Carbon PEEK, often referred to as 30% Carbon Fiber Reinforced PEEK (CF30 PEEK), is one of the highest-performance engineering plastics available today. By combining the exceptional chemical and thermal resistance of PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone) with the stiffness and strength of carbon fiber, the material offers a unique balance of mechanical performance, stability, and durability.

This guide provides a clear, engineering-focused overview of Carbon PEEK - its composition, properties, advantages, and key applications across modern industries.

What Is Carbon PEEK?

Carbon PEEK is a PEEK composite filled with 30% chopped carbon fiber by weight. The addition of carbon fiber significantly enhances:

• Stiffness and rigidity

• Mechanical strength

• Thermal conductivity

• Wear resistance

• Dimensional stability

• Electrical properties (low static buildup)

Because PEEK itself is already a premium high-performance polymer, reinforcing it with carbon fiber creates an extremely robust material suitable for high-load and high-temperature environments.

How Carbon Fiber Improves PEEK

1. Higher Strength and Modulus

Carbon fiber increases PEEK's tensile and flexural modulus by 2-3×, resulting in a much stiffer and stronger composite. This makes CF30 PEEK ideal for structural and mechanical components.

2. Lower Thermal Expansion

Carbon PEEK has a significantly reduced CTE (Coefficient of Thermal Expansion), improving dimensional stability in environments with temperature fluctuations.

3. Improved Thermal Conductivity

Carbon fiber enhances heat dissipation, allowing parts to run cooler and maintain mechanical stability during continuous high-load operation.

4. Better Wear and Friction Performance

Carbon fibers reduce friction and improve wear resistance, making the material excellent for sliding components such as:

• Bearing cages

• Bushings

• Wear pads

• Linear guide parts

5. Enhanced Creep Resistance

The composite structure resists long-term deformation under load, even at elevated temperatures.

Key Properties of Carbon PEEK (Typical Values)

Below are commonly referenced ranges for 30% carbon fiber reinforced PEEK:

These values may vary depending on the manufacturer, grade, and processing conditions, but they represent well-established industry ranges.

Advantages of Carbon PEEK

1. Exceptional Strength-to-Weight Ratio

Carbon PEEK combines the heat resistance of metal with the lightweight performance of polymer composites—ideal for aerospace, robotics, and portable devices.

2. Outstanding Dimensional Stability

The very low CTE allows CF30 PEEK parts to maintain tight tolerances under thermal cycling.

3. Superior Tribological Performance

Carbon fiber reduces friction and enhances wear resistance, making it suitable for:

• dry-running components

• bearing applications

• sliding parts

4. Chemical and Environmental Resistance

Carbon PEEK inherits PEEK’s resistance to:

• fuels

• acids

• solvents

• gases

• radiation

This allows long-term use in harsh industrial environments.

5. High Thermal Stability

With a continuous service temperature around 260°C, the material performs reliably in high-heat applications that exceed the limits of most engineering plastics.

Applications of Carbon PEEK

Carbon PEEK is used across industries that require a combination of low weight, high strength, and thermal stability.

Aerospace

• Structural brackets

• Aircraft interior components

• Lightweight mechanical housings

Semiconductor Manufacturing

• Wafer handling tools

• Test sockets

• Precision fixtures

Oil & Gas

• Downhole tools

• High-temperature electrical components

• Wear-resistant pump parts

Robotics & Automation

• Gears and gear cages

• Bearing components

• High-stiffness structural frames

Automotive

• Powertrain components

• Thermal housings

• Lightweight replacements for metal parts

Medical and Analytical Devices

• High-performance mechanical parts

• Chemical-resistant fluid components

Carbon PEEK vs. Unfilled PEEK

Carbon PEEK is commonly chosen when unfilled PEEK cannot meet mechanical or thermal requirements.

Why Engineers Choose Carbon PEEK

Engineers select CF30 PEEK when applications demand:

• High mechanical load capacity

• Stable performance at high temperature

• Long lifetime in sliding or wear environments

• Lightweight materials with metal-like strength

• Chemical resistance combined with structural rigidity

These characteristics make carbon fiber reinforced PEEK an attractive material across advanced technology sectors.