Nylon Carbon Fibre (PA12/CF)
A high-performance thermoplastic composite combining polyamide 12 (PA12) nylon with short or continuous carbon fibre reinforcement, offering an excellent balance of strength, chemical resistance, and processability.
Overview
PA12/CF (Polyamide 12 reinforced with carbon fibre) is a premium engineering thermoplastic composite that combines the flexibility and chemical resistance of nylon with the stiffness and strength of carbon fibre. It is particularly valued in automotive applications where chemical exposure, moisture resistance, and dimensional stability are critical, as PA12 absorbs significantly less moisture than PA6 or PA66 variants. Short-fibre PA12/CF grades are injection-mouldable and suitable for complex structural brackets, fluid system components, and under-bonnet parts. Continuous-fibre PA12/CF (produced via AFP or tape laying) is used in more demanding structural applications and is increasingly relevant for 3D printed structural automotive parts, where PA12/CF is a leading material in selective laser sintering (SLS) and FFF additive manufacturing. Key automotive applications include fuel and brake line systems, structural brackets, lightweight wheel carriers, and high-pressure fluid handling components. The thermoplastic matrix enables recyclability and weld-joining — significant advantages over thermoset carbon fibre systems.
Automotive Applications
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Properties
Category
Type
Short Fibre Reinforced Thermoplastic
Available Colors
Available Forms
Key Properties
- High strength-to-weight ratio
- Excellent chemical and fuel resistance
- Low moisture absorption (vs PA6/PA66)
- Thermoplastic — weldable and recyclable
- Good fatigue resistance
- Suitable for additive manufacturing
- Dimensional stability
Technical Specifications
Density
1.10–1.30 g/cm³ (depending on CF loading)
Tensile Strength
150–250 MPa (short fibre); up to 700 MPa (continuous fibre)
Temperature Resistance
Continuous use up to 100–120°C
Sustainability
Sustainability Rating
PA12/CF offers meaningful recyclability advantages over thermoset CFRP. Thermoplastic granules can be reprocessed, though carbon fibre length and properties degrade through recycling cycles. PA12 is derived from butadiene, a fossil-fuel by-product, but bio-based PA12 grades are in development. CF reinforcement carries the same high-energy production footprint as all carbon fibre. Overall, the thermoplastic matrix represents a step forward in composite sustainability.