Re: Could a piston be made out of Carbon Fiber and would it survive?

Evidently, you are not the first to recognize the possible advantages of 
carbon fiber pistons.  Although I thought I had read of people using them, 
I couldn't recall where I had seen the information.  A Web search for 
"carbon fiber pistons" showed up the two sites below.  CMR racing must have 
developed them for Porches.  They claim they are substantially lighter than 
their racing pistons.  They indicate that they are ceramic coated, possibly 
for wear and heat resistance.  North Carolina State is also doing a 
research project for a diesel application. 

You might try contacting these organizations for further leads to any 
manufacturers for your particular application.  The layup and molding of 
carbon fiber is a bit of an art, so molding a piston for a particular 
engine will require a bit of unique design.  If the engine is a popular 
one, I suspect there is a market for such a piston as you suggest. 



 http://www.cmwracing.com/cmw/frcmwftr2.html

CMW builds carbon fiber pistons (298 grams with ceramic coating)

 http://www.mae.ncsu.edu/Programs/grad/me_research97-98.html

N C State research project on diesel carbon fiber pistons