Fiberglass vs carbon fiber are two types of goods that are often found in cars and ships. Both can be regarded as rival materials for the manufacture of cars, ships, or other equipment. Although the two are rivals, they have something in common. Therefore, sometimes the two materials are used together even in different areas.
Even though they have similarities, they still have differences because the characteristics are not the same. As a consideration, know the difference between the two if you are confused about which one to use. Fiberglass and carbon fiber have unique characteristics. So you need to understand and finally be able to choose one, or even both.
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All About Fiberglass
Fiberglass material is made of glass fiber or silica fiber, while carbon fiber is made of organic polymers, and that is the difference between fiberglass vs carbon fiber. Glass fiber is obtained from heated silica sand, then pulled into a very fine fibrous thread. So this thread has a very high tensile strength.
Fiberglass is often used to make boat hulls, cars, or other equipment. This is because the fiberglass material is lightweight but has high strength. In addition, fiberglass is also used for insulation in houses and buildings of public facilities and businesses.
All about Carbon Fiber
As already mentioned, carbon fiber is made of organic polymers. The manufacturing process also goes through the heating stage but at a lower temperature than fiberglass. The difference between fiberglass vs carbon fiber is if the glass fiber is initially in the form of sand, while the carbon fiber is initially in the form of crystals.
The crystals are then heated at low temperatures and undergo a series of chemical processes, from complex mechanical, to thermal. The resulting product is carbon fiber with high strength to weight characteristics. This carbon fiber is used for the completeness of tools, even motorsport parts.
In addition, carbon fiber, which has ten times more strength than steel, is also used in the manufacture of shafts in golf clubs. This material is also often used in the manufacture of ship hulls, cars, and airplanes.
Fiberglass Vs Carbon Fiber: General Differences
Fiberglass vs carbon fiber has differences based on the characteristics of each. But basically, both of them provide benefits, especially in terms of material needs. Both can also be used interchangeably in everyday industrial equipment applications.
In Terms Of TextureFiberglass and carbon fiber are easy to identify these materials. Moreover, they are both made of different materials. Fiberglass is made of glass fibers, while carbon fiber is made of tiny strands of carbon atoms. The two materials can be used separately. However, it can also be combined or combined with the help of epoxy resin so that it can be shaped as needed.
The result of these two ingredients being mixed is a fine, sturdy compound. The result of this mixing also produces a product that is stronger than steel but still has a lightweight. Fiberglass vs carbon fiber will collaborate, making it suitable for project materials.
Fiberglass Vs Carbon Fiber Strength
In terms of materials, the two already have differences. Likewise, about the strength provided between fiberglass vs carbon fiber. Suppose you want to use these materials for the manufacture of cars. You can add polyurethane resin to carbon fiber materials. It is not recommended to add polyurethane resin to fiberglass.
If at the stage of installing materials for the manufacture of cars, fiberglass will be stiffer than carbon fiber. But this might be useful if applied to the automotive industry. In the manufacturing of heavy components in cars, such as car hoods, doors, and body kits, it is advisable to use carbon fiber.
Based on durability, carbon fiber has 20% greater strength than fiberglass. In addition, carbon fiber material provides strength to weight ratio, which is two times greater than fiberglass.
Fiberglass Vs Carbon Fiber Price
Because carbon fiber has higher strength, it is also more expensive than fiberglass. For this reason, fiberglass is more efficient than carbon fiber. In addition, the higher price is also due to the production process of carbon fiber which is more intensive than fiberglass.
However, for durability and flexibility, consumers prefer to use fiberglass over carbon fiber. The abundance of fiberglass in wide applications and low production costs are the deciding factors. As for carbon fiber materials, there are few manufacturers in their industry.
Fiberglass vs carbon fiber, both have good resistance to weight ratio. Both are also the preferred materials for various applications. However, if you have to use them interchangeably, it might be said to be less accurate. So it’s better to use one or a combination.
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