CFRP Publication — Aidan Green

// Abstract

Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) composites represent a transformative class of structural materials, combining low density, high specific strength, and excellent fatigue resistance. This review provides a comprehensive overview of CFRPs, addressing their structure, manufacturing routes, mechanical performance, and functional behavior, with particular emphasis on damage tolerance, tribological properties, and environmental durability. The discussion covers the classification and morphology of carbon fibers, effects of impact loading and environmental conditioning on residual strength and fatigue life, and tribological improvements through nanoscale additives such as graphite nanoplatelets and TiO2 nanoparticles. Advances in processing techniques including low-pressure curing and improved resin systems are also discussed. Overall, the review underscores that optimal CFRP performance is achieved through the synergistic integration of fiber architecture, matrix design, and precise processing control.

// Keywords

Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymers (CFRPs) Multiscale Composite Design Lightweight Structural Components Damage Tolerance and Durability Smart and Multifunctional Composites Tribology Manufacturing

// Coverage

Topics Covered

01

Structure & Constituents

Carbon fiber morphology, polymer matrices (thermoset vs. thermoplastic), and fiber-matrix interface mechanics.

02

Manufacturing Processes

Hand lay-up, filament winding, RTM, autoclave vs. out-of-autoclave methods, AFP/ATL, and additive manufacturing.

03

Mechanical Properties

Strength, stiffness, toughness, fatigue resistance, anisotropy, fiber volume fraction, and defect effects.

04

Tribological Behavior

Friction, wear mechanisms, tribofilm formation, and nanoparticle additives for enhanced wear resistance.

05

Damage Tolerance

Impact resistance, BVID, compression-after-impact testing, interlaminar toughening, and NDE methods.

06

Applications

Aerospace structures, automotive monocoques, wind turbine blades, pressure vessels, and biomedical prosthetics.

// Contribution

My Role

Co-authored as part of undergraduate research at the University of Nevada, Reno under the supervision of Dr. Pradeep L. Menezes (ME 656 — Introduction to Tribology). Contributed to sections covering tribological behavior of CFRPs, wear mechanisms, and the role of nanoscale additives in improving composite performance.

Supervisor Dr. Pradeep L. Menezes Course ME 656 — Introduction to Tribology Institution University of Nevada, Reno Year 2026

// Cite This Work

Davidson, M.; Graunke, R.; Green, A.; Haelsig, H.;
Heinemann, L.; Antony Jose, S.; Menezes, P.L.
Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Matrix Composites:
Processing, Properties, and Applications.
Fibers 2026, 14, 29.
https://doi.org/10.3390/fib14030029