PPA-CF40 | 40% Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polyphthalamide
PPA-CF40 is an ultra high-performance, semi crystalline engineering thermoplastic reinforced with 40% short carbon fiber, engineered for maximum strength, rigidity, and dimensional stability in extreme mechanical, thermal, and chemical environments. With its very high carbon fiber content, PPA-CF40 offers metal like mechanical properties combined with the inherent chemical and heat resistance of polyphthalamide.
Compared to lower carbon fiber grades such as PPA-CF20 and PPA-CF30, this material exhibits significantly enhanced stiffness, creep resistance, and thermal dimensional control, making it ideal for structural parts subjected to high loads, elevated temperatures, or chemical exposure over long service life.
Core Performance Highlights
Mechanical Properties
Carbon Fiber Content: 40% (short chopped fibers, densely packed)
Tensile Strength: ~185–200 MPa
Flexural Modulus: ~17–18 GPa
Elongation at Break: ~0.6–1.0%
Notched Izod Impact: ~30–40 J/m
→ The 40% carbon fiber loading delivers exceptional rigidity and load bearing capability, suitable for metal replacement in structural and dimensionally demanding components.
Thermal Resistance
Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT): ≥ 280 °C
Continuous Use Temperature: Up to 240 °C
→ Withstands prolonged thermal stress without warping or creep, making it well suited for under hood, powertrain, and electrical insulation applications.
Environmental & Chemical Durability
Moisture Absorption: ~0.06–0.10% — extremely low for dimensional accuracy
Chemical Resistance: Outstanding — highly resistant to fuels, oils, acids, bases, coolants, and aggressive solvents
→ Provides excellent stability in humid, corrosive, or chemically reactive environments, with minimal degradation over time.
Processing & Manufacturing
Molding Methods: Injection molding
Surface Finish: Matte to textured, visible fiber appearance common
Tooling Requirements: Requires high hardness, abrasion resistant steel molds due to elevated fiber loading
→ Lower flowability than CF30; optimized mold design and processing conditions are essential to achieve full fiber alignment and mechanical performance.
Target Applications
Automotive & Mobility
Engine mounts, suspension brackets, electric drive housings
→ Provides high strength, dimensional accuracy, and chemical resistance for metal replacement applications in harsh environments.
Electronics & Electrical
Motor enclosures, battery carriers, structural EMI/RFI shields
→ Maintains rigid support structure under thermal and vibrational loads, ideal for EV and power electronics.
Industrial Equipment
Structural pump components, robotic arms, actuator frames
→ Suitable for continuous mechanical load, chemical contact, and high precision tolerancing.
Performance Summary Table
Property |
Value / Description |
Carbon Fiber Content |
40% (Short Carbon Fiber Reinforced) |
Tensile Strength |
~185–200 MPa |
Flexural Modulus |
~17–18 GPa |
Elongation at Break |
~0.6–1.0% |
Notched Izod Impact |
~30–40 J/m |
Heat Deflection Temp. |
≥ 280 °C |
Long Term Service Temp. |
Up to 240 °C |
Moisture Absorption |
~0.06–0.10% — ultra-low, tight tolerance retention |
Chemical Resistance |
Excellent — fuels, oils, acids, bases, solvents |
Wear Resistance |
Very high — ideal for load bearing and high-friction zones |
Processing Methods |
Injection molding |
Surface Finish |
Matte/textured — fiber visibility common |
Dimensional Stability |
Exceptional — minimal creep, low thermal expansion |
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