by electricity contained carbon fibers. 
In the 1960’s, Dr. Akio Shindo at the Agency of Industrial Science and Technology in Japan developed a carbon fiber based on polyacrylonitrile (PAN).  … Read more

CFRP
Carbon Fiber Reinforce Plastics (CFRP) have long been used in high-performance race cars. However, the cost as well as the manufacturing time of components has made CFRP prohibitive for consumer applications. But that is changing.
Strong and Light Weight
Parts made from Carbon Reinforced Plastics can absorb twelve time more energy than steel improving safety. CFRP is fifty times lighter than steel and thirty times lighter than aluminum making a car built from it significantly more fuel efficient. … Read more