thick blue green glitter carbon fiber cloth roll

Carbon Fiber Textiles History

In 1897, the great late inventor, Thomas Edison, patented and used carbon fibers as filaments inside his most notable invention: the light bulb. However, it wasn't until 1958, over 60 years later, that Roger Bacon discovered whiskers while measuring graphite's triple point. This discovery launched further research into how the material could be applied further.

In the 1960s, carbon fiber became an integral material for aerospace. Supported by the U.S. Air Force, carbon fibers were used for things like the nozzles for rockets, the nose tips for missiles, and the structures for aircraft. Specific parts of the aircraft that include carbon fibers are the fuselage frame, doors, spars in wings, and skin panels.

Carbon fiber is not generally found in everyday textiles because of its cost; however, it has been applied to other military related uses and other industries besides aerospace. The military and police use Kevlar bulletproof vests regularly, which uses the material. It is also used in motorsports gear and equipment, automobiles, and motorcycles.