Introduction
Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) is being leveraged across diverse industries to achieve lightweight, high-strength, and highly rigid components. Key applications include performance-critical components in aerospace, automotive, and sporting equipment industries. Among its many characteristics, heat resistance performance is one of the most critical factors.
In this column, we discuss the heat resistance properties and ways to maximize these properties in practical applications.
Heat Resistance Properties of CFRP
The heat resistance of CFRP is primarily determined by its constituent materials—carbon fiber and polymer resin. While carbon fiber can withstand highly elevated temperatures, polymer resins are more susceptible to thermal stress. Consequently, the overall heat resistance of CFRP is largely determined by the type of resin employed.
Heat Resistance of Carbon Fiber
Carbon fiber is composed primarily of carbon elements, which exhibit high chemical stability and resistance to exceptionally high temperatures of 2000°C or higher. The carbon fiber employed in CFRP can therefore maintain its physical, mechanical, and structural strength under high thermal stress.
Heat Resistance of Resins
In contrast, the heat resistance of resins used in CFRP—typically epoxy resins, polyurethane resins, or vinyl ester resins—ranges from 150 to 250°C. Under excessive thermal exposure, these resins undergo thermal degradation, resulting in diminished strength and elasticity. The temperature resistance range of resins is the primary limiting factor in CFRP design and high-temperature performance.
CFRP Heat Resistance and Resin Types
The heat resistance of CFRP largely depends on the type of resin used. The temperature limits of commonly used resins are outlined below:
– Epoxy Resins: The most widely used resin type, with a heat resistance of approximately 120–150°C. Epoxy resins are commonly used in structural components of aircraft and automobile components.
– Polyurethane Resin: Provides a heat resistance of approximately 150–180℃. Often used for components that require added flexibility and abrasion resistance.
– Vinyl Ester Resins: Offer a heat resistance of approximately 180–200°C with high chemical stability. Well-suited to harsh environmental conditions
– Phenolic Resins: Demonstrate a heat resistance of approximately 250°C or higher alongside excellent thermal stability. Suitable for high-temperature environment applications.
Enhancing the Heat Resistance Performance of CFRP
Several approaches can be employed to enhance the heat resistance of CFRP
Use of High Heat-Resistant Resins
Selecting high heat-resistant resins, such as polyimide resin or pyrrole resin, to augment CFRP’s overall allowable temperature range.
Modified Resins
Resin modifications to enhance heat-resistance are under ongoing development. These include epoxy resins with enhanced heat-resistance performance and formulations with special additives.
Optimization of Carbon Fiber Type
The type of carbon fiber influences the overall heat resistance by dissipating heat. Pitch-based carbon fibers exhibit superior thermal stability compared to standard PAN-based fibers, contributing to better heat distribution and improved high-temperature performance.
Use of Coating Technology
Applying a heat-resistant coating to the surface of CFRP components will enhance the overall heat-resistant performance. Silicon-based coatings or ceramic coatings are commonly employed to provide added thermal protection.
Heat Resistance of CFRP and Application Areas
The heat resistance of CFRP determines its suitability for specific applications. Consequently, resin selection and modification are essential in applications exposed to elevated temperatures. Key applications where heat-resistance is particularly crucial include:
– Aerospace Industry: CFRP is plays a key role in highly technical aircraft structural components and in space exploration. These applications require reliable performance under demanding and elevated temperature conditions.
– Automotive Industry: Heat resistance is key consideration in high-performance automotive components, particularly in engine components and exhaust systems.
– Sporting Equipment: CFRP is also used in applications subjected to localized heat loads, such as competitive bicycle frames and other high-performance sporting equipment.
Summary
While carbon fibers maintain structural and mechanical performance under elevated temperatures, the overall heat-resistance of CFRP is primarily determined by the resin. As a result, resin selection and modification play a major role in maximizing CFRP performance under demanding thermal stress. Ongoing technological developments in this area offer promising potential for CFRP applications and heat-resistance performance enhancement.
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ABOUT UCHIDA - 55 years since our founding
We leverage a wealth of technical expertise as a CFRP molding and processing manufacturer using FRP, GFRP, and CFRP materials. We offer a one-stop solution, encompassing design, analysis, manufacturing, secondary processing, assembly, painting, quality assurance, and testing.
