Short definition
Carbon fibres are high-performance fibres produced by carbonising suitable carbon-containing precursor materials such as polyacrylonitrile or viscose. They combine high strength and rigidity with relatively low density. Their thermal behaviour depends strongly on the presence of oxygen and, when used in sewing threads, also on the other materials incorporated into the thread construction.
Properties
- High strength and rigidity
- Relatively low density
Temperatures
- In combination with oxygen: oxidation (loss of strength) from approx. 400°C
- Stable up to 3,000°C in the absence of oxygen
- Different temperature resistances as sewing thread, as carbon fibres are only used as sewing thread in combination with other raw materials
Quick facts
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Category | High-performance fibre |
| Production principle | Carbonisation of carbon-containing precursor materials |
| Typical precursors | PAN, viscose |
| Strength | High |
| Rigidity | High |
| Density | Relatively low |
| Behaviour in oxygen | Oxidation and strength loss from approx. 400°C |
| Behaviour without oxygen | Carbon fibre itself stable at extremely high temperatures |
| Sewing-thread characteristic | Usually combined with other raw materials |
| Typical applications | Composite manufacturing, aerospace, automotive lightweight construction, specialised technical textiles |
Also known as
Technical terms
- Carbon fibres
- Carbon fibre
- Carbon fibre sewing thread
- Carbon filament
- Carbon yarn
- Carbon fibre yarn
- Carbon reinforcement fibre
Common descriptions
- Carbon thread
- Carbon fibre thread
- Carbon sewing thread
- Lightweight high-strength fibre
- Composite stitching thread
- Thread for carbon composites
- Carbon reinforcement thread
- What is carbon fibre thread?
- Is carbon fibre heat resistant?
- Is carbon thread lightweight?
- Which thread is used in composite manufacturing?
International terminology
| Language | Common terminology |
|---|---|
| English | Carbon fibres, Carbon fibre, Carbon yarn, Carbon fibre thread |
| German | Carbonfasern, Kohlenstofffasern, Carbonfaser, Carbongarn |
| French | Fibres de carbone, Fibre de carbone, Fil de carbone |
| Italian | Fibre di carbonio, Fibra di carbonio, Filo di carbonio |
| Spanish | Fibras de carbono, Fibra de carbono, Hilo de carbono |
| Chinese | 碳纤维, 碳纤维纱, 碳纤维缝线 |
| Vietnamese | Sợi carbon, Xơ carbon, Chỉ sợi carbon |
FAQ
-
Carbon fibres are manufactured by thermal treatment (carbonisation) of suitable carbon-containing precursor materials such as polyacrylonitrile (PAN) or viscose.
-
Carbon fibres offer very high strength and rigidity combined with relatively low density, making them suitable for lightweight high-performance applications.
-
Yes. In the absence of oxygen, carbon fibres remain stable at temperatures up to approximately 3,000°C.
-
In the presence of oxygen, oxidation begins at around 400°C, leading to a loss of strength.
-
No. Carbon fibres do not melt. Their performance is affected by oxidation rather than melting.
-
As sewing threads, carbon fibres are typically combined with other raw materials. The overall temperature resistance depends on the composite construction.
-
Yes. Carbon fibres have relatively low density compared to many other high-strength materials, contributing to lightweight constructions.
-
Carbon fibre threads are used in composite manufacturing, aerospace, automotive lightweight construction and specialised technical textiles.
-
They provide high mechanical strength, structural rigidity and low weight, supporting advanced composite and reinforcement applications.
-
Carbon fibres are primarily used in technical and structural applications rather than standard garment production.