Products
In the world of materials, carbon fiber has emerged as the ultimate team player - one that works miracles in reinforcing other materials and lifting them to new levels of performance.
Products
In the realm of advanced materials, ZOLTEK PX35 has set the benchmark as the industrial carbon fiber that is both cost-effective and exceptionally strong. Offering a strength-to-weight ratio comparable to, or even surpassing, many aerospace-grade fibers, ZOLTEK PX35 is crafted from our plentiful textile-based precursor and produced through a proprietary high-throughput process. This ensures an affordable product without compromising on strength or stiffness.
ZOLTEK PX35 has revolutionized the carbon fiber industry, making high-performance carbon fiber accessible for a wide range of new applications. Our sustainable pricing model is independent of the fluctuating aerospace market, positioning ZOLTEK PX35 as a competitive alternative to other primary building materials.
ZOLTEK PX35
95% Carbon Content
The Industrial Carbon Fiber Standard
In the realm of advanced materials, ZOLTEK PX35 has set the benchmark as the industrial carbon fiber that is both cost-effective and exceptionally strong. Offering a strength-to-weight ratio comparable to, or even surpassing, many aerospace-grade fibers, ZOLTEK PX35 is crafted from our plentiful textile-based precursor and produced through a proprietary high-throughput process. This ensures an affordable product without compromising on strength or stiffness.
ZOLTEK PX35 has revolutionized the carbon fiber industry, making high-performance carbon fiber accessible for a wide range of new applications. Our sustainable pricing model is independent of the fluctuating aerospace market, positioning ZOLTEK PX35 as a competitive alternative to other primary building materials.
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ZOLTEK Chopped Carbon Fiber (Superior Performance for Molding Applications)
Chopped carbon fiber is a highly favored material for injection and compression molding applications, known for producing components that are exceptionally durable, corrosion-resistant, and rigid. These qualities make it ideal for manufacturing machine parts and gears that endure long operational periods with minimal wear and tear.
ZOLTEK’s signature line of chopped carbon fiber materials is engineered to meet specific application needs, offering cleaner and more consistent flow rates due to their high bulk density. Often compounded with general engineering thermoplastics such as PC and Nylon, as well as high-temperature thermoplastic resins like PEEK and PEI, these composites achieve an industry-leading strength-to-weight ratio. This makes them perfect for applications that demand stronger and more rigid materials.
Additionally, ZOLTEK’s chopped carbon fibers distribute easily during the compounding process, enhancing both the process efficiency and the performance of the final product. ZOLTEK PX35 Chopped Fibers are versatile and available in various forms, including pellets, flakes, and sticks. Explore our extensive collection of chopped fiber products to find the perfect solution for your needs.
ZOLTEK PX35 Continuous Tow (Leading Commercial Carbon Fiber)
ZOLTEK PX35 Continuous Tow stands as the premier commercial carbon fiber available today. Comprised of 50K filament fibers manufactured from a polyacrylonitrile (PAN) precursor, this product is offered with a variety of sizings to ensure optimal processing and compatibility with numerous resin systems. Our stringent quality control system ensures spool-to-spool consistency, resulting in exceptionally low coefficients of variation.
ZOLTEK PXFT Carbonized Felts (Versatile Solutions for Diverse Applications)
ZOLTEK PXFT carbonized felts are crafted from 100% ZOLTEK OX felts, continuously carbonized and supplied in convenient roll form. These carbon felts are highly versatile and suitable for various applications, including stationary energy storage batteries, high-temperature furnace linings, acid gas mist eliminators, and carbon composite materials.
Customers can easily process the felt into custom designs and apply their own post-treatments to meet specific requirements.
ZOLTEK PX35 Milled Carbon Fiber (High-Quality Solution for Strength and Electrostatic Dissipation)
ZOLTEK PX35 milled carbon fiber is a specially processed fiber made from polyacrylonitrile (PAN), ideal for high-volume applications requiring significant strength and electrostatic dissipation. All ZOLTEK milled carbon fiber products are free of any sizings, ensuring purity and performance. Our unique in-house milling system guarantees the highest product quality and complete traceability from raw material to finished product.
