Carbon fibre gets a colourful makeover

A new way of dyeing carbon fibres makes it possible to weave them into vibrantly coloured fabrics, paving the way for new applications. Carbon fibres are a popular component of materials that have to be lightweight and strong, such as in top-of-the-range sporting or military equipment. But such materials nearly always have to be black or dark grey, because it is extremely difficult to get carbon fibre to hold a dye.