History of carbon fiber and carbon nanotubes

Carbon fiber is widely used nowadays for different applications. This fiber consists of billions of carbon nanotubes oriented in the same direction. It is stronger than steel and has greater electrical conductivity.
Such properties of carbon fibers as high stiffness, fire proof, high tensile strength, low weight, high chemical resistance, high temperature tolerance and low thermal expansion, caused their popularity in aerospace technology, civil engineering, military, and motor sports, along with other competition sports. Carbon fiber is also used as part of composite materials, increasing the tensile strength and fire resistance of the material. The use of carbon fibers is restricted only because of their relatively high cost compared with most common plastic fibers used for similar purposes.

Source:

http://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/education/whatischemistry/landmarks/carbonfibers.html