Conventional synthetic materials, like metals, ceramics or glass, are usually isotropic substances, and their suitability for structural applications is achieved by morphological design and combination in the macroscopic scale. However, in modem engineering this is often not acceptable. As an alternative, the use of non-homogeneous, anisotropic materials, with significant stiffness and strength only in the directions these mechanical properties are really needed, can lead to enormous material (and weight) savings. This is the case of multiphase systems called composite materials. In these composites, different material parts are added and arranged geometrically, under clearly designed and controlled conditions. Usually, a structure of fibers provides strength and stiffness and a matrix helds them together, whilst providing the geometric form. Carbon fibers are among the high-performance fibers employed in these advanced structural composites, which are profoundly changing many of today's high technology industries. New research and development challenges in this area include upgrading the manufacturing process of fibers and composites, in order to improve characteristics and reduce costs, and modifying the interfacial properties between fibers and matrix, to guarantee better mechanical properties. The interdisciplinary nature of this "new frontier" is obvious, involving chemistry, materials science, chemical and mechanical engineering. Other topics, which more often are treated separately, are also important for the understanding of the processes of fiber production. Carbon filaments is one such topic, as the study of their mechanisms of nucleation and growth is clearly quite relevant to the production of vapour-grown carbon fibers.

Most literature pertaining to carbon fibers is of a theoretical nature. Carbon Fibers and their Composites offers a comprehensive look at the specific manufacturing of carbon fibers and graphite fibers into the growing surge of diverse applications that include flameproof materials, protective coatings, biomedical and prosthetics application

In Carbon Fiber Composites, the reader is introduced to a wide range of carbon fiber composites, including polymer-matrix, metal matrix, carbon-matrix, ceramic-matrix and hybrid composites. The subject is examined in a tutorial fashion, so that no prior knowledge of the field is required. In contrast to other books on composites, this book emphasizes materials rather than mechanics, as the prominence of composite materials has resulted from their increased presence in applications other than structure. Provides up-to-date information on the entire spectrum of carbon fiber composites Emphasizes processing as the foundation of composite materials development Addresses the processing, properties and applications of each type of material systematically

Carbon Fibers presents an up-to-date review of the progress pertaining to the formation of carbon fibers from rayon, acrylic, and pitch precursors. The book emphasizes the preparation, characterization, and properties of commercial materials. It also considers the compressive properties of carbon fibers, the lack of correlation between surface characterization and fiber-matrix interactions, and the discrepancy between surface composition as determined by XPS and the reaction of surface groups with chemical reagents. Other topics discussed include:

"Third Edition offers the latest information on the structural, surface, mechanical, electronic, thermal, and magnetic properties of carbon fibers as well as their manufacture and industrial applications from many of the world's most distinguished specialists in the field. "

Military use of advanced polymer matrix composites (PMC)â€"consisting of a resin matrix reinforced by high-performance carbon or organic fibersâ€"while extensive, accounts for less that 10 percent of the domestic market. Nevertheless, advanced composites are expected to play an even greater role in future military systems, and DOD will continue to require access to reliable sources of affordable, high-performance fibers including commercial materials and manufacturing processes. As a result of these forecasts, DOD requested the NRC to assess the challenges and opportunities associated with advanced PMCs with emphasis on high-performance fibers. This report provides an assessment of fiber technology and industries, a discussion of R&D opportunities for DOD, and recommendations about accelerating technology transition, reducing costs, and improving understanding of design methodology and promising technologies.

The major areas of carbon-carbon materials and composites are described in this comprehensive volume. It presents data and technology on the materials and structures developed for the production of carbon-carbon materials and composites. The text is composed of papers by 13 noted authors in their areas of expertise relating to the processes and production of these material systems and structures. The subject matter in the book is arranged to lead the reader through materials processing, fabrication, structural analysis, and applications of typical carbon-carbon products. The information provided includes: fiber technology, matrix material, design of composite structures, manufacturing techniques, engineering mechanics, protective coatings, and structural applications using carbon-carbon materials and composites.