Is Carbon Fiber Environmentally Friendly?

There is always an appropriate answer to the equation of life. With success comes failure. If there is an advantage, there is also a disadvantage. We simply have to live in balance for we might be lead to a crossroads between the good and the bad effects of our decisions. This deliberation is true to almost anything under the sun – including metals and composites. With its vast popularity already throwing a shadow over all the earth in its stellar moment, carbon fiber is also placed into question. Is it environmentally friendly from the many outstanding uses it already professes? This article will provide you a balanced view in this regard.

First, it is highly necessary to take a quick look at how this material is made so you will be given a general idea of whether it  is environmentally friendly or not. In a nut shell, carbon fiber, also known as graphite fiber, is made of many tiny, fine fibers with a diameter of only around 0.005 to 0.010 micro meters and is constituted largely of carbon atoms. These atoms are aligned by of microscopic crystals to establish its strength-to-weight ratio.

With this in mind, how this material came to be is almost synonymous with whether its application is friendly to the environment. In fact, in the world of science and health, there seemed to be three major issues that were brought about by the production and application of this composite, namely, the effects of the fiber on the lungs; the effects the fiber on the skin; and the effects of these on electrical equipment. Let us deal with these three major concerns one by one.

First, with regard to safety and health concerns, the issue of whether carbon fiber directly affects our lungs has sprouted. Contrary to popular belief, these fibers are far from asbestos fibers, wherein the latter, when inhaled, prove to be a health hazard. As in the case of the former, they are too large to be inhaled by humans, hence, should not be posed as a threat. Ergo, it is safe to use in this regard, however it would be wise to avoid inhaling dust particles.

The second concern is whether this material can have a direct health effect on our skin. Point blank, the answer is yes. As with any dust particles in excessive form, carbon fiber can be an irritant to the skin. This is not a serious thing, however. This can be prevented if a person who has direct contact with this material during the process wears protective masks and clothing, especially to cover hands and wrists. There are also popular skin creams available which can be used to prevent skin irritation.

The final concern is whether the material poses a threat to electrical equipment. It is true that one of the many great properties of these fibers is to conduct electricity. Thus, dust particles from this may cause minimal shorts in any given electrical equipment near it. But take heart. The simplest way to deal with this is to relocate the equipment or at least cover it.

Since there are many advantages of carbon fiber, when compared to the few disadvantages it may bring, we may pause and wonder: Is this product environmentally friendly? With the explanations given in this article, the answer is definitely YES!