ZOLTEK Multi-Directional Fabrics are produced from our ZOLTEK PX35 continuous carbon fiber tow. ZOLTEK utilizes unique fiber spreading techniques to obtain a wide range of Multi-Directional fabric weights for a varied set of composite part applications. A quick composite part build-up is cost effectively achieved with our diverse weight range of low-cost carbon fabric products. ZOLTEK Multi-Directional Fabrics drapable fabric construction is also ideal for complex shape preforms. Pillar and Tricot stitching patterns are available as needed.
Applications: Automotive, marine, Aircraft, Infrastructure
Recommended Use: Body Panels (Interior/Exterior), Components/Undercarriage, Reinforcement
ZOLTEK™ Pultruded Profiles (Advanced Carbon Fiber Laminates for Structural Reinforcement)
ZOLTEK™ Pultruded Profiles are pre-cured, thick-ply carbon fiber laminates designed for optimal structural reinforcement applications. Available in various thicknesses and complex shapes, our pultrusion products offer superior properties with high fiber volumes, minimal void content, and precise filament alignment.
Using ZOLTEK PX35 carbon fiber tows, our proprietary impregnation and curing process produces smooth carbon fiber laminates that ensure efficient laydown when building thickness. The specific fiber alignment achieved through pultrusion delivers consistently superior properties in laminates compared to other composite manufacturing processes. Depending on the end application, these pultruded profiles are typically produced with thermoset epoxy or vinyl ester resin in a proprietary, cost-effective, high-throughput process.
ZOLTEK’s pultruded profiles are ready-to-use carbon composites suitable for a wide range of applications, including infrastructure projects, deep-sea exploration, wind energy, and any other field that benefits from the unique properties of pultruded carbon fiber components.
Applications: Wind Energy, Infrastructure, Offshore Drilling, Mining, Other Structural Reinforcement Applications
Innovative Carbon Fiber Technology for Sheet Molding Compound (SMC)
In collaboration with Toray, ZOLTEK has pioneered an advanced technology and input material for Sheet Molding Compound (SMC) used in compression molding. SMC is a composite material made from resin and chopped carbon fiber, placed into matched metal tooling to mold finished parts.
Our new carbon fiber tow product retains the large tow size (50K) but is now split into 3K sub-tows. When chopped, these sub-tows break apart into a homogeneous, isotropic bed of small tow carbon fiber, which easily wets out in the SMC process. This innovation results in an exceptionally strong and stiff composite part, ideal for automotive and other applications.
The final parts molded from SMC benefit from a high-throughput compounding process combined with low-cost inputs (resin and fiber). The molding process is highly efficient, with more than 97% of the compound utilized in the final molded part, minimizing edge trim and other waste.
ZOLTEK (Advanced Carbon Fiber Solutions for Engineering Thermoplastics)
ZOLTEK has engineered continuous tow, chopped fibers, and milled fibers specifically for both general and high-temperature engineering thermoplastics. To enhance these solutions, ZOLTEK has developed specialized sizing technology compatible with all major thermoplastic materials. This innovative approach enables compounders to achieve significant physical property improvements, expanding the applications of thermoplastics into new areas.
Revolutionizing Thermoplastic Applications
With ZOLTEK’s technology, nylon compounds can now replace traditional cast aluminum and magnesium applications. Polypropylene (PP) compounds can compete with higher density filled materials and vertical panel applications. High-temperature materials have already been successfully compounded for use in 3D printed tooling, showcasing their versatility and superior performance.
Comprehensive Sizing Portfolio
ZOLTEK’s portfolio of sizings is compatible with Nylons, Polycarbonates, and several high-temperature thermoplastics, including PEI, PEEK, and PPS. Each ZOLTEK PX35 thermoplastic-optimized fiber offers distinct advantages:
- High Bulk Density: Ensures cleaner and more consistent flow rates.
- Chopped Fiber: Available in various lengths for thermoplastic compounding.
