1. Lightweight
The main reason for the application of carbon fiber in automobiles is the lightweight of automobiles it brings. At present, steel materials account for about 3/4 of the weight of the car body. If all the steel parts of the car are replaced by carbon fiber composite materials, the weight of the car body can be reduced by 300kg.
2. Safety
Compared with steel, carbon fiber composite materials are 50% of the weight of steel, but their energy absorption capacity in collisions is 4 to 5 times higher than that of steel. Carbon fiber composite materials are used to manufacture the front frame and bumper skeleton of the car. The spire-shaped carbon fiber crush column is woven from countless thick carbon fibers. Although the structure is still extremely strong, through the design of materials, processes and product structures, this crush column can be broken into countless small fragments in a frontal collision, thereby absorbing a large amount of energy, and the fragments will not cause harm to people, ensuring the safety of the car.
3. Fuel economy
Due to global warming and the continuous occurrence of natural disasters, countries are making unremitting efforts to save energy and reduce emissions. Reducing carbon emissions will be the mainstream of future development. The lighter the car, the better the fuel economy. When the weight of the car body is reduced by 300kg, the fuel efficiency is improved by 36%, and the carbon dioxide emissions can be reduced by 17%, which can effectively save energy and protect the environment.
4. The production process is more environmentally friendly and energy-saving
Carbon fiber parts are bonded by adhesives, and the whole process is more environmentally friendly than traditional methods. For example, BMW I production can currently produce about 100 i3s and 10 to 12 i8s per day. The manufacturing process saves 50% electricity and 70% water compared to traditional automobile manufacturing.
The physical properties of carbon fiber determine the high modulus and axial strength of carbon fiber, no creep, good fatigue resistance, specific heat and conductivity between non-metals and metals, small thermal expansion coefficient, good corrosion resistance, low fiber density, and good x-ray transmittance. The specific gravity is less than 1/4 of steel, but the tensile strength is 7-9 times that of steel.