Details
Carbon UD Reinforcement Fabric is a high-performance fabric made up of carbon fibers aligned in a single (unidirectional) direction and held together by a lightweight binder (such as thermoplastic or thermoset resin).
These fabrics are generally used to strengthen structural elements including beams, columns, walls, floors, and other building components. It is commonly used to reinforce factories, buildings, schools, and other industrial and civil structures.
What are the key features of carbon reinforcement fabric?
Unidirectional fiber alignment with High tensile strength and modulus： 90%+ of fibers aligned in one direction for maximum tensile strength (3,500–7,000 MPa) and stiffness (230–600 GPa).
Low weight and high stiffness：Density of 1.75–1.85 g/cm³ (lighter than steel or aluminum) and stiffness (230–600 GPa).
Non-corrosive and chemically resistant
Excellent fatigue resistance
Good flexibility for wrapping around structural elements
Minimal thickness – ideal for retrofit without section enlargement
Ease of cutting, handling, and installation
How many types of carbon reinforcement fabric are there?
By Fiber Modulus:
Standard Modulus (230–250 GPa): General-purpose structural parts (e.g., automotive panels).
Intermediate Modulus (280–350 GPa): Aerospace components (e.g., wing spars).
High Modulus (≥350 GPa): Precision engineering (e.g., satellites, robotic arms).
By Areal Weight:
Lightweight (100–200 g/m²): Thin laminates for sports gear or drones.
Heavyweight (200–400 g/m²): Thick sections for wind turbine blades or automotive chassis.
What are the advantages of carbon reinforcement fabric?
High strength-to-weight ratio
Tailored reinforcement in the direction of applied load
Thin profile for seamless retrofitting
Corrosion resistance – suitable for marine & coastal structures
UV, chemical, and fatigue resistance
Compatible with most epoxy resins
Minimally invasive installation
Durable – service life of over 50 years in proper installation conditions
Smooth Surface Finish: Minimal fiber crimp for better resin adhesion.
Product Parameter：
Property | Typical Value |
Fiber Orientation | 0° (Unidirectional) |
Areal Weight | 100 – 600 gsm |
Thickness | 0.111 mm – 0.333 mm (varies by gsm) |
Tensile Strength | 3,500 – 6,000 MPa |
Tensile Modulus | 230 – 600 GPa |
Elongation at Break | ~1.5 – 2% |
Width | 10 cm – 100 cm (customizable) |
Roll Length | 50 m – 100 m |
Fiber Type | PAN-based Carbon (e.g., T300, T700) |
Resin Compatibility | Epoxy (recommended), Vinyl ester |
Note: Values depend on specific fabric type and process.
Product Specification Table：
Model | Reinforcement Yarn Type | Tensile Strength (Mpa) | Tensile Modulus (Gpa) | Elongation Rate (%) | Weight (g/m²) | Thickness (mm) | Width (mm) |
UDFR-7200 | T700S-12000 | ≥3400 | ≥240 | ≥1.7 | 200 | 0.111 | 100~1000 |
UDFR-7300 | T700S-12000 | ≥3400 | ≥240 | ≥1.7 | 300 | 0.167 | 100~1000 |
UDFR-3200 | T300-12000 | ≥3000 | ≥210 | ≥1.5 | 200 | 0.111 | 100~1000 |
UDFR-3300 | T300-12000 | ≥3000 | ≥210 | ≥1.5 | 300 | 0.167 | 100~1000 |
What is the strengthening process to reinforce the properties with carbon reinforcement fabrics?
Step-by-Step (Dry Fabric with Wet Lay-up)
1.Assessment: Evaluate structure condition and required reinforcement.
2.Surface Preparation: Clean, grind, and smooth the substrate.
3.Primer Application (optional): Paint primer, Promote resin bonding.
4.Epoxy Putty (if needed): Fill voids for uniform bonding surface.
5.Resin Mixing: Combine epoxy and hardener per specs.
6.Fabric Impregnation: Saturate fabric with resin.
7.Fabric Application: Apply fabric along required direction.
8.Air Removal: Use rollers to remove air bubbles and ensure saturation.
9.Curing: Allow proper curing (ambient or controlled heating).
10.Inspection: Quality control check for bond strength and surface finish.
What are the applications of carbon reinforcement fabrics?
Carbon reinforcement fabrics can be widely used in following areas:
Civil Infrastructure:
Strengthening of concrete beams, slabs, columns
Seismic retrofitting of buildings and bridges
Crack control and flexural strengthening
Load upgrade for structural elements (parking decks, industrial floors)
Industrial Use:
Strengthening of pipelines, chimneys, silos
Repair of corrosion-affected structures
Retrofitting for additional equipment loads
Automotive & Transport:
High-performance structural components
Chassis stiffeners, crash protection panels
Aerospace:
Reinforcement of composite parts
Weight-sensitive components
How to store and handle carbon reinforcement fabrics?
Please deal with carbon reinforcement fabrics under the following instructions:
Aspect | Recommendation |
Storage Temp. | < 25°C, dry, shaded place |
Humidity | < 60% RH |
Shelf Life | 12 – 24 months (sealed) |
Packaging | Vacuum packed in rolls |
Handling | Gloves recommended to avoid contamination; avoid creases or sharp bends |
FAQ
Q: How do I know how many layers of Carbon UD reinforcement fabrics to use?
A: Layer count depends on load requirements, substrate strength, and design code. Structural engineers typically provide reinforcement design. You can also contact us for constructive advice.
Q: Can I use Carbon UD reinforcement fabric for seismic strengthening?
A: Yes. UD fabric provides high tensile strength in shear or flexure strengthening. For multidirectional seismic loads, it's often used in combination with other fabric orientations.
Q: Is Carbon UD reinforcement fabric compatible with all surfaces?
A: Carbon UD reinforcement fabric can be applied to concrete, masonry, wood, steel, and more, as long as the surface is prepared and primed properly.
Q: What if the carbon UD reinforcement fabric gets wet during installation?
A: Moisture compromises adhesion and curing. Please ensure the substrate and environment are dry before application.
Q: How do you ensure quality control during installation?
A: Visual checks, bond pull-off tests, and sample curing tests are commonly performed to ensure performance.
Q: Can UD reinforcement fabric be used for curved surfaces?
A: Yes—its flexibility allows conforming to curves, but multidirectional loads may require additional plies.
Q: How to choose between standard and high modulus of carbon UD reinforcement fabric?
A: Standard modulus for cost-effective general use; high modulus for stiffness-critical applications (e.g., satellites).
Q: Can carbon UD fabric replace steel rebar in concrete?
A: Yes—it provides higher tensile strength and corrosion resistance but requires epoxy bonding.
Q: Can carbon UD reinforcement fabric be recycled?
A: Thermoplastic UD can be re-melted. Thermoset UD requires pyrolysis, which degrades fibers.