- Milled Fiber: Available in pellet form or as a dry powder. The compact pellet form maintains its integrity from packaging through the hopper, ensuring easy distribution during compounding and enhancing process and product performance.
Exceptional Properties
ZOLTEK PX35 carbon fiber boasts excellent mechanical and electrical properties, including electrical conductivity, dimensional stability, and low thermal expansion. These characteristics make it an ideal choice for a wide range of high-performance thermoplastic applications.
ZOLTEK Uni-Directional Fabric (Stitch-Bonded) (Optimized for Superior Composite Applications)
ZOLTEK’s Uni-Directional Fabric (Stitch-Bonded) is crafted from our ZOLTEK PX35 50K Continuous Tow Carbon Fiber. Reflecting ZOLTEK’s dedication to providing optimal solutions for various application challenges, this product utilizes unique fiber spreading techniques to offer a diverse range of fabric weights and constructions tailored for composite part applications.
Specially designed for enhanced infusibility, ZOLTEK’s Uni-Directional Fabric enables rapid build-up of part thickness, making it ideal for applications requiring swift and efficient layering. Additionally, fabric treatments such as binders can be applied to meet specific application needs, ensuring the fabric’s performance aligns perfectly with the demands of each unique project.
ZOLTEK PX35 Tow Weave Carbon Fabric (Superior Durability and Aesthetic Appeal)
ZOLTEK PX35 tow weave carbon fabric is crafted from our robust ZOLTEK PX35 50K Continuous Tow Carbon Fiber material. Demonstrating our commitment to innovative carbon fiber solutions, this product offers a cost-effective and efficient method for building composite parts with superior aesthetic appeal.
Common applications for this industry-leading tow weave carbon fabric include large composite tooling parts and finished composite components for a variety of uses. Whether for industrial or everyday applications, ZOLTEK PX35 tow weave carbon fabric delivers durability, efficiency, and an attractive finish.
ZOLTEK PX30
99%+ Carbon Content
Advanced High-Temperature Carbon Fiber Solutions
ZOLTEK PX30 is designed for use in the most extreme heat applications, offering industry-leading performance for challenges requiring exceptional high-temperature and harsh chemical resistance properties. As a high-purity, high-thermal performance material, ZOLTEK PX30 is frequently utilized in fuel cells, carbon/carbon composites, energy storage batteries, and numerous other specialty applications.
Derived from ZOLTEK OX products through a proprietary high-temperature batch carbonization process, ZOLTEK PX30 carbon fibers are PAN-based materials carbonized to over 99% purity. Additionally, all ZOLTEK PX30 carbonized products are free of sizings, ensuring superior performance. ZOLTEK’s in-house system guarantees product quality and traceability from raw material through to the finished product.
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ZOLTEK PX30 Woven and Knit Fabrics (Superior Thermal Stability and Versatility)
ZOLTEK PX30 woven and knit fabrics are engineered from 100% ZOLTEK OX spun yarns, designed to meet specific thickness and areal weight requirements. As part of our commitment to innovation, ZOLTEK offers these fabrics in a variety of forms, including plain and satin weave constructions, as well as knit and scrim fabric types.
These fabrics provide exceptional tensile and interlaminar shear strength properties and are easy to drape without wrinkling, making them ideal for use in composite materials. With high carbon content and low oxidation rates, ZOLTEK PX30 fabrics are particularly suited for applications such as carbon-carbon composites, fuel cell substrates, chemical vapor infiltration, and prepreg processing.
ZOLTEK PX30 Milled Carbon Fiber (High-Purity Solution for Strength and Electrostatic Dissipation)
ZOLTEK PX30 milled carbon fiber is a specially processed PAN (polyacrylonitrile) based fiber designed for high-volume applications requiring significant strength and electrostatic dissipation. These high-purity milled fibers, with over 99% carbon content, are derived from ZOLTEK’s advanced high-temperature graphitization process.
All ZOLTEK milled carbon fiber products are free of any sizings, ensuring superior performance. Our in-house milling system guarantees the highest product quality and complete traceability from raw material to finished product.
