A comparative analysis of advanced composite materials for lightweight and high-strength structural applications

Cordelia Omoyi; Dıckson Davıd Olodu

A comparative analysis of advanced composite materials for lightweight and high-strength structural applications

Abstract

The demand for lightweight and high-strength materials in structural applications has driven the exploration of advanced composite materials. This study investigates and compares Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP), Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP), Kevlar Fiber Reinforced Polymer (KFRP), and Natural Fiber Composites (NFC) for their mechanical, thermal, environmental, and economic properties. The objective is to evaluate the suitability of these materials for critical structural applications across industries such as aerospace, automotive, construction, and sports. Material properties including tensile strength, elastic modulus, fatigue life, impact toughness, and strength-to-weight ratio were analyzed. The comparative analytical results compiled from validated engineering databases revealed that KFRP exhibits the highest tensile strength (3000 MPa) and fatigue strength (1500 MPa), with a superior strength-to-weight ratio (2142 MPa/g/cm³), making it ideal for extreme load-bearing environments. CFRP also performs well, combining moderate cost efficiency with high stiffness (Elastic Modulus: 150 GPa) and fatigue life of 1,000,000 cycles. In contrast, GFRP offers cost advantages but suffers from lower mechanical performance, while NFC stands out for sustainability (10/10) and lowest lifecycle cost, albeit with significantly reduced structural performance. Thermal analysis showed CFRP has the highest thermal conductivity (5.0 W/mK) and withstands up to 200°C, while NFC is limited to 100°C with high moisture absorption (5%). Manufacturing-wise, NFC excels in sustainability and recyclability, whereas CFRP and KFRP incur higher production costs ($89.60/kg and $63.06/kg respectively. In conclusion, KFRP is optimal for high-strength applications due to its superior mechanical performance, while NFC is ideal for eco-friendly designs. The comprehensive comparison facilitates material selection for engineers aiming to balance performance, cost, and sustainability in modern structural applications.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Composite and Hybrid Materials

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Cordelia Omoyi
0000-0002-4453-2071
Nigeria

Dıckson Davıd Olodu ^*
0000-0003-3383-2543
Nigeria

Publication Date

February 20, 2026

Submission Date

November 5, 2025

Acceptance Date

December 12, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 2 Number: 1

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA76XJ45RB

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Omoyi, C., & Olodu, D. D. (2026). A comparative analysis of advanced composite materials for lightweight and high-strength structural applications. Journal of Ceramics and Composites, 2(1), 1-11. https://izlik.org/JA76XJ45RB

AMA

1.Omoyi C, Olodu DD. A comparative analysis of advanced composite materials for lightweight and high-strength structural applications. jcc. 2026;2(1):1-11. https://izlik.org/JA76XJ45RB

Chicago

Omoyi, Cordelia, and Dıckson Davıd Olodu. 2026. “A Comparative Analysis of Advanced Composite Materials for Lightweight and High-Strength Structural Applications”. Journal of Ceramics and Composites 2 (1): 1-11. https://izlik.org/JA76XJ45RB.

EndNote

Omoyi C, Olodu DD (February 1, 2026) A comparative analysis of advanced composite materials for lightweight and high-strength structural applications. Journal of Ceramics and Composites 2 1 1–11.

IEEE

[1]C. Omoyi and D. D. Olodu, “A comparative analysis of advanced composite materials for lightweight and high-strength structural applications”, jcc, vol. 2, no. 1, pp. 1–11, Feb. 2026, [Online]. Available: https://izlik.org/JA76XJ45RB

ISNAD

Omoyi, Cordelia - Olodu, Dıckson Davıd. “A Comparative Analysis of Advanced Composite Materials for Lightweight and High-Strength Structural Applications”. Journal of Ceramics and Composites 2/1 (February 1, 2026): 1-11. https://izlik.org/JA76XJ45RB.

JAMA

1.Omoyi C, Olodu DD. A comparative analysis of advanced composite materials for lightweight and high-strength structural applications. jcc. 2026;2:1–11.

MLA

Omoyi, Cordelia, and Dıckson Davıd Olodu. “A Comparative Analysis of Advanced Composite Materials for Lightweight and High-Strength Structural Applications”. Journal of Ceramics and Composites, vol. 2, no. 1, Feb. 2026, pp. 1-11, https://izlik.org/JA76XJ45RB.

Vancouver

1.Cordelia Omoyi, Dıckson Davıd Olodu. A comparative analysis of advanced composite materials for lightweight and high-strength structural applications. jcc [Internet]. 2026 Feb. 1;2(1):1-11. Available from: https://izlik.org/JA76XJ45RB