Glass Fiber VS Carbon Fiber

Glass Fiber and carbon fiber are widely used in composites these years. So what’s the difference between them?

WEIGHT

Glass Fiber Carbon Fiber Comparison So how do the two match up, against each other? For one,  Glass Fiber fabric is much less efficient in it’s density, when compared to it’s composite counterparts. While Glass Fiber is still significantly lighter than conventional materials (wood, steel, etc) for it’s given strength, on weight critical projects carbon fiber will preform much better as a reinforcement.

STRENGTH AND DURABILITY

Similarly, carbon fiber will outperform Glass Fiber in it’s tensile strength (the amount of force that needs to be placed on a fiber in order to pull it apart) and compressive strength (the amount of force that presses down on a fiber). However, Fiberglass chopped strand mat or Glass Fiber is more “durable” in that you can bring Glass Fiber near to it’s breaking point repeatedly without much cause for concern, unlike carbon fiber.

MODE OF FAILURE

Additionally, once carbon fiber reaches it’s breaking point, the mode of failure is catastrophic (it will fracture/shatter the piece.) Glass Fiber on the other hand, will develop cracks or deform before it breaks.

COST

Unfortunately, due to the nature of carbon fibers, it is much more expensive compared to its counterparts. So if your project isn’t weight dependent, and won’t need the excellent strength that comes from carbon fiber, Glass Fiber is a great choice to go with.