Processed fibres: properties, limits and applications

How to choose the right fiber

Choosing the fiber depends on mechanical, thermal, environmental, cost and production process requirements. Evaluate:

Required loads and modulus (tensile, impact, fatigue)
Operating temperature and thermal peaks
Environment: humidity, UV, chemicals, corrosion
Specific density/stiffness vs. available thickness
Resin compatibility (epoxy, vinylester, polyester, PA/PP/PEEK)
Process (infusion, pre-preg, RTM, molding, pultrusion, stitching)
Regulatory/qualification and sustainability

If there are conflicting requirements, use fiber-to-fiber hybrids or multi-material layups. Our team supports the most efficient and sustainable choice.

Quick selection criteria

For quick prototypes or limited budget: glass or basalt. For maximum specific stiffness: carbon. For cutting/abrasion and toughness: aramid. For high temperatures or hybrid structures: ar+ carbon or steels. For resistance to corrosion/friction in construction: AISIamide 316 stainless steel. For extreme performance peaks: Zylon PBO (with UV/humidity protection).

Synthetic fiber boards

Aramide

Properties: high toughness and impact resistance, good fatigue. Limitations: UV sensitivity, lower compression than carbon. Temperature: -50÷170 °C. Resins: epoxy, vinyl ester, polyamides.

Carbonio

Properties: very high specific modulus/stiffness, low thermal expansion. Limitations: lower impact/toughness, cost. Temperature: -50÷200 °C (resin dependent). Resins: epoxy, BMI, PEEK.

Glass (E/S)

Properties: low cost, good electrical insulation, chemically resistant. Limits: higher density, lower modulus. Temperature: -50÷120 °C. Resins: epoxy, polyester, vinylester.

Basalto

Properties: good thermal and chemical resistance, better than fatigue glass. Limits: availability and variability. Temperature: -50÷180 °C. Resins: epoxy, vinylester, polyester.

Acciaio galvanizzato

Properties: high tensile strength and mechanical anchoring, competitive cost. Limits: risk of corrosion if cut/damaged galvanization. Temperature: up to 200°C. Matrices: mortars, epoxy.

Acciaio inox AISI 316

Properties: excellent resistance to chloride corrosion, good toughness. Limitations: high density. Temperature: up to 300°C. Matrices: mortars, epoxy, silicones.

Zylon PBO

Properties: Extreme modulus and toughness, very low creep. Limitations: UV/humidity sensitivity, cost. Temperature: -50÷200 °C (dry). Resins: epoxy, polyamides.

Performance–weight–cost comparison

Comparative synthesis (specific = per unit weight):

Specific stiffness: Zylon PBO (high toughness, high modulus) ≫ Carbon > Aramid > Basalt ≈ Glass > Steels
Toughness/Impact: Zylon PBO ≈ Carbon > Aramid > Basalt > Glass
Density: Aramid≈1.44; Zylon≈1.56; Carbon≈1.75; Glass≈2.55; Basalt≈2.7; Steels≈7.9 g/cm³
Environmental resistance: Stainless steel 316 ≫ Galvanized > Basalt ≈ Glass (AR) > Carbon (inert) > Aramid/PBO (sensitive to UV/humidity)
Relative cost: Glass < Basalt < Aramid ≈ Galvanized < Carbon < Stainless steel 316 < Zylon PBO

Note: the values are purely indicative and may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. For numerical comparisons on the products we make, request our technical data sheets.

Typical applications by sector

Aeronautics/Space: carbon sandwich panels, anti-impact aramid reinforcements, Zylon for ropes and very high performance components.
Industrial: UD in carbon for robotic arms, aramid for anti-cut/anti-splinter, steels for screens and anchors.
Construction: carbon nets, basalt, AR glass, pbo for plaster reinforcement, connectors in 316 stainless steel, galvanized for protected economical solutions.
Nautical: hybrid glass/carbon hulls, aramid for impacts, 316 stainless steel for chloride-resistant accessories and fixings.
Sports: carbon frames and blades, aramid for protections, PBO for very high performance ropes/belts.

Design and safety guidelines

Define loads and safety factors; check out-of-plane compression and interlaminar cracks.
Choose reinforcement and weight based on curvature and drapeability; use UD for directional loads.
Resin-process compatibility: controls viscosity/gel time for infusion; uses pre-preg for tight tolerances.
Environmental protection: UV coatings/paints for aramid/PBO; passivation or sealing for galvanized.
Interfaces and joints: design overlap/sequence and gradual stiffness transitions; avoids unreinforced holes.
Quality: NDT checks where required; tracks materials according to ISO 9001.