Carbon Fiber Tubes vs. Fiberglass Tubes: Comprehensive Comparison of Cost, Strength, and Service Life – No More Hesitation in Selection

Fiberglass and carbon fiber both belong to the family of fiber-reinforced polymers, yet their performance envelopes diverge dramatically. Understanding these differences is essential for making value-driven material selections without over- or under-engineering.
Strength & Stiffness: Carbon fiber boasts a tensile strength of 3,500–7,000 MPa and a modulus exceeding 230 GPa, whereas E-glass fiberglass typically delivers only 1,000–2,500 MPa and 70 GPa. This means a carbon fiber tube can be half the weight of a fiberglass counterpart while supporting identical loads—critical in UAVs, racing gear, and portable medical devices.
Cost Considerations: Fiberglass remains significantly cheaper per kilogram (often 3–5× less than carbon fiber). However, when normalized by specific strength (strength/density), carbon fiber frequently offers better lifecycle economics—especially where weight savings translate to energy efficiency or extended battery life.
Service Life: Fiberglass absorbs moisture over time, leading to hydrolytic degradation and reduced interlaminar shear strength. Carbon fiber, being non-hygroscopic, maintains performance in humid or submerged conditions. Additionally, UV exposure yellows and embrittles polyester-resin fiberglass, whereas UV-stabilized epoxy-carbon systems endure decades outdoors.
Choose fiberglass for non-critical, static, or budget-constrained applications (e.g., decorative poles, low-stress enclosures). Opt for carbon fiber when performance, longevity, or weight sensitivity dominates the design equation.
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