Carbon Fiber vs Fiberglass vs Kevlar vs Natural Fiber Composites
Composite Materials Comparison
Comparison of 4 composite fiber materials — strength, weight, cost, durability, and applications.
Carbon FiberFiberglassKevlarNatural Fiber
Full Specification Comparison
| Specification | Carbon Fiber | Fiberglass | Kevlar | Natural Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (GPa) | 3.5-7.0 | 2.0-3.5 | 3.6-4.1 | 0.4-1.6 |
| Density (g/cm³) | 1.6-1.8 | 1.9-2.2 | 1.44 | 1.2-1.5 |
| Cost ($/kg) | $15-30 | $3-8 | $20-50 | $2-6 |
| Impact Resistance | Moderate | Good | Excellent | Moderate |
| Weight | Very light | Moderate | Light | Moderate |
| Recyclability | Difficult | Difficult | Difficult | Good |
| Key Application | Aerospace, F1 | Boats, wind blades | Body armor | Automotive interior |
Expert Verdict
Carbon fiber offers the best strength-to-weight ratio for aerospace; fiberglass is the most cost-effective; Kevlar excels in impact resistance; natural fiber composites are the sustainable choice.
Subject Breakdown
Carbon Fiber
2 Category Wins
- ★ Tensile Strength (GPa): 3.5-7.0
- ★ Weight: Very light
Fiberglass
0 Category Wins
Kevlar
2 Category Wins
- ★ Density (g/cm³): 1.44
- ★ Impact Resistance: Excellent
Natural Fiber
2 Category Wins
- ★ Cost ($/kg): $2-6
- ★ Recyclability: Good