PA12-CF40 is a high performance Polyamide 12 composite reinforced with 40% short carbon fiber, offering exceptional strength, stiffness, thermal resistance, and dimensional stability. Ideal for structural and load-bearing components, it provides a lightweight alternative to metals in demanding automotive, aerospace, industrial, and electronic applications.
PA12-CF40 is a high strength, high-stiffness engineering thermoplastic that integrates the excellent chemical resistance, low moisture absorption, and inherent flexibility of Polyamide 12 (PA12) with a robust 40% short carbon fiber reinforcement. Designed for extreme mechanical and thermal performance, this advanced composite offers exceptional tensile and flexural strength, dimensional stability, and fatigue resistance—making it ideal for structural components in automotive, aerospace, machinery, and electronics industries.
The high carbon fiber content forms a dense internal reinforcement structure that significantly increases the material’s load bearing capacity, rigidity, and thermal deflection properties, while still offering a substantial weight reduction compared to metals. PA12-CF40 is a reliable substitute for aluminum or other lightweight metals in demanding applications where strength to weight ratio and long term durability are critical.
Mechanical Strength
Carbon Fiber Content: 40% (Short carbon fiber)
Tensile Strength: ≥ 120 MPa
Flexural Strength: ≥ 170 MPa
Impact Strength: ≥ 11 kJ/m²
→ Reinforced for heavy duty applications, PA12-CF40 resists deformation, fatigue, and failure under prolonged or cyclic loads.
Thermal Performance
Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT): ~175°C
Continuous Use Temperature: Up to 110°C
→ Ideal for hot zones in engine compartments, industrial machinery, or thermal enclosures.
Environmental & Chemical Resistance
Moisture Absorption: Extremely low – excellent dimensional control in wet, humid, or outdoor conditions
Chemical Resistance: Excellent against automotive fluids, fuels, industrial oils, and solvents
→ Suitable for chemically aggressive and fluctuating environments.
Processing Characteristics
Molding Methods: Injection molding, extrusion
Surface Finish: Matte, uniform texture – some visible fiber pattern possible due to high CF content
Tooling Requirements: Hardened steel tools recommended; use moderate shear rates and uniform temperature control to maintain fiber integrity
Automotive:
Structural mounts and brackets near engines
Battery and inverter enclosures in EVs
Under-hood sensor housings
→ Delivers high mechanical strength with reduced weight and excellent heat resistance.
Aerospace:
Load bearing interior and equipment mounts
Precision enclosures for avionics systems
→ High fatigue resistance with excellent dimensional stability under vibration and thermal stress.
Industrial Machinery:
Structural machine parts and mechanical couplings
High-wear components such as bushings, wear plates, and gears
→ Capable of supporting heavy dynamic loads under extended operation.
Electronics & Power Tools:
Reinforced frames for rugged electronic systems
High impact resistant casings for handheld or outdoor devices
→ Strong, thermally stable, and durable under mechanical and environmental stress.
Sports & Outdoor Gear:
Drone arms, sporting goods frames, protective gear components
→ Maximizes performance through stiffness, strength, and weight savings.
Property | Value / Description |
---|---|
Carbon Fiber Content | 40% (Short Carbon Fiber) |
Tensile Strength | ≥ 120 MPa |
Flexural Strength | ≥ 170 MPa |
Notched Impact Strength | ≥ 11 kJ/m² |
Heat Deflection Temp. | Approx. 175°C |
Long Term Service Temp. | Up to 110°C |
Water Absorption | Very Low – Excellent dimensional stability |
Chemical Resistance | Excellent – Oils, fuels, solvents |
Wear Resistance | Very High – Ideal for high-load, moving parts |
Processing Methods | Injection molding, extrusion |
Surface Finish | Matte, some fiber pattern possible |
Dimensional Stability | Outstanding – For high-precision structural parts |
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PA12-CF composites exhibit significantly enhanced thermal stability compared to standard PA12 due to the incorporation of carbon fiber. As the carbon fiber content increases, the material's ability to withstand elevated temperatures improves, allowing it to maintain mechanical properties in high-temperature environments. This enhanced heat deflection temperature makes PA12-CF suitable for applications that require reliable performance under thermal stress. The superior thermal stability ensures that components made from PA12-CF can operate effectively in demanding conditions, thereby expanding their usability across various industries, including automotive and aerospace. The combination of lightweight characteristics and improved heat resistance positions PA12-CF as an excellent choice for applications that prioritize both strength and thermal performance.
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What are CF Reinforced Thermoplastic Composites?
CF Reinforced Thermoplastic Composites are materials where carbon fibers are incorporated into a thermoplastic matrix. They combine the strength and stiffness of carbon fibers with the processability and recyclability of thermoplastics. For instance, they are used in automotive parts like bumper beams.
What are the benefits of CF Reinforced Thermoplastic Composites over traditional composites?
The key benefits include faster production cycles, easier recyclability, and better impact resistance. They also offer design flexibility. An example is in the manufacturing of consumer electronics casings where complex shapes can be achieved more easily.
How are CF Reinforced Thermoplastic Composites processed?
Common processing methods include injection molding, extrusion, and compression molding. Injection molding is widely used for mass production. For example, in the production of small components for the medical industry.
What industries use CF Reinforced Thermoplastic Composites?
They are utilized in aerospace, automotive, medical, and sports equipment industries. In aerospace, they can be found in interior components. In the medical field, they might be used in prosthetics.
How does the carbon fiber content affect the properties of the composites?
Higher carbon fiber content generally leads to increased strength and stiffness but may reduce ductility. A moderate content is often balanced for specific applications. For example, a higher content might be preferred in structural parts of a race car.
What are the challenges in using CF Reinforced Thermoplastic Composites?
Challenges include higher material costs, complex processing equipment requirements, and ensuring uniform fiber dispersion. Issues with adhesion between the fibers and the matrix can also arise. An example is in achieving consistent quality in large-scale production.