Which composite material is known for its low weight and high stiffness?

Carbon fiber composites are well-known in the aerospace and automotive industries for their exceptional properties, particularly their low weight combined with high stiffness. These composites are made from strands of carbon fibers that are tightly woven and embedded in a resin matrix, making them significantly lighter than metals while still providing excellent structural rigidity.

This makes them ideal for applications where reducing weight is critical, such as in low observable aircraft, where every gram can impact performance, efficiency, and stealth capabilities. The high stiffness of carbon fiber composites allows structures to maintain their shape under stress and reduces the likelihood of deformation, which is essential in high-performance aerodynamics.

The other materials listed do not possess the same combination of low weight and high stiffness as carbon fiber composites. Fiberglass offers decent strength but is heavier and less stiff than carbon fibers. Metal matrix composites provide enhanced strength and stiffness compared to traditional metals but generally do not compete with the weight advantages of carbon fiber. Wood composites, while lightweight, do not offer the same stiffness or durability in high-performance applications.