Product Focus: Comprehensive Guide to Carbon Fiber Materials

Alfa Chemistry stands as a leading provider of carbon fiber manufacturing and advanced composite solutions that meet international industry standards. Our products which exhibit outstanding carbon fiber features such as strength and lightweight design along with versatility establish new performance standards across aerospace and automotive sectors. The complete carbon fiber guide provides information on the properties of carbon fiber materials and helps you quickly select the best carbon fiber material for a specific project.

Online Inquiry View Products

OverviewTypesProductsServicesApplicationsAdvantagesFAQsInsightsContact Form

Overview of Carbon Fiber

Carbon fiber (CF) is a high-performance composite material composed of 95% carbon atoms arranged in a crystalline structure. Its chemical composition ensures extraordinary tensile strength (up to 7,000 MPa) and a density of ≈1.75 g/cm³, making it 50% lighter than steel. Unlike metals, carbon fiber resists corrosion, fatigue, and retains structural integrity at melting temperatures up to 2,000 °C.

Key Performance of Carbon Fiber

Features	Introduction
High strength	Tensile strength above 3500MPa.
High modulus	Elastic modulus above 230GPa.
Low density, high specific strength	The density is 1/4 of steel and 1/2 of aluminum alloy; the specific strength is 16 times greater than steel and 12 times greater than aluminum alloy.
Ultra-high temperature resistance	It can be used at 2000℃ in non-oxidizing atmosphere and melts and softens at 3000℃.
Low temperature resistance	At -180℃, steel becomes more brittle than glass, while carbon fiber remains elastic.
Acid resistance, oil resistance, corrosion resistance	It can withstand the erosion of concentrated hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, etc., and its corrosion resistance exceeds that of gold and platinum. At the same time, it has good oil resistance and corrosion resistance.
Small thermal expansion coefficient, large thermal conductivity	It can withstand rapid cooling and heating, and will not burst even if it suddenly drops from 3000℃ to room temperature.

Types of Carbon Fiber

By Precursor Material

PAN-Based Carbon Fiber

Made from polyacrylonitrile (PAN), this type dominates aerospace and automotive sectors due to its high strength-to-weight ratio.

Pitch-Based Carbon Fiber

Derived from petroleum/coal tar pitch, optimized for thermal conductivity in energy systems.

Rayon-Based Carbon Fiber

Although the productivity is low (only 10%~30%) and the mechanical properties are far inferior to PAN-based carbon fiber, it is lighter, does not contain metal ions, has good thermal insulation effect.

PAN/Pitch/Rayon-Based Carbon Fiber at A Glance

Types	Advantages	Disadvantages	Application Status
PAN-Based	Low production process difficulty, many varieties and moderate prices.	/	It has become the mainstream of carbon fiber.
Pitch-Based	High thermal conductivity, high tensile modulus and strong impact resistance.	The production process is complex and the cost is high.	The current scale is relatively small.
Rayon-Based	Developed early and has high temperature resistance.	The carbonization yield is low, the technical difficulty is high, the equipment is complex and the cost is high.	Mainly used for ablation-resistant materials and thermal insulation materials.

By Performance Grade

Carbon fiber can be divided into small tow and large tow according to the filament counts, and PAN-based carbon fiber can be divided into four categories according to mechanical properties:

High-Strength (HS)

Prioritizes tensile strength for structural components in aerospace and sports equipment (e.g., golf clubs, tennis rackets).

High-Strength Intermediate-Modulus (HS-IM)

Balances strength and stiffness, ideal for missile casings and robotics.

High-Modulus (HM)

Focuses on rigidity for satellite components and precision machinery.

High-Strength High-Modulus (HS-HM)

Combines extreme strength and stiffness for rocket nozzles and advanced defense systems.

Carbon Fiber Classification by Filament Count and Mechanical Properties at A Glance

Classification	Types	Applications/Performance
According to Filament Counts	Small-Tow Carbon Fiber	Filament counts ≤ 24K, mainly used in national defense and aerospace fields.
According to Filament Counts	Large-Tow Carbon Fiber	Filament counts ≥ 48K, mainly used in the industrial field.
According to Mechanical Properties	High-Strength	Tensile strength 3500~5000MPa, tensile elastic modulus 220~260GPa.
	High-Strength Intermediate-Modulus	Tensile strength 4500~7500MPa, tensile elastic modulus 260~350GPa.
	High-Modulus	Tensile strength 3000~5000MPa, tensile elastic modulus 350~400GPa.
	High-Strength High-Modulus	Tensile strength 3500~7000MPa, tensile elastic modulus 350~700GPa.

Note: K number refers to the number of monofilaments in carbon fiber filaments. 1K carbon fiber filament = 1,000 monofilaments.

