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Strength & Durability
Standard and custom products developed and produced here at Composite Resources are manufactured from a variety of composite and hybrid composite materials. Composites are very versatile – our designers can select from a broad range of resins and fibers to attain the preferred material properties, in terms of strength, durability, and other characteristics. In this section, we'll review the excellent durability and strength characteristics of composites.
Carbon fiber composites and hybrid composites have numerous advantages over steel, aluminum, and other metals. When compared to steel and aluminum, composites have superior mechanical properties, including higher specific strength (the strength rating divided by the density factor) and higher specific stiffness (stiffness rating divided by the density factor). A comparison of two composites, an aluminum grade, and mild steel is shown below. The composites are presented in ranges, since different composite fibers and resins will have different ratings.
| Fiberglass Composite | Carbon Fiber Composite | Mild Steel | Aluminum (6061 TS) | |
| Stiffness (psi) | 1,000,000 to 1,500,000 | 8,000,000 to 10,000,000 | 30,000,000 | 10,000,000 |
| Strength (psi) | 20,000 to 35,000 | 50,000 to 90,000 | 60,000 | 35,000 |
| Density (lb/cubic inch) | 0.072 |
0.057 | 0.30 | 0.10 |
| Specific Stiffness | 18,000,000 to 27,000,000 | 160,000,000 to 200,000,000 | 100,000,000 | 100,000,000 |
| Specific Strength | 350,000 to 650,000 | 1,000,000 to 1,800,000 | 200,000 | 350,000 |
Composite materials deliver greater strength than various grades of aluminum, and equivalent strength to steel. In addition, composites' strength can be improved, depending on the materials, fiber orientation (bi-directional or unidirectional), and various fiber lay-up angles that are used.
Carbon fiber composites (as well as other hybrid composites) with high specific strengths can handle and carry very high loads. There are many applications, including:
- Race Car Chassis and Components
- Golf Club Shafts
- Satellite and Radio Antenna Structures
- Aircraft Surfaces and Components
- Fishing Poles
For industrial and recreational projects and components, composites will outperform metals, being more durable and long lasting in any sort of harsh and corrosive environment. Composites' strength and stiffness properties are also superior to aluminum and steel, and can be formed, machined and fabricated into practically any specification required.
