PA66-LCF40: Extreme Strength Long Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polyamide 66 for Maximum Structural and Thermal Demands

PA66-LCF40 is an ultra high performance polyamide 66 (PA66) compound reinforced with 40% long carbon fiber (LCF). This premium thermoplastic composite is engineered for the most demanding applications where exceptional mechanical strength, rigidity, dimensional stability, and thermal resistance are critical. With 40% LCF, this material offers near metal performance in many structural uses—while maintaining the lightweight, corrosion resistant, and processable advantages of polymer systems.

The long carbon fiber reinforcement forms a high efficiency load bearing network within the matrix, greatly enhancing fatigue life, minimizing creep and deformation, and ensuring reliable operation under sustained mechanical and thermal stress. PA66-LCF40 is ideal for severe service environments such as high load automotive brackets, industrial machine structures, or precision mechanical elements exposed to extreme conditions.

Key Mechanical Properties

Tensile Strength: ≥ 160 MPa

Flexural Strength: ≥ 210 MPa

Notched Impact Strength: ≥ 13 kJ/m²

With 40% long carbon fiber, PA66-LCF40 delivers unmatched structural performance for a fiber reinforced thermoplastic. Compared to unfilled PA66, it offers well over double the stiffness and tensile strength. The long fibers provide superior load transfer, helping components resist shock, vibration, and fatigue over long operational lifetimes.

Thermal and Chemical Resistance

Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT): Approx. 145°C

Long-Term Service Temperature: Up to 135°C

Chemical Resistance: Excellent resistance to automotive fluids (oils, greases, fuels), weak acids, and alkalis; not suitable for strong oxidizers or concentrated acids

PA66-LCF40 excels in high temperature environments where typical engineering plastics may degrade. It maintains structural integrity under sustained heat exposure, making it an ideal choice for under hood automotive components or industrial equipment in hot zones.

Wear Resistance and Processability

Wear Resistance: Extremely high – supports high load, high friction, and cyclic motion applications

Processing Methods: Injection molding (with LCF capable equipment), compression molding

Processing Notes: Use low shear settings and abrasion resistant tooling to maintain fiber length; ensure uniform dispersion for consistent mechanical properties

The 40% long carbon fiber not only improves wear life but also contributes to outstanding surface durability and low creep under stress. This makes PA66-LCF40 well suited for sliding, rotating, or interfacing parts that undergo constant movement or pressure.

Environmental Stability

Water Absorption: Substantially reduced compared to unreinforced PA66

Dimensional Stability: Excellent—retains tolerances in humid, hot, or changing environments

Thanks to the dense LCF network, PA66-LCF40 resists moisture induced swelling or warping. This is critical in applications where dimensional accuracy and mechanical fit must be maintained over time, especially in outdoor or variable environments.

Typical Applications

PA66-LCF40 is ideal for the most demanding semi structural and structural uses, offering high performance alternatives to aluminum or other metals. Suitable industries and components include:

Automotive:

Engine mounts and chassis reinforcement brackets

Under hood structural components

Hybrid composite metal structural assemblies

Industrial:

Load bearing joints, links, and pivot points in machinery

Fatigue resistant housings and supports

Precision robotic and automation elements

Electronics & Consumer Devices:

Structural enclosures in high heat equipment

Durable internal frames for ruggedized devices

Components under load/vibration where stiffness is key

PA66-LCF40 Performance Summary