carbonfilled

Carbonfilled is a term used to describe materials that incorporate carbon-based filler to modify properties such as conductivity, wear resistance, stiffness, or lubrication. The filler is typically carbon black, graphite, or carbon fibers, chosen to achieve a specific balance of electrical, thermal, and mechanical performance.

In polymers and elastomers, carbon-filled formulations are common for increasing electrical conductivity and enabling EMI shielding, improving thermal conductivity, and enhancing abrasion resistance. Carbon black is a traditional filler in rubber and plastics, while graphite or graphite-like fillers can reduce friction and act as solid lubricants, contributing to wear resistance and heat dissipation.

Carbon-filled PTFE is a notable example where PTFE is combined with carbon to improve wear resistance and thermal conductivity while maintaining low friction. Such materials are used in bearings, seals, and other sliding components that require self-lubricating properties at elevated temperatures.

Carbon fiber-filled composites use either discontinuous or continuous carbon fibers embedded in a polymer or ceramic matrix. This arrangement markedly increases stiffness and strength while preserving weight characteristics, making them common in aerospace, automotive, sporting goods, and industrial applications.

Manufacturing typically involves compounding the chosen carbon filler with the base matrix, followed by standard processing methods such as extrusion, molding, or layup for composites. The addition of carbon fillers raises density and can influence processing, cost, and coloration, while expanding electrical and thermal performance.

Applications span electrical components, EMI shielding, static-dissipative parts, wear-resistant bearings and seals, and reinforced structural components. See also carbon fiber, carbon black, graphite, conductive polymers, polymer composites, and PTFE.