Step 1: Understanding Reinforcing Materials
Reinforcing fibers are used in composite materials to enhance mechanical properties such as tensile strength, modulus, and thermal stability.
Step 2: Tensile Strength Comparison
Among the options:
- Graphite fiber (also known as carbon fiber) is known for its exceptionally high tensile strength, often exceeding 4000 MPa.
- Si\(_3\)N\(_4\) and SiC fibers are strong ceramics, but typically lower in tensile strength compared to graphite.
- S-glass fiber has high strength and is used in aerospace, but graphite fibers outperform it in tensile performance.
Step 3: Applications of Graphite Fiber
Graphite fibers are widely used in:
- Aerospace and defense,
- High-performance sports equipment,
- Automotive lightweight structures.
Conclusion: Graphite fiber exhibits the highest tensile strength among the listed options.