TPU-CF30 (Thermoplastic Polyurethane with 30% Carbon Fiber) is a high-performance thermoplastic elastomeric composite that integrates 30% carbon fiber reinforcement within a TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) matrix. This increased carbon fiber content significantly enhances the material’s mechanical properties, offering superior strength, stiffness, and durability, while still preserving the flexibility typical of TPU. TPU-CF30 is well-suited for demanding applications where an optimal balance of elasticity, wear resistance, and exceptional mechanical performance is required. It is commonly used across various industries such as automotive, industrial manufacturing, and consumer products.
Characteristics and Values for Enhanced Performance
Carbon Fiber Content: 30%
The 30% carbon fiber reinforcement in TPU-CF30 substantially improves its tensile and flexural strength, allowing the material to withstand even higher mechanical loads while maintaining a degree of flexibility suitable for numerous applications.
Tensile Strength: ≥ 120 MPa
TPU-CF30 offers enhanced tensile strength, with the capacity to handle elevated mechanical stress without permanent deformation. This makes it ideal for high-performance applications where both strength and flexibility are critical.
Flexural Strength: ≥ 180 MPa
The material exhibits outstanding flexural strength, enabling it to resist bending forces and return to its original shape even after repeated flexing. This ensures exceptional durability in applications subjected to constant flexural stress.
Impact Strength: ≥ 60 kJ/m²
With excellent impact resistance, TPU-CF30 can absorb shock loads effectively, making it suitable for applications exposed to sudden mechanical stresses or impacts.
Thermal Properties
Heat Deflection Temperature: Approximately 160°C
TPU-CF30 remains stable at higher temperatures, providing reliable performance in environments up to 160°C, ensuring long-term reliability under thermal stress.
Long-Term Service Temperature: Up to 140°C
This material retains its mechanical properties and dimensional stability in moderate to high-temperature conditions, making it ideal for prolonged use in demanding thermal environments.
Chemical Stability
TPU-CF30 offers enhanced chemical resistance compared to lower carbon fiber content grades. It provides good resistance to oils, fuels, and solvents, although it may not be as chemically resistant as some specialty composites. Additionally, its low moisture absorption ensures reliable performance in humid or wet conditions.
Processing Characteristics
TPU-CF30 is compatible with standard processing techniques such as injection molding, extrusion, and 3D printing. The increased carbon fiber content improves mechanical performance without significantly complicating the processing, allowing for the production of high-precision, durable components.
Other Characteristics
Low Water Absorption:
TPU-CF30 maintains excellent dimensional stability even when exposed to moisture, making it suitable for use in humid environments.
Superior Wear Resistance:
The higher carbon fiber content enhances wear resistance, making TPU-CF30 ideal for components subjected to friction or repetitive motion, such as seals, gaskets, bushings, and protective covers.
Applications
Automotive Industry:
TPU-CF30 is perfect for high-performance automotive components such as gaskets, seals, bushings, and shock-resistant parts where both flexibility and strength are essential.
Industrial Manufacturing:
Ideal for demanding industrial applications, TPU-CF30 is used in heavy-duty components such as protective covers, conveyor belts, and flexible tubing, where high wear resistance and mechanical durability are required.
Consumer Goods:
TPU-CF30 is employed in premium consumer products such as footwear, mobile phone cases, and sporting equipment, where superior durability and flexibility are paramount.
Summary Table
Characteristic |
Value/Description |
Carbon Fiber Content |
30% |
Tensile Strength |
≥ 120 MPa |
Flexural Strength |
≥ 180 MPa |
Impact Strength |
≥ 60 kJ/m² |
Heat Deflection Temp. |
Approximately 160°C |
Long-Term Service Temp. |
Up to 140°C |
Chemical Resistance |
Good resistance to oils, fuels, solvents |
Water Absorption |
Low |
Processing Methods |
Injection molding, extrusion, 3D printing |