Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-11-14 Origin: Site
Carbon fiber materials, due to their excellent properties such as light weight, high strength, corrosion resistance, and strong thermal stability, are widely used in high-end manufacturing fields such as aerospace, automotive manufacturing, sports equipment, wind turbine blades, and rail transportation. However, carbon fiber raw materials have strict requirements for their storage environment. Improper storage can directly affect their processing performance and the quality of the final product. Therefore, understanding and mastering the storage conditions of carbon fiber raw materials is crucial for manufacturers and users.
This article will focus on common carbon fiber raw materials such as carbon fiber precursor, prepreg, and carbon cloth, and will explore their scientific storage requirements from multiple perspectives, including environmental control, packaging and transportation, and moisture and oxidation protection. Drawing on the industry experience of Revolve CF, a carbon fiber material supplier, practical recommendations will be provided.
Carbon fiber precursor is a high-performance fiber made by carbonizing polyacrylonitrile (PAN) or pitch-based materials. It possesses extremely strong chemical inertness and tensile strength. Before resin impregnation, its storage stability is relatively high. However, in humid environments or under strong sunlight, surface aging or structural damage may occur, affecting subsequent processing.
Prepreg is a semi-finished material formed by combining carbon fiber with resin. It is typically a thermosetting resin system and is extremely sensitive to temperature and humidity. Excessively high storage temperatures can cause premature resin reaction; excessive humidity can cause the resin to absorb moisture and expand, reducing interfacial adhesion and seriously affecting product quality.
Fabric materials such as carbon cloth and carbon fiber nonwovens are prone to absorbing dust, oil, and moisture. Contamination not only affects appearance but can also weaken resin wettability and interlaminar bonding during composite molding. Therefore, dust, moisture, and foreign matter protection are essential during storage.
Thermoset carbon fiber prepregs typically require refrigerated storage below -18°C to inhibit resin activity. Even for short-term use, the temperature should be kept between 0-5°C.
For dry materials such as raw yarn and fabric, it is generally recommended to store them in a stable environment at room temperature (15-25°C) to avoid fluctuations in physical properties caused by sudden temperature changes.
Once carbon fiber absorbs moisture, it is not only difficult to completely dry, but it may also form bubbles or defects during the subsequent hot pressing process. Therefore, it is recommended that the relative humidity of the storage environment be controlled between 40% and 60%, and a dehumidification system be installed.
Ultraviolet rays can cause microscopic degradation or oxidation reactions on some carbon fiber surfaces, especially on unencapsulated prepregs and fabrics. Warehouses should be protected from direct sunlight, and cold or dim light sources are preferred.
Carbon fiber products require high cleanliness standards, especially prepregs, which must be free of dust or particles. It is recommended that storage space meet Class 100,000 or higher cleanroom standards, be equipped with an air filtration system, and require personnel to wear dust-proof clothing when entering and exiting.
High-quality carbon fiber material suppliers, such as Revolve CF, use multi-layer packaging, such as aluminum foil bags, foam padding, and cartons, upon shipment to protect against environmental influences during transportation. Customers should ensure the integrity of the original packaging before unpacking and use, and avoid repeated unpacking.
Cold chain logistics for carbon fiber prepreg is crucial. Refrigeration equipment must be installed throughout the entire transportation chain, from the supplier's factory to the user's workshop, and temperature records must be maintained throughout the process to prevent chain breaks and resin denaturation.
Carbon fiber rolls (such as prepreg and carbon cloth) should be stored vertically or supported on dedicated racks to avoid compression and deformation caused by horizontal stacking, which can affect spreading and cutting. They must also be securely fastened during transportation to prevent vibration and displacement.
Each batch of thermoset prepreg has a clear expiration date. Users should use the product as soon as possible after receipt to avoid premature reaction or performance degradation due to the expiration of the shelf life. A first-in, first-out (FIFO) management principle is generally recommended.
Frozen prepreg must be thawed according to specifications before use. Thawing should typically take place naturally at room temperature for at least 24 hours. Accelerated thawing by heating is strictly prohibited, as this can cause partial curing of the resin.
Once the package is opened, the material is highly susceptible to moisture absorption and oxidation when exposed to air. It is recommended that the material be used within 48 hours. This is especially true in southern regions with high humidity. Handling time should be shortened and the material kept as dry as possible.
Given the stringent storage requirements for carbon fiber materials, it is crucial to select a supplier with a comprehensive storage and transportation system and quality assurance mechanism. Revolve CF, a carbon fiber material supplier, has long specialized in the research and development and production of carbon fiber precursor, prepreg, fabric, release materials, and other products. With comprehensive cold chain logistics, quality tracking, and after-sales service systems, it is a trusted partner in the high-end manufacturing industry.
A professional supplier not only provides products but also offers corresponding storage plans, instructions, and technical training. The Revolve CF team, with extensive application experience, can customize storage process optimization solutions for customers to improve material utilization efficiency.
Revolve CF offers carbon fiber materials in various sizes and matrix systems, including PAN-based, asphalt-based, and aramid-reinforced, tailored to customer needs. These materials meet the diverse needs of industries such as aviation, automotive, rail transit, and wind power.
Although carbon fiber raw materials offer excellent performance, they are also highly dependent on storage conditions. Whether it's environmental temperature and humidity, packaging protection, or operational management, even the slightest negligence can affect the performance and molding efficiency of the final product. Therefore, choosing a carbon fiber material supplier like Revolve CF, with professional storage and transportation support and extensive industry experience, is crucial to ensuring project quality. For procurement or wholesale of carbon fiber raw materials, please contact us at HarveyXu@revolve-cf.com or visit our website at https://www.revolve-cf.com/ for the latest product and technical information.
For more information on carbon fiber application technology, storage standards, and industry trends, stay tuned for Revolve CF's professional content updates. We are committed to providing high-quality, high-performance composite materials solutions to our customers worldwide.
