What's the difference between carbon fiber and graphite fiber?

Carbon fiber and graphite fiber are two different fiber materials, which are different in structure, physical properties and application.

First of all, carbon fibers and graphite fibers have different arrangements of carbon atoms. The carbon atoms of carbon fiber are arranged in tetrahedron, while the carbon atoms of graphite fiber are arranged in hexagonal grid. This different arrangement leads to the difference of physical properties between the two fibers. For example, carbon fiber has higher strength and hardness, while graphite fiber is relatively soft.

Secondly, the physical properties of carbon fiber and graphite fiber are also very different. Carbon fiber has high electrical and thermal conductivity, low density, good lightweight and electromagnetic shielding performance. On the other hand, graphite fibers have relatively high density, good electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity, and are suitable for electromagnetic shielding and heat conduction applications.

Finally, these two fibers are also different in application. Carbon fiber is mainly used in aerospace, automobile and sporting goods, as well as high-end business and personalized customized fiber. Graphite fiber is mainly used in high-end business, household and electronic fields, as well as applications with electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity.

To sum up, carbon fiber and graphite fiber have different physical properties and application fields, and the choice of which fiber depends on the specific needs and application requirements.