PA66-LCF30: Ultra-High Strength Long Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polyamide 66 for Demanding Structural and Thermal Applications

PA66-LCF30 is a premium engineering grade thermoplastic based on polyamide 66 (PA66), reinforced with 30% long carbon fiber (LCF). This advanced composite material is engineered to meet the highest performance demands in structural components, where extreme strength, stiffness, and thermal resistance are critical. The long carbon fiber reinforcement significantly enhances mechanical performance, dimensional precision, and fatigue resistance—making it a powerful alternative to metal in many load bearing applications.

By leveraging long fibers rather than short or chopped variants, PA66-LCF30 ensures more efficient stress transfer across the matrix, improved resistance to mechanical shock, and reduced long term deformation such as creep and warping. It is ideally suited for high performance automotive, industrial, mechanical, and electronic systems operating under thermal, dynamic, or chemical stress.

Key Mechanical Properties

Tensile Strength: ≥ 145 MPa

Flexural Strength: ≥ 190 MPa

Notched Impact Strength: ≥ 12 kJ/m²

The high 30% LCF content provides outstanding mechanical reinforcement—offering more than 70% improvement over unfilled PA66 in strength and rigidity while maintaining good impact absorption. The long carbon fibers create a resilient internal network that distributes loads more uniformly, minimizing stress concentrations that could lead to fatigue or fracture.

Thermal and Chemical Resistance

Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT): Approx. 140°C

Long Term Service Temperature: Up to 130°C

Chemical Resistance: Excellent resistance to oils, greases, fuels, and weak acids; moderate resistance to alkalis; not suitable for concentrated oxidizing agents or mineral acids

PA66-LCF30 delivers consistent mechanical integrity even under sustained exposure to elevated temperatures, making it suitable for engine adjacent environments, industrial machinery housings, or equipment that cycles through heating phases.

Wear Resistance and Processability

Wear Resistance: Extremely high – suitable for continuous motion and high pressure friction components

Processing Methods: Injection molding (requires LCF capable feeding systems), compression molding

Processing Notes: To preserve fiber length and optimize mechanical output, use low shear settings and hardened tooling. Uniform dispersion of fibers is essential for consistent product performance.

The extended carbon fibers embedded in PA66’s matrix provide substantial improvements in wear life and dimensional retention during repeated mechanical interaction. As a result, PA66-LCF30 is an ideal solution for sliding interfaces, bearings, and articulated joints that are subject to frequent motion.

Environmental Stability

Water Absorption: Significantly lower than standard PA66

Dimensional Stability: Excellent – retains form and function in environments with humidity and temperature fluctuations

Traditional PA66 is prone to moisture absorption, which leads to expansion and property shifts. However, PA66-LCF30’s high LCF content counteracts this by reducing hydrophilicity and providing a reinforcing matrix that limits expansion, shrinkage, or shape distortion—especially important for precision parts in mechanical assemblies or humid settings.

Typical Applications

PA66-LCF30 is specifically formulated for high load, high performance applications where durability, dimensional stability, and mechanical resilience are paramount. Target markets and components include:

Automotive:

Structural supports and brackets in engine compartments

Under the hood mounts and lightweight reinforcements

Chassis or underbody connection elements replacing metal

Industrial:

High cycle robotic arms, joints, and rotating linkages

Sliding guides, bearing blocks, and load distributing mechanical supports

Structural frames for machinery operating in thermally intense settings

Electronics & Consumer Devices:

Stiff structural frames and housings in electronic assemblies

Mounts and enclosures subject to heat and vibration

Mechanically active components requiring tight tolerances

PA66-LCF30 Performance Summary