How to select chopped carbon fibers? Before purchasing, clarify these three issues first! 

In the application of carbon fiber composite materials, short-cut carbon fibers and carbon fiber powders are often used as functional additives to enhance the properties of thermoplastic or thermosetting plastics, achieve conductivity, and improve wear resistance, etc. As the purchasing manager, how can one make the right choice among various specifications for one's own production process? The following will explain it from two key perspectives. 

1. How do the cutting length and powder fineness match your production process? 

The length of chopped carbon fibers usually ranges from 3 to 24 mm. Different lengths correspond to different dispersion and reinforcing effects. For instance, the injection molding process generally recommends a specification of 6-12 mm, which is conducive to uniform mixing; while the compression molding process may be suitable for chopped fibers longer than 12 mm to provide better structural support. 

Carbon fiber powder pays more attention to fineness (mesh number). The higher the fineness, the finer the powder, and its suspension ability in coatings or pastes will be better, but the cost will also increase accordingly. It is recommended to make a comprehensive selection based on the surface requirements of your final product and the shear capacity of the processing equipment. There is no need to blindly pursue excessively high fineness. 

II. Types of sizing agents and fiber types affect the final bonding strength 

The type of sizing agent on the surface of chopped carbon fibers directly determines the bonding strength between them and the matrix resin (such as PP, PA, epoxy, etc.). Different resin systems require different sizing agents for carbon fibers. Before purchasing, please clarify your base material and choose chopped carbon fibers that have undergone targeted surface treatment. This can effectively enhance the mechanical properties of the composite material. 

In addition, carbon fibers come in different tensile strength grades such as T300 and T700. You can choose the one that suits your actual load-bearing requirements. It is not the case that the higher the grade, the more applicable it is. 

Summary and Selection Suggestions 

When purchasing chopped carbon fibers or carbon fiber powder, it is recommended to follow the following three steps: 

Clarify the process: Injection molding, extrusion, compression molding or coating? The process determines the length or fineness range. 

Confirm the substrate: Which resin or material will it be mixed with? Based on this, select the type of sizing agent. 

Sample testing: Before the mass production, it is necessary to conduct a small-scale trial production to verify the dispersion and enhancement effects. 

Xiangsheng Carbon Fiber Technology specializes in the stable supply of chopped carbon fibers and carbon fiber powders, and offers a variety of specifications for your testing. Please feel free to contact us for technical support. 

Yancheng Xiangsheng Carbon Fiber Technology Co., Ltd. 

Official website: http://www.xlfibre.com/ 

Mobile phone: 1802186899 

Telephone: 0515-8223000 

Email: 826955488@qq.com 

Contact Address: No. 1 Tonggang Road, Keke Park, Haitong Town, Sheyang County, Jiangsu Province