Carbon Fiber Product Selection Guide for Alfa Chemistry

Alfa Chemistry offers a diverse portfolio of carbon fiber products tailored to meet industrial, aerospace, automotive, and energy needs. Below is a structured guide to help you select the optimal material based on your application requirements.

Catalog No.	Product Name	Filament Count	Tensile Strength	Tensile Modulus	Price
ACMA00030773	Carbon Fiber Yarn-TC-33-1.5K	1.5K	500 ksi/3450 Mpa	33 msi/230Gpa	Inquiry
ACMA00030774	Carbon Fiber Yarn-TC-33-3K	3K	500 ksi/3450 Mpa	33 msi/230Gpa	Inquiry
ACMA00030775	Carbon Fiber Yarn-TC-33-6K	6K	500 ksi/3450 Mpa	33 msi/230Gpa	Inquiry
ACMA00030776	Carbon Fiber Yarn-TC-35-12K	12K	620 ksi/4278 Mpa	35 msi/240Gpa	Inquiry
ACMA00030777	Carbon Fiber Yarn-TC-35-24K	24K	620 ksi/4278 Mpa	35 msi/240Gpa	Inquiry
ACMA00030778	Carbon Fiber Yarn-TC-35-3K	3K	580 ksi/4000 Mpa	35 msi/240Gpa	Inquiry
ACMA00030779	Carbon Fiber Yarn-TC-35-48K	48K	620 ksi/4278 Mpa	35 msi/240Gpa	Inquiry
ACMA00030780	Carbon Fiber Yarn-TC-35-6k	6K	580 ksi/4000 Mpa	35 msi/240Gpa	Inquiry
ACMA00030781	Carbon Fiber Yarn-TC-35R-12k	12K	580 ksi/4000 Mpa	35 msi/240Gpa	Inquiry
ACMA00030782	Carbon Fiber Yarn-TC-35R-24k	24K	580 ksi/4000 Mpa	35 msi/240Gpa	Inquiry
ACMA00030783	Carbon Fiber Yarn-TC-35R-48K	48K	580 ksi/4000 Mpa	35 msi/240Gpa	Inquiry
ACMA00030784	Carbon Fiber Yarn-TC-36P-12K	12K	710 ksi/4900 Mpa	36 msi/250Gpa	Inquiry
ACMA00030785	Carbon Fiber Yarn-TC-36P-24K	24K	710 ksi/4900 Mpa	36 msi/250Gpa	Inquiry
ACMA00030786	Carbon Fiber Yarn-TC-42S-12K	12K	825 ksi/5690 Mpa	42 msi/290Gpa	Inquiry
ACMA00030787	Carbon Fiber Yarn-TC-42S-24K	24K	825 ksi/5690 Mpa	42 msi/290Gpa	Inquiry
ACMA00030788	Carbon Fiber Yarn-TC-55-12K	12K	640 ksi/4400 Mpa	55 msi/380Gpa	Inquiry
ACMA00030789	Carbon Fiber Yarn-TC-55-24K	24K	640 ksi/4400 Mpa	55 msi/380Gpa	Inquiry
ACMA00030790	Carbon Fiber Yarn-TC-780-12K	12K	780 ksi/5380 Mpa	36 msi/250Gpa	Inquiry
ACMA00030791	Carbon Fiber Yarn-TC-780-24K	24K	780 ksi/5380 Mpa	36 msi/250Gpa	Inquiry
ACMA00031238	PAN-Carbon Fiber-Tow-12K-34msi	12K	700 ksi/4827 Mpa	34 msi/234 Gpa	Inquiry
ACMA00031239	PAN-Carbon Fiber-Tow-12K-36msi	12K	710 ksi/4896 Mpa	36 msi/248 Gpa	Inquiry
ACMA00031237	PAN-Carbon Fiber-Tow-12K	12K	710 ksi/4895 Mpa	34 msi/234 Gpa	Inquiry
ACMA00031240	PAN-Carbon Fiber-Tow-12K-41msi	12K	640 ksi/4413 Mpa	41 msi/282 Gpa	Inquiry
ACMA00031241	PAN-Carbon Fiber-Tow-12K-47msi	12K	1010 ksi/6964 Mpa	47 msi/324 Gpa	Inquiry
