🧩 PP+CF20 – 20% Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polypropylene
(Lightweight and rigid technical plastic, used in performance automotive parts and structural components)
🔹 What is PP+CF20
PP+CF20 is a polypropylene reinforced with 20% carbon fiber, designed for applications requiring low weight, high rigidity, and excellent resistance to temperature and vibrations.
Carbon fibers provide the material with superior mechanical strength and a characteristic matte black appearance, making it ideal for premium and sporty parts.
🔧 Composition
- PP (Polypropylene) – base matrix, semi-crystalline
- CF (Carbon Fiber 20%) – lightweight and rigid mechanical reinforcement
- Additives – UV stabilizers, coupling agents, antioxidants
🚗 Where PP+CF20 is used in the automotive industry
| Component | Example parts | Observations |
| Bodywork | Decorative covers, air diffusers, sport parts | Rigid, lightweight, matte carbon finish |
| Engine Compartment | Sensor covers, technical supports | Withstands heat and vibrations |
| Technical Interior | Casings, panels, rigid mounts | Low weight, stable structure |
| Tuning / Sport | Aesthetic and functional parts | Premium look, high hardness |
🔧 Welding temperatures and methods
| Method | Optimal temperature | Observations |
| Hot air | 270 – 290 °C | Requires original PP-CF20 rod; slow melting |
| Heat plate (mirror) | 260 – 280 °C | For clean flat joints |
| Manual extrusion | 250 – 270 °C | Local repairs and reinforcements |
| Ultrasonic | — | Only in small, industrial applications |
🔩 What to weld PP+CF20 with (Material compatibility)
Many ask what to weld PP+CF20 with — the answer: only with identical or similar material.
Carbon fiber reinforcement changes the melting point and thermal conductivity, so combining it with standard PP is not recommended.
✅ Compatible:
- PP+CF20 ↔ PP+CF20 – ideal combination, rigid and stable joint
- PP+CF20 ↔ PP+CF30 – good compatibility
- PP+CF20 ↔ PP-H / PP-C – low compatibility, minor repairs only
- PP+CF20 ↔ PP-GF20 – partially compatible, but different shrinkage
❌ Incompatible:
- PE, ABS, ASA, PC, PA – different chemistry and melting
- PP+TD (talc-filled) – poor adhesion, risk of cracks after cooling
💡 ReplastMD Recommendation:
Use original PP-CF20 welding rods and work at temperatures between 275–285 °C.
Clean the exposed fiber before welding and avoid overheating – carbon fibers can oxidize at excessive temperatures.
🏭 Manufacturers and trade names
| Manufacturer | Brand / Series | Country / Region |
| LyondellBasell | Hostacom® CF20 | Germany / Netherlands |
| SABIC | Stamax® CF20 | Netherlands |
| Borealis | Daplen® CF20 | Austria |
| Hyundai EP | Polytron® CF20 | South Korea |
| Ravago | Enyglos® CF20 | EU |
| Celanese | Fortron® CF20 | USA |
🧠 How to identify PP+CF20
- Engraved marking: >PP-CF20<
- Matte surface, dark grey-black color
- Very rigid, fine appearance at the cut, not fibrous like PP-GF
- Yellow-blue flame, faint paraffin smell
- Melts at 275 °C, without bubbles
💡 ReplastMD Practical Test: If the part is matte black, very rigid, and lightweight, and a fine carbon luster is visible at the cut → it is PP+CF20.