Carbon by the Number
This article introduces carbon as a foundational chemical element, explaining its natural forms, chemical reactivity, industrial uses, and essential role as the building block of life.
Read More
Carbon Fiber Materials
High-strength carbon reinforcement materials engineered for lightweight structural performance, conductivity, and durability in advanced industrial applications.
Carbon fibers are high-performance materials known for their exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, offering up to five times the strength of steel while remaining significantly lighter. These fibers provide excellent mechanical strength, wear resistance, chemical stability, and fatigue resistance, making them valuable reinforcement additives in polymers, coatings, and composite systems.
Carbon fibers also offer high temperature resistance, low thermal expansion, and potential electrical or thermal conductivity, depending on the precursor material used in manufacturing.
Carbon Fiber
Carbon fibers are manufactured by spinning a polymer precursor material into fibers and then thermally treating the fibers at high temperatures to develop a graphite-like carbon structure. This heat treatment aligns the carbon molecular structure along the fiber axis, producing extremely strong covalent bonds that give carbon fibers their high tensile strength and stiffness.
Common precursor materials used to manufacture carbon fibers include Polyacrylonitrile (PAN), Oxidized PAN, and Petroleum Pitch. Asbury supplies carbon fibers in several forms including Chopped Carbon Fibers and Milled Carbon Fibers. These materials are used as reinforcement additives in coatings, composites, polymers, and engineered materials.
Properties
Major Carbon Fiber Properties
Carbon fibers offer a unique combination of mechanical strength and functional performance.
- Very high strength-to-weight ratio
- High tensile strength and modulus
- Excellent wear and fatigue resistance
- Low thermal expansion
- High temperature tolerance
- Chemical resistance
- Electrical and thermal conductivity (depending on precursor)
- Low density compared to metals
Applications
Carbon Fiber Applications
Carbon fibers are used in demanding industrial applications where lightweight strength and performance are required.
Coatings, Paint & Polish
Improves durability, wear resistance, and electrostatic dissipation in specialty coatings.
Friction Products
Enhances wear resistance, mechanical strength, and thermal stability in friction materials.
Plastics & Polymers
Provides reinforcement and conductivity in polymer compounds and composite materials.
How It Works
Carbon Fiber Precursors
The performance characteristics of carbon fibers depend largely on the precursor material used in manufacturing.
- Oxidized PAN fibers are often used where thermal stability and oxidation resistance are important.
- PAN-based fibers are the most widely used and provide excellent mechanical strength and durability.
- Pitch-based fibers offer higher thermal and electrical conductivity and are commonly used in specialized applications requiring thermal management or electrical performance.
Fiber Forms
Carbon fibers are commonly supplied in chopped or milled forms for use as additives in coatings, composites, and polymer compounds.
- Chopped fibers provide structural reinforcement and improved mechanical performance.
- Milled fibers offer shorter fiber lengths that disperse more easily in coatings, polymers, and specialty compounds.
Fiber Sizing Options
Chopped carbon fibers may include surface treatments or sizing to improve compatibility with specific resin systems.
Common sizing options include:
- Epoxy sizing – compatible with epoxy-based systems
- Polyurethane sizing – suitable for many thermoplastic and thermoset resins
- Hydrophilic sizing – designed for water-dispersed systems
- High-temperature sizing – optimized for elevated temperature applications
WHY ASBURY
Your Global Supply Partner of Carbon Fiber Materials
Asbury Advanced Materials supplies chopped and milled carbon fibers derived from PAN, oxidized PAN, and pitch precursors to support coatings, polymer reinforcement, friction materials, and advanced industrial applications.
Decades of Materials Expertise
Deep experience across carbon, graphite, and specialty materials—supporting complex, real-world applications.
Technical & Manufacturing Depth
Knowledgeable teams who understand material behavior, processing requirements, and application constraints.
Consistency, Quality & Control
Reliable materials processed to meet demanding specifications, batch after batch.
Global Reach & Supply Reliability
A diversified sourcing and distribution network designed to support customers wherever they operate.
Resources
