Recent Advances in Carbon-Fiber Reinforced Composites

Dear Colleagues,

Carbon fibers are highly required in the fabrication of a multitude of composites ranging from polymers and resins to concrete, asphalt or geopolymers, to textile technology or ceramics. They have extraordinary properties such as high strength, low weight, high stiffness, high electrical conductivity, and high resistance to corrosion and heat. Depending on the type, they can be used to improve the mechanical, electrical, or thermal properties of composites. These enhanced properties enable its use in numerous applications like wind energy, the automotive industry, aerospace, sports, architecture, and civil engineering, among many other industries. Carbon fibers are widely used for thermal, acoustic and vibration insulation, and also as external reinforcement. They are commercially available in the form of continuous or discontinuous unidirectional fibers, woven fabric of stacked fabric layers with different orientations, felts, milled fibers, etc. Carbon fibers can contribute to sustainable solutions like lightweight composites, alternative energies, and energy efficiency. The surface modification brings about the improvement of some of their properties (flame resistance, bonding, etc.).

Nevertheless, there is still work to be done. Even though carbon fibers are considered a cost-efficient material, they are still expensive. A major drawback could be their dispersion when mixing with other materials. The characterization of the different composites and their multiple applications represent a vast field of research.

This Special Issue will focus on recent advances in the carbon-fiber reinforced composites field. Topics can include, but are not limited to:

• Fiber to matrix bonding
• Mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties of composites
• Durability
• Sustainability
• Structural and non-structural applications of carbon fibers

Dr. Oscar Galao
Dr. Francisco B. Varona Moya
Guest Editors

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