ACMA00031242	PAN-Carbon Fiber-Tow-12K-49msi	12K	640 ksi/4413 Mpa	49 msi/338 Gpa	Inquiry
ACMA00031243	PAN-Carbon Fiber-Tow-12K-54msi	12K	640 ksi/4413 Mpa	54 msi/372 Gpa	Inquiry
ACMA00031244	PAN-Carbon Fiber-Tow-12K-62msi	12K	670 ksi/4620 Mpa	62 msi/427 Gpa	Inquiry
ACMA00031245	PAN-Carbon Fiber-Tow-15K-34msi	15K	710 ksi/4895 Mpa	34 msi/234 Gpa	Inquiry
ACMA00031246	PAN-Carbon Fiber-Tow-18K-36msi	18K	770 ksi/5309 Mpa	36 msi/248 Gpa	Inquiry
ACMA00031247	PAN-Carbon Fiber-Tow-24K-34msi	24K	700 ksi/4827 Mpa	34 msi/234 Gpa	Inquiry
ACMA00031248	PAN-Carbon Fiber-Tow-24K-41msi	24K	820 ksi/5654 Mpa	41 msi/283 Gpa	Inquiry
ACMA00031250	PAN-Carbon Fiber-Tow-30K-37msi	30K	810 ksi/5585 Mpa	37 msi/255 Gpa	Inquiry
ACMA00031249	PAN-Carbon Fiber-Tow-30K	30K	810 ksi/5585 Mpa	37 msi/255 Gpa	Inquiry
ACMA00031251	PAN-Carbon Fiber-Tow-3K-34msi	3K	600 ksi/4137 Mpa	34 msi/234 Gpa	Inquiry
ACMA00031252	PAN-Carbon Fiber-Tow-48K-34msi	48K	650 ksi/4482 Mpa	34 msi/234 Gpa	Inquiry
ACMA00031253	PAN-Carbon Fiber-Tow-50K-35msi	50K	600 ksi/4137 Mpa	35 msi/241 Gpa	Inquiry
ACMA00031254	PAN-Carbon Fiber-Tow-60K-36msi	60K	700 ksi/4827 Mpa	36 msi/248 Gpa	Inquiry
ACMA00031255	PAN-Carbon Fiber-Tow-60K-37msi	60K	810 ksi/5585 Mpa	37 msi/255 Gpa	Inquiry
ACMA00031257	PAN-Carbon Fiber-Tow-6K-34msi	6K	600 ksi/4137 Mpa	34 msi/234 Gpa	Inquiry
ACMA00031256	PAN-Carbon Fiber-Tow-6K	6K	710 ksi/4895 Mpa	34 msi/234 Gpa	Inquiry
ACMA00031425	Pitch-based Carbon Fiber-Continuous-12K-110 W/m * K	12K	460 ksi/3172 Mpa	61 msi/420 Gpa	Inquiry
ACMA00031426	Pitch-based Carbon Fiber-Continuous-12K-140 W/m * K	12K	380 ksi/2620 Mpa	92 msi/634 Gpa	Inquiry
ACMA00031427	Pitch-based Carbon Fiber-Continuous-12K-220 W/m * K	12K	380 ksi/2620 Mpa	114 msi/786 Gpa	Inquiry
ACMA00031428	Pitch-based Carbon Fiber-Continuous-16K-200 W/m * K	16K	435 ksi/2999 Mpa	110 msi/758 Gpa	Inquiry
ACMA00031429	Pitch-based Carbon Fiber-Continuous-2k-140 W/m * K	2k	530 ksi/3654 Mpa	90 msi/620 Gpa	Inquiry
ACMA00031430	Pitch-based Carbon Fiber-Continuous-2K-210 W/m * K	2K	530 ksi/3654 Mpa	90 msi/620 Gpa	Inquiry
ACMA00031431	Pitch-based Carbon Fiber-Continuous-2K-620 W/m * K	2K	550 ksi/3792 Mpa	130 msi/896 Gpa	Inquiry
ACMA00031432	Pitch-based Carbon Fiber-Continuous-2K-800 W/m * K	2K	535 ksi/3689 Mpa	135 msi/931 Gpa	Inquiry
ACMA00031433	Pitch-based Carbon Fiber-Continuous-6K-580 W/m * K	6K	520 ksi/3585 Mpa	130 msi/896 Gpa	Inquiry

