Continuous Carbon Nanofibers for Structural Composites

Continuous carbon nanofibers offer advantages over carbon nanotubes.

A program of research has addressed key issues in the production of continuous carbon nanofibers and the utilization of carbon nanofibers as the reinforcing components in matrix/fiber composite materials. The goal of this research is to contribute to the development of advanced lightweight structural composites in which the exceptionally high strengths of carbon nanofibers are exploited to obtain mechanical strengths, delamination toughnesses, and fatigue lives greater than would otherwise be possible.