5. Conclusion

While isotropic ex-brai carbon fibers have been widely developed for thermal applications, ex-PAN carbon fibers clearly outperform mesophase ex-brai fibers in the field of reinforcement fibers. Indeed, the production costs of ex-PAN fibers are more competitive than those of ex-brai mesophase fibers. The latter remain competitive only for very high modulus fibers.

The properties of ex-PAN carbon fibers have been greatly improved, as has the knowledge of composite design offices.

Many carbon fiber applications have yet to be developed. Of course, it's not a question of using carbon fibers for every application; the performance/cost ratio remains the overriding consideration, including all manufacturing, inspection and maintenance costs.

All future aeronautical programs will be based not only on carbon fiber composites,...