ZOLTEK PX30 Roving (Enhanced Handling and Superior Performance)
ZOLTEK PX30 Roving is engineered for improved handling characteristics, using high twist ZOLTEK OX yarns and ZOLTEK’s proprietary high-temperature batch carbonization process, ensuring the highest purity. Carbonized to over 99%, ZOLTEK PX30 Roving offers exceptional performance in extreme heat applications due to its high carbon content and low oxidation rate.
This product is widely used in the manufacturing of friction clutches and brakes, providing reliable performance under demanding conditions. Additionally, thick fabrics woven from ZOLTEK PX30 High Twist Roving facilitate efficient buildup during the fabrication of carbon composite substructures.
ZOLTEK PX30 Carbonized Yarns (High-Performance Solutions for Extreme Heat Applications)
From production to end-use, ZOLTEK PX30 carbonized yarns are synonymous with high performance. With a minimum carbon content of 99% and a fiber density of 1.75 g/cc, ZOLTEK PX30 yarns offer industry-leading solutions, particularly where reliability under extreme heat is essential. Derived from ZOLTEK’s proprietary high-temperature batch carbonization process, these yarns exhibit exceptional purity and performance.
Characterized by numerous surface fibrils protruding in various directions, ZOLTEK PX30 yarns are ideally suited for high-performance applications, including braided carbon/carbon composites. Their unique structure and superior properties make them the optimal choice for demanding environments and applications.
ZOLTEK OX
Leading the Industry in Oxidized PAN Fiber for Over Two Decades
With over 20 years of experience, innovation, and expertise, ZOLTEK has fine-tuned its process to become the largest producer of oxidized PAN fiber in the world. Our ZOLTEK OX fiber is inherently flame-resistant, making it an effective heat-blocking and fire barrier material. It outperforms all other organic flame-resistant fibers in terms of limiting oxygen index, all at a highly competitive price.
Superior Flame Resistance and Versatility
ZOLTEK OX textile products maintain their appearance and soft texture even after exposure to open flames. They do not burn, melt, or drip, and they self-extinguish when exposed to flame, ensuring maximum safety and reliability. Additionally, ZOLTEK OX fibers do not shrink, making them ideal for high-performance applications.
Wide Range of Applications
The versatility of ZOLTEK OX products is one of their greatest advantages. ZOLTEK OX is suitable for all forms of textile processing, including:
- Needle punching
- Stitch-bonding
- Hydroentangling
- Thermal bonding
- Chemical bonding
- Air-laying
- Wet-laying
- Ring spinning
- Stretch-breaking
- Weaving
- Knitting
- Braiding
End uses of ZOLTEK OX include aircraft brake preforms, heat and flame blocking layers in transportation, thermal, acoustical, and vibration insulation liners, flame-resistant apparel, intumescent mesh, and raw materials for carbonized and graphitized yarns, fabrics, and felts.
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ZOLTEK OX Continuous Tow Fibers (Superior Fire Resistance and Versatility)
ZOLTEK OX Continuous Tow fibers are oxidized and stabilized PAN (OPAN) fibers that offer inherent fire resistance, thermal stability, excellent resistance to chemicals and solvents, and electrical nonconductivity. These characteristics make them ideal for a variety of applications requiring high-performance materials.
Versatile Processing Options
- ZOLTEK OX continuous uncrimped tow is versatile and suitable for various processing methods, including:
Stretch breaking into yarn - Chopping into short fiber lengths and flock
- Crimping and cutting into staple fibers for nonwoven or yarn spinning application
These processing options allow ZOLTEK OX Continuous Tow fibers to be tailored to meet the specific needs of diverse industrial applications, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.
ZOLTEK OX Fabrics (Excellence in Flame-Resistant Applications)
ZOLTEK OX Fabrics are expertly crafted from 100% ZOLTEK OX yarn, making them ideal for any flame-resistant application. These fabrics boast a high Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI%), a soft hand, and superior strength properties. Their adaptability allows them to accept adhesives for lamination or to be coated for enhanced performance, and they are easily processed in cut-and-sew applications.
