Carbon Fiber Unidirectional Fabric : Precision Reinforcement For Aerospace , Automotive & Structural Engineering​

​​1. Product Introduction​​

Carbon Fiber Unidirectional Fabric (UD) is engineered for maximum strength and stiffness in a single directional orientation. Composed of continuous carbon fibers aligned parallel to one axis, this material delivers unparalleled performance in structural applications where directional load-bearing is critical. Key features:

• ​​Directional Strength​​: Up to ​​5,000 MPa tensile strength​​ along the fiber axis, ideal for aerospace, automotive, and wind energy sectors

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• ​​Lightweight​​: Density as low as ​​1.5–2.0 g/cm³​​, reducing overall component weight by 30–50% compared to metals

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• ​​Fatigue Resistance​​: Maintains integrity under cyclic stress, making it suitable for high-stress environments like aircraft wings

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• ​​Thermal Stability​​: Operates effectively up to ​​300°C​​ without significant degradation

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• ​​Corrosion Resistance​​: Impervious to acids, alkalis, and moisture, ideal for marine and industrial applications

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​​2. Manufacturing Process​​

1. ​​Precursor Processing​​:

   • Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibers undergo stabilization (200–300°C) and carbonization (1,000–3,000°C) to form graphite-like structures

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2. ​​Fiber Alignment​​:

   • Carbon filaments (5–25 µm diameter) are aligned unidirectionally using automated spreading machines.

3. ​​Resin Impregnation​​:

   • Fibers are coated with epoxy, polyester, or vinyl ester resin to enhance adhesion and durability

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4. ​​Layer Consolidation​​:

   • Multiple UD layers are stacked and stitched or bonded to form multi-directional composites

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5. ​​Curing​​:

   • Heat and pressure (120–150°C, 0.5–1.0 MPa) ensure full resin curing and void elimination

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​​3. Usage Precautions​​

• ​​Handling​​:

  • Wear ​​PPE (gloves, goggles)​​ to avoid fiber irritation; use sharp tools cautiously to prevent breakage

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• ​​Resin Compatibility​​:

  • Match UD type (e.g., standard modulus vs. high modulus) with epoxy, polyester, or vinyl ester resins

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• ​​Curing Conditions​​:

  • Maintain ​​120–150°C​​ and ​​0.5–1.0 MPa pressure​​ during curing to eliminate voids

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• ​​Storage​​:

  • Store in dry, ventilated areas (humidity <60%); avoid prolonged UV exposure to prevent coating degradation

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​​4. Specifications​

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5. Applications & Case Studies​​

​​A. Aerospace​​

• ​​Aircraft Components​​: Reinforces fuselage panels, wings, and engine mounts for lightweight durability.

  • Case: Boeing 787 Dreamliner uses UD fabric in wing structures to reduce weight by 20%.

    
    

​​B. Automotive​​

• ​​Performance Vehicles​​: Enhances strength of EV chassis and suspension components.

  • Case: Tesla Model S uses UD fabric in battery trays for crash resistance

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​​C. Wind Energy​​

• ​​Turbine Blades​​: Reinforces leading edges to withstand high wind loads and fatigue.

  • Case: GE Haliade-X offshore wind turbine blades use UD fabric for extended lifespan

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​​D. Marine​​

• ​​Boat Hulls​​: Corrosion-resistant alternative to steel/aluminum.

  • Case: Benetti superyachts employ UD fabric in hull laminates for 15+ years of saltwater durability

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​​E. Civil Engineering​​

• ​​Bridge Reinforcements​​: Restores load-bearing capacity of deteriorated structures.

  • Case: Shanghai Tower’s seismic retrofit uses UD fabric-reinforced concrete columns

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​​F. Sports Equipment​​

• ​​Bicycle Frames​​: Lightweight yet durable frames for racing bikes.

  • Case: Trek Emonda SLR uses UD fabric to achieve a 15% weight reduction

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