Compared with carbon fibers, aramid fibers generally offer

• A. Higher stiffness
• B. Higher density
• C. Higher toughness and impact resistance, with lower stiffness
• D. Higher thermal conductivity

Answer: (C)

Aramid fibers are known for energy absorption and toughness. Their long, flexible polymer chains can deform and dissipate energy when stressed, giving higher toughness and better impact resistance. At the same time, they don’t stiffen as much as carbon fibers, so their modulus (stiffness) is lower. Carbon fibers, in contrast, have a stiff, highly crystalline carbon structure that provides very high stiffness but tends to be more brittle with lower toughness, plus they usually have higher density and greater thermal conductivity. So the statement that aramid fibers offer higher toughness and impact resistance, with lower stiffness, best describes how they compare to carbon fibers.