Carbon fiber vs. glass fiber: Why is there such a big difference in price and performance between the two fibers?
Fiberglass is like a tough vine, very strong and not easily broken, but it will bend noticeably if you try to pull it.
Carbon fiber is like a hard steel bar, not only strong but also extremely resistant to deformation. If you try to bend it with the same force, it will hardly budge.
This "unyielding" characteristic is crucial in high-end fields. For example:
(1) Formula 1 racing: The frame must be extremely rigid to maintain precise handling during high-speed cornering; any slight deformation is fatal.
(2) Aerospace: Wings and fuselage structures require minimal deformation under high loads to ensure aerodynamic performance and safety.
(3) Top-tier badminton rackets: The smaller the frame deformation at the moment of impact, the more direct the power transmission and the clearer the feel – this is the experience brought by "high-modulus carbon fiber".
Carbon fiber's Achilles' heel:
(1) Brittleness: Although hard and strong, it has poor impact resistance and is prone to breaking rather than bending when violently struck by a sharp object. (2) Conductivity: This is both an advantage and a disadvantage. In applications requiring insulation (such as electrical equipment), it becomes a potential hazard.
(3) Price: To reiterate, expensive!
The "Survival Wisdom" of Fiberglass
(1) Good Toughness: Stronger impact resistance than carbon fiber; upon impact, it may only crack rather than shatter instantly.
(2) Good Insulation: An excellent electrical insulation material with a wider range of applications.
(3) Cost Advantage: In applications where extreme rigidity and lightweight are not required, it is the undisputed king of cost-effectiveness. Application Scenarios
The "division of labor" between the two fibers is already clear, essentially a balance between "performance requirements" and "cost budget":
Carbon fiber: The "performance king" in high-end fields
(1) Aerospace: Aircraft fuselages, satellite supports (30% weight reduction significantly reduces fuel consumption and launch costs);
(2) High-end manufacturing: Supercar bodies, F1 racing car parts, carbon fiber wheels (balancing strength and lightweight);
(3) Sporting goods: High-end badminton rackets, fishing rods, skis (high elastic modulus, more precise feel);
(4) Special scenarios: Medical equipment, military equipment (high temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, and no magnetic interference).
Fiberglass: A Practical Tool for People's Livelihood
(1) Construction Industry: Exterior wall insulation boards, fiberglass roofing sheets, anti-corrosion wall panels (strong weather resistance, low price);
(2) Transportation: Refrigerated truck compartments, RV shells, ordinary ship hulls (corrosion resistant, easy to mold);
(3) Electronics and Electrical: Circuit board substrates, insulating sleeves (good insulation, high cost performance);
(4) Daily Necessities: Fiberglass furniture, environmentally friendly trash cans, pipes (durable and cost-effective).