Key Takeaways

• Strength-to-weight ratio is its defining advantage — far stronger than steel at a fraction of the weight
• Fatigue resistance is excellent — carbon fiber does not develop metal fatigue under repeated loading
• Cost is the biggest barrier — roughly $15-30 per kilogram versus about $1 for steel

The environmental cost is real: production is energy-intensive, and recycling thermoset composites is still difficult. Researchers are working on thermoplastic matrices that can be melted and reshaped, plus bio-based precursors to cut the carbon footprint.