Versatile Fabric Forms
As part of ZOLTEK’s commitment to innovation and versatility, ZOLTEK OX Fabrics are available in a variety of forms, including:
- Plain weave constructions
- Satin weave constructions
- Knit types
- Scrim types
These fabrics provide exceptional performance as base layers in flame-resistant (FR) apparel applications that require high Thermal Protective Performance (TPP) values.
Key Features and Applications
- High LOI%: Ensures excellent flame resistance.
- Soft Hand: Provides comfort and flexibility.
- Superior Strength: Ensures durability and reliability in demanding applications.
- Adaptability: Can be laminated or coated for enhanced performance.
- Ease of Processing: Suitable for cut-and-sew applications.
ZOLTEK OX Fabrics are designed to meet the highest standards of performance and safety, making them the preferred choice for a wide range of industrial and commercial applications.
ZOLTEK OX Staple Fibers (Premier Fire Resistance and Versatility)
ZOLTEK OX Staple Fibers are oxidized and stabilized PAN (OPAN) fibers known for their inherent fire resistance, thermal stability, excellent resistance to chemicals and solvents, and electrical nonconductivity. These fibers are available in three denier sizes and various cut lengths, making them highly adaptable for different applications.
Versatile Applications
ZOLTEK OX Staple Fibers can be used at 100% levels or blended with other fibers to produce the highest quality nonwoven felts and the finest spun yarns on the market. Their superior properties make them ideal for a wide range of applications where performance and safety are paramount.
Key Features
- Fire Resistance: Inherently flame-resistant, providing superior protection.
- Thermal Stability: Performs well under high-temperature conditions.
- Chemical and Solvent Resistance: Exhibits excellent resistance to harsh chemicals and solvents.
- Electrical Nonconductivity: Ensures safety in electrical applications.
- Variety of Sizes: Available in three denier sizes and various cut lengths for tailored applications.
ZOLTEK OX Staple Fibers are designed to meet the highest standards of performance and reliability, making them the preferred choice for industrial and commercial applications requiring high-quality nonwoven felts and spun yarns.
ZOLTEK OX Yarns (Unmatched Performance and Versatility)
Produced from 100% ZOLTEK OX tow, ZOLTEK OX yarns form the foundation of our OX fabrics and felts. These yarns are inherently fire-resistant, thermally stable, electrically nonconductive, and exhibit excellent resistance to chemicals and solvents, making them the premier choice on the market.
Key Features and Benefits
- Fire Resistance: Provides superior protection in high-risk environments.
- Thermal Stability: Maintains integrity under extreme heat conditions.
- Electrical Nonconductivity: Ensures safety in electrical and electronic applications.
- Chemical and Solvent Resistance: Withstands exposure to harsh chemicals and solvents.
Versatile Applications
ZOLTEK OX stretch-broken yarns can be knit or woven, making them ideal for a variety of applications. They are often used in weaving and braiding for welding or mechanical packing end uses, offering exceptional performance and reliability.
Applications Include:
- Welding: Ideal for protective fabrics and gear.
- Mechanical Packing: Ensures durability and resistance to harsh conditions.
- Knitting and Weaving: Suitable for creating high-performance fabrics and felts.
With ZOLTEK OX yarns, you can trust in the highest quality and performance for your most demanding applications.
ZOLTEK Post-Industrial Carbon Fiber
Innovating for Sustainability
It is estimated that over 30% of produced carbon fiber becomes waste at some point in its lifecycle. As innovators and leaders in the carbon fiber industry, ZOLTEK views this statistic as a prime opportunity to revolutionize the commercialization of carbon fiber.
Benefits of Post-Industrial Carbon Fiber
Post-industrial carbon fiber offers significant advantages:
- Cost Savings: Provides a 20-40% cost reduction compared to virgin carbon fiber.
- Comparable Modulus: Maintains similar modulus to virgin carbon fiber.
