🧩 PS-CF – Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polystyrene
(Rigid and lightweight material with high mechanical strength and excellent dimensional stability. Used in caps, brackets, frames, and technical automotive components requiring rigidity, low weight, and a premium look.)
🔹 What is PS-CF
PS-CF (Carbon Fiber Polystyrene) is a thermoplastic composite obtained by mixing polystyrene (PS) with short carbon fibers (CF) in a 10–30% proportion.
The result is a material that is much more rigid, stronger, and has increased thermal stability compared to standard PS, while retaining easy processability and an aesthetic glossy finish. Due to the carbon fiber, PS-CF features a dark grey/matte black color, partial electrical conductivity, and improved shock resistance.
🔧 Composition
- Polystyrene (PS) – 70–90 %
- Carbon Fiber (CF) – 10–30 %
- Additives – coupling agents, thermal stabilizers, dyes.
- Density: ≈ 1.15–1.25 g/cm³
- Melting Point: ≈ 220–240 °C
- Elastic Modulus: ≈ 3–5 GPa
🚗 Where PS-CF is used in the automotive industry
| Component | Example parts | Observations |
| Housings / Supports | Sensor caps, frames, consoles | Rigid, stable, technical look |
| Car Interior | Inserts, decorative panels | Matte, premium texture |
| Engine Compartment | Protective covers, rigid supports | Good thermal stability |
| Tuning / Aftermarket | Carbon-look accessories | Low weight, elegant finish |
🔧 Welding Temperature and Methods
| Method | Optimal Temperature | Observations |
| Hot Air | 240 – 260 °C | Possible but slow (carbon dissipates heat) |
| Heat Plate (Mirror) | 230 – 250 °C | Recommended for flat and clean joints |
| Manual Extrusion | 220 – 240 °C | Difficult, requires compatible CF-content rod |
🔩 What to Weld PS-CF With (Material Compatibility)
The material is compatible only with other reinforced styrenics – PS, HIPS, ABS, SAN. For a solid weld, a PS-CF or PS-HI rod must be used.
✅ Compatible:
- PS-CF ↔ PS-CF / PS-HI / HIPS – ideal combination.
- PS-CF ↔ ABS / SAN / PS-GP – good compatibility (common styrene).
- PS-CF ↔ PC/ABS / ASA – partially compatible.
❌ Incompatible:
- PP, PE, TPO, PA – olefinic materials, completely different melting points.
💡 ReplastMD Recommendation:
Use PS-CF or PS-HI rods at a temperature of 250–260 °C with slow heating. Maintain constant pressure and cleanliness in the joint area (carbon reduces adhesion). For visible parts, you can finish with matte polish or clear coat for a natural carbon effect.
🏭 Manufacturers and Trade Names
- INEOS Styrolution: Styron® CF
- BASF: Polystyrol® CF
- SABIC: PS-CF Compound
- TotalEnergies: High Modulus PS-CF
🧠 How to Identify PS-CF
- Engraved marking: >PS-CF<, >HIPS-CF<, >PS+CF20<.
- Dark grey / matte black color, fine texture with metallic-like dots.
- Yellow-blue flame, sweetish (styrenic) smell.
- Softens at ≈ 250 °C but dissipates heat slowly.
- When cut, thin black fibers are visible.
🛠️ PS-CF Welding at ReplastMD:
At our service center in Chisinau (Ciocana sector), ReplastMD performs professional PS-CF welding for rigid caps, consoles, frames, and technical parts, providing a solid, clean, and original carbon-look finish.