2.2.2.2. Carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP). Carbon fiber
reinforced polymers (CFRPs) have a very high specific (i.e. perunit-
mass) elastic modulus and strength, as well as excellent
corrosion and fatigue resistance properties. The carbon fibers
result in an electrically conductive material. Carbon fibers are
significantly more expensive than glass fibers; however, the
low density results in very high specific material properties
which partially offsets this incremental cost. CFRP also have
a very low coefficient of thermal expansion. Carbon fibers are
very brittle, resulting in low impact resistance. Common
matrix materials for manufacturing CFRPs are epoxy, polyester,
and nylon (polyamide).