Solutions for Carbon Fiber Materials

Alfa Chemistry provides end-to-end support beyond carbon fiber supply, ensuring your materials meet the highest performance standards. Our specialized services address critical challenges in composite design, processing, and application optimization.

Carbon Fiber Performance Testing

Validate material properties (i.e., mechanical testing, thermal analysis, and chemical characterization) and compliance with industry specifications through our advanced testing lab.

Learn More

Surface Modification Services

Enhance fiber-matrix bonding and functional performance with tailored surface treatments, such as chemical functionalization, etch modification, as well as nanoscale coatings.

Learn More

Carbon Fiber Applications: Expanding Frontiers Across Industries

Carbon fiber has high specific strength and high specific stiffness performance that is unmatched by any other material at present. It also has corrosion resistance and fatigue resistance. It is widely used in the defense industry and high-performance civilian fields, involving aerospace, marine engineering, new energy equipment, engineering machinery, transportation facilities, etc. It is a strategic new material that is urgently needed by the global manufacturing industry and has broad application prospects.

Aerospace & Defense

For reducing weight while maintaining structural integrity.

Wind Energy

Wind turbine blades increasingly rely on carbon fiber for lightweight, high-stiffness solutions.

Automotive & Transportation

Lightweighting with carbon fiber enhances EV range and performance.

Sports & Leisure

Carbon fiber dominates high-performance sports equipment.

Industrial & Infrastructure

Carbon fiber's corrosion resistance and durability revolutionize traditional sectors.

Emerging Applications

Carbon fiber materials are also emerging in fields such as medical devices and consumer electronics.

Why Choose Alfa Chemistry?

Comprehensive Product Portfolio

A diverse range of PAN-based and pitch-based carbon fibers, spanning small-tow to large-tow options, tailored for aerospace, automotive, wind energy, and industrial applications.

Advanced Technical Expertise

Our ISO-certified labs provide performance testing and surface modification solutions.

Global Compliance & Scalability

All products meet stringent industry standards, ensuring global market access. Scalable production capabilities support projects, backed by end-to-end technical support.

FAQs About Carbon Fiber

How does carbon fiber compare to metal materials like steel or aluminum?

Carbon fiber is about 50% lighter than steel and 30% lighter than aluminum while offering significantly higher specific strength. In the table below, we also summarize the performance comparison of carbon fiber with other major materials for reference, including glass fiber, aluminum alloy, titanium alloy, and high-strength steel.

Comparison of carbon fiber performance with other major materials

Material	Density (g/cm³)	Tensile Strength (GPa)	Tensile Modulus (GPa)
Carbon Fiber	1.5-2	2-7	200-700
Glass Fiber	2	1.5	42
Aluminum Alloy	2.8	0.47	7
Titanium Alloy	4.5	0.96	114
High-Strength Steel	7.8	1.08	210

What's the cost comparison between carbon fiber and traditional materials?

Carbon fiber is more expensive than steel or aluminum, but it delivers better performance, longer life, and weight savings in return.

Why is carbon fiber expensive?

Key cost drivers include precursor costs, energy-intensive processes, low production speed and post-processing costs.

Can carbon fiber be customized for specific applications?

Yes. Through surface treatment, tow count adjustment, or matrix selection (like PEEK, PI), properties can be optimized for your needs.

How do I choose the right type of carbon fiber for my project?

Consider strength, modulus, filament count, thermal needs, and compatibility with matrix materials. Alfa Chemistry can assist with selection.

What are the molding methods of carbon fiber reinforced composites?

Several advanced techniques enable shaping carbon fiber composites including resin transfer molding (RTM), autoclave curing, compression molding, filament winding, and additive manufacturing processes.

Is carbon fiber conductive? How does it compare with traditional conductive materials such as copper?

The resistivity value of carbon fiber is between 0.9E-3Ω/cm and 1.6E-3Ω/cm, indicating that it is conductive. For comparison, copper has 0.017 µΩ·m. Despite its lower conductivity compared to copper carbon fiber stands out in mixed-use applications such as aerospace EMI shielding because of its lightweight and multifunctional properties. Learn more about Carbon Fiber Conductivity: Myths, Facts, and Applications.

Industry Insights: Five Major Carbon Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastic Composites

Carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic (CFRTP) composites are reshaping material solutions across advanced industries, offering superior impact resistance, recyclability, and rapid manufacturing advantages over traditional thermoset composites. Among these, the following five CFRTPs stand out for their distinctive performance profiles and expanding application scope:

Composite Type	Key Attributes	Industry Applications	Industry Insight
Carbon Fiber Reinforced PPS	Excellent chemical resistance, flame retardant, heat stable (up to 260°C)	Automotive (under-the-hood), electrical connectors, aerospace interiors	Replacing metals in EV powertrain systems for thermal and chemical resistance
Carbon Fiber Reinforced PI	Exceptional thermal resistance (up to 500°C), low outgassing, high creep resistance	Aerospace (thermal insulators), military (heat shields), electronics	Gaining traction in high-temp aerospace and propulsion applications
Carbon Fiber Reinforced PA (Nylon)	Tough, cost-effective, easy to process	Automotive structural parts, industrial gears, consumer goods	Ideal for high-volume injection molding and automotive lightweighting
Carbon Fiber Reinforced PEEK	High strength, chemical resistance, thermally stable (up to 260°C)	Aerospace brackets, medical implants, oil & gas	Used in medical and aerospace fields where high strength and biocompatibility are critical
Carbon Fiber/PEI Composites	Strong, flame retardant, dimensionally stable	Aerospace interior panels, rail transit, semiconductors	Replacing metals in interiors for fire safety and thermoformability in mass transit and aviation

Get Started Today

For more details, explore our product catalog or contact our experts.