- Strength: Despite a 10-20% reduction in tensile strength, it remains one of the strongest commercial reinforcing fibers available.
Sustainability Impact
The sustainability implications are immense. By repurposing 3,500 to 5,000 metric tons (over 7.5 million to 11 million pounds) of carbon fiber waste annually, we transform what was once considered “waste” into valuable resources.
ZOLTEK’s Commitment
ZOLTEK now includes Post-Industrial Carbon Fiber forms in our comprehensive product inventory. This commitment to responsible production aligns with our mission to advance industries through stable pricing, supply availability, and cutting-edge technology. We believe that just as virgin carbon fiber has become a staple in various applications, post-industrial carbon fiber will play a crucial role in the next generation of commercial production worldwide.
Partnering for Progress
Our goal is to connect customers with the best carbon fiber solutions for their applications. While post-industrial carbon fiber may not be ideal for every application, we are dedicated to partnering with our customers to explore the potential of sustainable carbon fiber in mainstream markets.
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ZOLTEK Post-Industrial Carbon Fiber (Cost-Effective and Sustainable Innovation)
ZOLTEK’s Post-Industrial Carbon Fiber retains many of the attractive properties of virgin chopped carbon fiber while offering significant cost-saving and sustainability benefits. Our post-industrial chopped carbon fiber is available in two forms, both characterized by high strength and modulus, low density, dimensional stability, and low thermal expansion. Additionally, these fibers are electrically and thermally conductive, making them ideal for compounding with general engineering thermoplastics (e.g., PC, Nylon) and high-temperature thermoplastic resins (e.g., PEEK, PEI).
Key Advantages:
- High Strength and Modulus: Maintains robust mechanical properties.
Low Density: Offers lightweight solutions without compromising strength. - Dimensional Stability: Ensures consistent performance across applications.
- Low Thermal Expansion: Reduces risk of thermal deformation.
- Electrical and Thermal Conductivity: Suitable for various high-performance applications.
Performance and Availability
Leading research and development indicate that the properties of post-industrial fibers exhibit only a 3-5% reduction compared to virgin carbon fiber. This minimal reduction makes ZOLTEK’s post-industrial chopped and milled fibers highly effective for creating thermoplastic compounds such as bulk molding compounds.
Forms and Applications
ZOLTEK post-industrial chopped fiber is available in pellet, flake, or stick form, providing versatility for different processing and application needs. These fibers are ideal for:
- Engineering Thermoplastics: Enhance the performance of compounds like PC and Nylon.
- High-Temperature Resins: Improve the durability and stability of materials such as PEEK and PEI.
By choosing ZOLTEK’s post-industrial chopped carbon fiber, you can achieve high performance while contributing to sustainability and cost-efficiency.
Commercializing Carbon Fiber
Commercializing Carbon Fiber
At ZOLTEK, our mission is to lead the way in making carbon fiber a widely accessible and commercially viable material. We see our products as essential tools that propel various industries forward by ensuring stable pricing, consistent supply, and cutting-edge technology. Initially a high-tech material for the aerospace industry, carbon fiber has evolved into a versatile resource used in numerous everyday applications.
Our Product Range
ZOLTEK offers an extensive range of carbon fiber products designed to meet diverse needs. Our offerings include multiple forms and customizable options, making the applications nearly endless.
- ZOLTEK PX35: Our commercial-grade carbon fibers, ideal for a wide range of industrial uses.
- ZOLTEK PX30: High-purity, high-thermal performance carbon fibers suitable for demanding applications.
- ZOLTEK OX: Oxidized PAN fibers, known for their exceptional properties.
- ZOLTEK Post-Industrial Fiber: A line dedicated to efficiency and sustainability, utilizing post-industrial carbon fibers.
Expert Guidance and Custom Solutions
Our team of highly trained carbon fiber specialists is committed to matching our customers with the perfect carbon fiber solution tailored to their specific needs. We encourage you to explore our comprehensive product database to find the ZOLTEK product that can elevate your industry to new heights.
Our Certifications