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DMG森精機 - VS1000/40/2050
X軸：2,050mm（ストローク） ／ Y軸：1,000mm ／ Z軸：600mm ／ テーブル作業面：2,250×1,000mm
ASHIDA MFG Co., Ltd.
Autoclave Oven 2
Size : Ø1,150x1,000mm / Operating temperature : at normal temperature - 400℃ / Design pressure : 2.0Mpa (maximum working pressure) / Vacuum system : back suction system / Vacuum units : 5
ASHIDA MFG Co., Ltd.
Autoclave Oven 3
Size : Ø3,000x6,000mm / Operating temperature : at normal temperature - 200℃ / Distribution accuracy : ±2.5℃less / Heating rate : 4.0℃/min. (empty furnace) / Cooling rate : 4.0℃/min. (empty furnace) / Design pressure : 0.99Mpa (maximum working pressure) / Working pressure : 0.7Mpa less (if no specification from the manufacuturer 0.3Mpa around) / Pressure accuracy : ±0.02Mpa（for pressure setting of ０ - 0.99Mpa/cm²） / Boost pressure accuracy : 0 - 0.03Mpa/min / Pressure source : compressed air (regular use) / Vacuum system : back suction system / Vacuum units : 10
Oven
Size : W1,000xH1,000xD1,000mm / Temperature range : Environmental Temperature +20 - 300℃ / Temperature elevation capability : Environmental Temperature (20 - 40℃) - 300℃ / 45min less / Vacuum system : back suction system / Vacuum units : 10
ESPEC CORP.
Temperature & Humidity Chamber
INSTRON
Static Universal Testing Machine 5985
Oven
Size : W7,000xH3,000xD2,000mm / Temperature range : Environmental Temperature +20 - 300℃ (Max) / Temperature elevation capability : Environmental Temperature (20 - 40℃) - 300℃ / 60min less / Vacuum system : back suction system / Vacuum units : 10
NEO
X axis : 4,000mm (stroke) / Y axis : 2,000mm / Z axis : 1,200mm / C axis : 0° - ±270° / B axis : 0° - ±110° / Table working place : 4,000x2,000mm
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Painting booth
Various painting, and clear finish is done in dedicated painting booth
Adhesion, Finishing, Coating Room
Finishing process, such as trimming, drilling, and bonding, surface treatment of the molded product type and is done in a private booth
Toshiba Matrixeye EX (Ultrasonic flaw detector)
Matrix-Arrey : 32
AMETEK CREAFORM Metra
SCAN750 Elite (3D scan)
Olympus Corp.
Inverted Microscopes
Oven
Size : W450xH450xD450mm / Temperature range : Environmental Temperature +20 - 650℃ / Temperature elevation capability : Environmental Temperature+50 - 650℃/120min less
Cutting Plotter Table working place : W1,500xL3,500mm
SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD
Cutting Plotter
KUKA
Robot
Krauss Maffei
Epoxy resin injection machine Resin 60L ／ Hardener 25L
Krauss Maffei
630t Press machine Height total 5,200mm ／ Length max 1,500mm ／ Width max 1,200mm ／ Whole cycle time per component part 240sec
DMG森精機 - NV5000B/40
X軸：1,020mm（ストローク） ／ Y軸：510mm ／ Z軸：510mm ／ テーブル作業面：1,320×600mm
Big sized clean room
JIS B 9920 cleanliness class maximum concentration (Pcs/m³） / Class 5 : 100,000m³ / Capacity : m² (16,000x16,000mm) 760m² (16,000x16,000x3,000mm) / Temperature and humidity condition : Temperature : 23℃±3℃, Humidity 65% less / Ambient conditions : Temperature 35℃ during summer, Humidity 70% less / Ambient conditions : Temperature 35℃ during summer, Humidity 70% less / Temperature -5℃ during winter, Humidity 40% less
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CATIA V5 : 2 / THINK DESIGN : 1 / MASTER CAM : 4 / Other 3D/CAD : 3 / Other 2D/CAD : 5
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