Trend of Carbon Fiber-reinforced Composites for Lightweight Vehicles

Abstract

Recently, the need of developing eco-friendly materials has been required with restriction strengthening on environment and energy saving by the resource depletion worldwide. These trends are not an exception in transport industry including automobile. In addition, these materials have to fulfill not only the high quality and cheap price but also the high-performance which meet the needs of costumer and society. Among the various materials, carbon fiber-reinforced composite which is actively studying for lightweight of the automobile is one of the most suitable candidates. Indeed, the carbon fiber-reinforced composites are used as the essential materials to substitute body and other parts in automobile and the demand is increasing largely. Carbon fiber-applied automobile has improved brake, steering, durability and high fuel efficiency, leading to the energy conservation and minimizing carbon dioxide emissions. This paper focuses on the necessity of carbon fiber-reinforced composites for lightweight of automobile and its technical trends.