CF6789 Basalt Fiber Chopped Strands for PA6, PA66 Reinforcing

Basalt Fiber Chopped Strands for PA6, PA66 Reinforcing Description

These high-performance chopped strands are precision-engineered to reinforce polyamide 6 (PA6) and polyamide 66 (PA66) thermoplastics. Derived from molten volcanic basalt, the fibers are cut to standardized lengths of 3–6 mm (±0.5 mm) with a controlled filament diameter range of 9–15 μm. A proprietary thermoplastic-specific silane coating is uniformly applied to each filament, creating covalent bonds with the amine and carboxyl groups in PA6/PA66 matrices. This molecular-level bonding enables exceptional stress transfer while preventing fiber pull-out under load.

The basalt fiber's mineral composition delivers unparalleled thermal resilience, maintaining structural integrity from –260°C to +680°C—critical for high-temperature compounding (280–320°C) and injection molding. With a tensile strength of 0.60–0.70 N/tex and modulus of 89–95 GPa, integrating 20–40% strands elevates composite tensile strength by 30–50%, impact resistance by 60–80%, and heat deflection temperature (HDT) by 80–120°C versus unfilled resins.

Chemically inert and with near-zero moisture absorption (<0.1%), eliminate hydrolysis risks in humid environments, while UV/organic solvent resistance extends service life. Electrically insulating and inherently flame-retardant (LOI >70%), the strands suppress arc tracking in electrical components. Optimized geometry and anti-static additives ensure tangle-free processing, with thermal-stable sizing preventing nozzle clogging or resin degradation.

Basalt Fiber Chopped Strands for PA6, PA66 Reinforcing Applications

·  Automotive Engineering: Basalt-reinforced PA6/PA66 composites replace metal in under-hood components (intake manifolds, engine covers), reducing weight by 25–30% while withstanding continuous 180°C operation. Enhanced vibration damping and fatigue resistance make them ideal for EV battery trays and gearbox housings, where UL94 V-0 flame retardancy is critical.

·  Electrical & Electronics: The material’s dielectric strength (>30 kV/mm), arc resistance, and EMI shielding properties suit miniature circuit breakers, 5G antenna components, and LED driver housings. Dimensional stability ensures precision in thermal-cyclic environments.

·  Industrial Equipment: Resistance to oils, fuels, and hydraulic fluids enables use in high-pressure valves and pump impellers. Hydrolysis prevention (<0.1% moisture uptake) extends gear and conveyor component life in washdown environments.

·  Consumer & Power Tools: Impact resistance (80% higher than unreinforced PA) benefits power tool housings and outdoor equipment, with UV stability ensuring longevity. Lightweight rigidity enhances kitchen appliances and furniture.

·  Emerging Applications: FST-compliant cabin interiors (seat frames, overhead bins), sterilizable surgical tools, and high-stress bicycle components (derailleurs, brake levers).

Basalt Fiber Chopped Strands for PA6, PA66 Reinforcing Packaging

Our products are packaged in customized cartons of various sizes based on the material dimensions. Small items are securely packed in PP boxes, while larger items are placed in custom wooden crates. We ensure strict adherence to packaging customization and the use of appropriate cushioning materials to provide optimal protection during transportation.

Packaging: Carton, Wooden Box, or Customized.

Kindly review the packaging details provided for your reference.

Manufacturing Process

1.       Testing Method

(1)    Chemical Composition Analysis - Verified using techniques such as GDMS or XRF to ensure compliance with purity requirements.

(2)    Mechanical Properties Testing - Includes tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation tests to assess material performance.

(3)    Dimensional Inspection - Measures thickness, width, and length to ensure adherence to specified tolerances.

(4)    Surface Quality Inspection - Checks for defects such as scratches, cracks, or inclusions through visual and ultrasonic examination.

(5)    Hardness Testing - Determines material hardness to confirm uniformity and mechanical reliability.

Please refer to the SAM testing procedures for detailed information.

Basalt Fiber Chopped Strands for PA6, PA66 Reinforcing FAQs

Q1. What are these chopped strands used for?

Primarily to reinforce polyamide 6 (PA6) and polyamide 66 (PA66) thermoplastics, enhancing mechanical strength, heat resistance, and dimensional stability in automotive, electrical, and industrial parts.

Q2. Why choose basalt over glass fiber for PA6/PA66?

Basalt offers:

30% higher tensile strength (0.60–0.70 N/tex vs. 0.35–0.45 N/tex for E-glass)

Superior heat resistance (–260°C to +680°C)

Better chemical/UV stability (resists acids, alkalis, hydrolysis)

Lower moisture absorption (<0.1% vs. 0.3–0.5% for glass)

Eco-friendly profile (30% lower CO₂ footprint)

Q3. How are they processed with thermoplastics?

The strands are dry-blended with PA6/PA66 pellets, then compounded via twin-screw extrusion at 280–320°C before injection molding. The proprietary silane sizing enables rapid dispersion and covalent bonding with the polymer matrix, eliminating nozzle clogging while maintaining resin integrity during high-temperature processing.

Related Information

1.       Common Preparation Methods

The production begins with rigorous selection of high-purity volcanic basalt rock, which undergoes crushing, washing, and magnetic separation to remove impurities, yielding uniform 5–20 mm granules. These raw materials are charged into gas- or electric-fired furnaces operating at 1,460–1,500°C, where basalt melts into a homogeneous lava-like fluid. The molten material flows into platinum-rhodium alloy bushings featuring precisely calibrated nozzles (9–15 μm diameter), where it is drawn into continuous filaments under controlled tension and rapid air-quenching to lock the amorphous structure essential for mechanical strength.

Immediately after formation, filaments pass through an aqueous sizing bath containing a proprietary thermoplastic-specific silane formulation—typically blending amino-functionalized silanes (e.g., γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane for covalent bonding with PA’s amide groups), film-forming polymers, and anti-static lubricants. This coating, applied via immersion rollers at 60–80°C, uniformly encapsulates each filament to optimize resin compatibility while preventing fiber-fiber friction during downstream processing. The sized filaments are then gathered into parallel, untwisted strands under precise tension, with linear density adjusted between 1,200–4,800 Tex by modulating bushing orifice counts and draw speeds.

Continuous strands undergo infrared pre-drying (110–130°C) to evaporate solvents before being wound onto perforated polymer bobbins. These rovings are transferred to high-speed chopping lines, where rotary blades precision-cut strands into 3–6 mm lengths (±0.2 mm tolerance) under a nitrogen atmosphere to minimize thermal degradation. Cut strands then enter fluidized-bed dryers, where crosslinking of the silane sizing occurs at 140–160°C for 15–30 minutes—a critical step to enhance thermal stability and interfacial adhesion. Post-drying, strands pass through vibrating screens to remove undersized fragments, followed by electrostatic dedusting to eliminate loose particles.

Final quality control employs laser diffraction for length distribution analysis, thermogravimetric testing for sizing content (0.4–0.8 wt%), and resin infusion trials to validate PA6/PA66 wettability. Strands meeting tensile strength (>0.60 N/tex), moisture content (<0.1%), and fuzz-resistance standards are packaged in moisture-barrier bags under inert gas purge, ensuring shelf-life stability for compounding with engineering thermoplastics in demanding automotive and industrial applications.