Detailed analysis of short cut carbon fiber, covering definition, core features, process advantages, and typical application scenarios, combined with industry standards and technical indicators:

1、 Definition and Essence

Short cut carbon fiber is a millimeter sized short fiber product made from continuous carbon fiber filaments through mechanical cutting process. Its length is usually 3-25mm (universal specifications include 3mm, 6mm, 12mm, etc.), with a cross-sectional diameter range of 0.4-1mm and a whisker like shape. As a composite material reinforcement, its performance is determined by the quality of the raw silk, and surface treatment (such as wetting with specific sizing agents) is needed to enhance the bonding strength with the matrix material.

2、 Core Features

Physical performance

Lightweight and high-strength: with a density of only 1.7-1.8g/cm ³ (about 1/4 of steel), a tensile strength exceeding 3500MPa (10 times that of steel), an elastic modulus greater than 230GPa, and both corrosion resistance, conductivity, and electromagnetic shielding properties.

Thermal stability: The performance is stable under the working conditions of -30 ℃ to 120 ℃, and it is resistant to acid and alkali corrosion (with a strength retention rate of>95% after soaking in a 10% acid-base solution for 72 hours).

Technological advantages

Dispersion adaptability: The short cut shape makes it more evenly dispersed in the resin/plastic matrix, supporting rapid prototyping processes such as injection molding and compression molding.

Processing convenience: Breaking through the limitations of continuous fiber technology, it can manufacture complex components such as car engine covers and electronic device casings.

Standardized control

According to the group standard "Short Cut Carbon Fiber" (T/CSCM 01-2020):

Appearance requirements: Black luster, no obvious fuzz/clumps, and no bonding between fibers.

Performance indicators: moisture content ≤ 0.2%, short cutting rate>95%, combustible content deviation<0.2%.

III. Application Scenarios

Domain

Typical applications

Performance improvement effect

Automotive industry

Engine hood, seat frame

Reduce weight by 20% -30% and improve fuel efficiency

New energy

Battery pack shell, hydrogen energy storage tank lining

Optimize thermal management efficiency and improve corrosion resistance

Building materials

High strength rock slab adhesive, reinforced concrete fibers

Enhanced crack resistance by 300%, achieving adhesive free construction

Electronic appliances

Laptop Case

Combining structural strength and electromagnetic shielding function

4、 Difference from continuous fibers

Comparing dimensions

Short cut carbon fiber

Continuous carbon fiber

Form

Velvet like short fibers (3-25mm)

Continuous filament (several meters to tens of meters)

Processing method

Injection molding/compression molding rapid prototyping

Winding/weaving/prepreg process

Performance focus

High dispersion uniformity, suitable for complex components

Higher axial strength and modulus

Cost control

High utilization rate of scrap material recycling

Significant loss of raw materials

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Summary

The essence of short cut carbon fiber is the engineering transformation of carbon fiber filament, which achieves three major values through cutting technology:

① Breaking through the processing limitations of continuous fibers and adapting to efficient molding technologies such as injection molding;

② To achieve a more uniform dispersion and reinforcement effect in composite materials;

③ Reduce the application threshold of high-end materials and promote the popularization of lightweight technology.

Its technological development will continue to focus on the localization of ultra-high strength fibers (such as T1000 grade) and the large-scale application of green regeneration technology.