Preparation, development, outcomes, and application versatility of carbon fiber-based polymer composites: a review

The high strength to weight ratio of carbon fiber has made it as an attractive energy-saving material over the conventional strength-bearing materials like steel. Realizing the trend, the high-weight steel is being progressively replaced by the low-weight and corrosion-resistant carbon fiber composites in many strength applications. The carbon fiber-reinforced polymer matrix composite (PMC) have thereby become forefront material in aerospace, automobile, sporting goods, and other applications which demand high strength and high modulus. Moreover, the gradual reduction of its cost curtsy to the extensive research in the field of carbon fiber technology in recent years has been opened its market in different construction applications. This review is the discussion of carbon fiber loaded a variety of polymer matrix composites where the structural importance of these composites has been emphasized. The objective of this discussion is to provide information on the whole spectrum of carbon fiber-based polymeric composites. It also includes brief discussion about preparation and properties of carbon fibers along with processing, fabrication, and structural applications of these carbon fiber-based polymer composites.Graphical abstract