Zoltek Post-Industrial Carbon Fiber
Innovating Efficiency
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.
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.
View Types:
ZOLTEK Post-Industrial Chopped Carbon Fiber (Cost-Effective Innovation)
ZOLTEK’s post-industrial chopped 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.
