Brake rotors and pads

The use of carbon ceramics materials will revolutionize also the automobile brakes. In comparison to the conventional grey cast iron brake disk the carbon brake disk weighed round 50% less reducing the un-sprung mass by almost 20 kg. Further significant advantages are related with enhanced mechanical and thermal properties. Lower costs CFs will help ceramic brakes (CCM) to be deployed in mass market vehicles, especially where lightweight is a must like for instance electric cars.

Automotive
Structure, body and interiors

CF reinforced composites and plastics (CFRP) are increasing either for body or chassis components. Forged CFRP exhibit higher modulus and lower specific gravity relative to glass fibres as the modulus of commercial-grade CFs is more than four times higher than E-glass fibres. Less expensive PE-CFs for about 30% vs PAN can contribute to save up to 25% of costs thus opening perspectives for deployment of fibres into high-end segment cars.

Aerospace
Low loaded, secondary aircraft structures

Aerospace market for CFs composites is driven by the significant weight and performance (high stiffness) advantages. B787 and A380 aircraft, over 250 tons jumbo jets, use CF composites in almost 50% of the aircraft in weight and 80% composite by volume. PE-CFs will be suitable for applications where loads are not that demanding, for example parts of aircraft interior trims (panels, seats, etc.) and some non-structural vehicle components. Winglet has been selected as good candidate prototype for demonstration.

Wind
Turbine blades > 50m long. & retrofit of
medium turbines <35m long.

The increasing dimensions of wind turbines blades will require an extensive use of high strength fibers due to the enormous tensile loads on rotors with large diameters and heavier mass. Low cost PE-CF will be a very promising candidate. Wind turbine blades fabrication shall be one of the largest markets for CFs in the future (almost 70,000 blades by 2020).

Oil and Gas
Pipelines, pressure vessels for oil/gas
components for harsh environments

Pressure vessels, oil and gas pipelines are subjected to severe stresses and operate in harsh working conditions and environments, like maritime climate conditions. Low-cost CFRC can be used for strengthening and retrofitting of corrosion-damaged and distressed structures instead of glass fibres. Higher modulus CFs, more than four times higher than glass fibres, can provide much better in-service performance of components at competitive costs.