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Carbon Fiber barrel protection if any?
- Thread starter Hard Head
- Start date
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L2land
Well-Known Member
It's carbon fiber. You're looking for a problem that doesn't exist
Yes carbon fibers are UV impervious. OP probably asking about protection for the resins.
What David said is correct
The epoxy resin binder is the weakest link, but still little to worry about. The exposure is minimal, the majority/excess of the resin is "cooked" out during the cure process.
Every single wind turbine blade uses carbon fiber, the majority of aircraft fuselages, bicycle frames, helicopter rotor systems are heavily carbon fiber, props for airplanes, automotive panels are heavily carbon fiber these days and they see much longer and much higher temperature swings than your barrel and last for years. If you are concerned, use some camo wrap tape to limit the UV exposure. I would not apply a wax or similar product, there may be some microscopic pores that would allow the wax to penetrate and may lead to a premature degradation of wrap.
I am curious to see if any manufacturer has done an excessive exposure test to the elements on a wrapped barrel.
Here's some more information.
Ultraviolet Exposure of Carbon Fiber
The epoxy resin binder is the weakest link, but still little to worry about. The exposure is minimal, the majority/excess of the resin is "cooked" out during the cure process.
Every single wind turbine blade uses carbon fiber, the majority of aircraft fuselages, bicycle frames, helicopter rotor systems are heavily carbon fiber, props for airplanes, automotive panels are heavily carbon fiber these days and they see much longer and much higher temperature swings than your barrel and last for years. If you are concerned, use some camo wrap tape to limit the UV exposure. I would not apply a wax or similar product, there may be some microscopic pores that would allow the wax to penetrate and may lead to a premature degradation of wrap.
I am curious to see if any manufacturer has done an excessive exposure test to the elements on a wrapped barrel.
Here's some more information.
Ultraviolet Exposure of Carbon Fiber
willtim
Well-Known Member
Have you seen the YouTube video of the guys slamming a Proof barrel against concrete blocks?
Bpro2020
Active Member
Please link
ntsqd
Well-Known Member
Look up "Helicopter Tape" at Pegasus Racing. This is a tape developed by 3M for the leading edges of CF helicopter rotor blades. It has since been used by the auto OEM's. Where you see it most is those slightly yellow transparent panels applied to the leading edges of pick-up beds & the like. A CF barrel covered in that should last well beyond your continuing to care about it. Which is good, because it is not inexpensive.
Thanks for all, I was reading about Carbon Fiber protection and all I could come up with was a Ceramic spray that is used on auto parts to protect from UV rays , I had used Ceramic wax on my truck and the stuff works wonders. One company said use a light oil and rub it in and wipe it all off,another said wash and dry. Thanks for the answers, Pete
comfisherman
Well-Known Member
I'd love to spend enough time afield to cause uv degradation of the carbon wrap epoxy.....
FireFlyFishing
Well-Known Member
I recommend shooting the barrel out before you have UV degradation. You're welcome.
Axl
Well-Known Member
I have a buddy that sent his rifle to Christensen, when they first started, maybe 30 years ago. Back then they would rebarrel your rifle with a carbon barrel. His is in 223, he is a hard core varmint hunter. That gun has several lifetimes of use, and is in fine condition still.
Sooooooo much for the guys that worry about UV rays, I guyee if you own a older car with big plastic shields over the headlights then you have to polish them out. But for a rifle with a carbon barrel then not to worry just normal maintenance. Being 77 years young and your first carbon barrel you want it to last as long as they can,and yes I will outlast it by several years.Axl, was in your country where I lived in Billings for about 25 years,loved the country, my Son still lives there. My own opinion about Montana is it was beautiful back in the mid 60's,then slowly Newbee's moved in ,they came to be away from what ever they were leaving for. Some melted in into the country and some wanted change, the same thing they left there origin. I guess that happens all over anymore. I knew a lot of old timers out on the prairie that Homesteaded back in 1915,they were wonderful to talk to. When someone makes it that long they have some wisdom to listen to. I would have really never left had it not been for a BAD divorce. I was a masonry Contractor, Brick,Block Stone, my ex father in-law was one also. He often said how can you stand her..................but Blood thicker than water!,I'm here and they are all gone. Love Montana she has a lot of hidden history,I found a lot in the Missouri Breaks, Pete
