FabDigitFabDigit

PI 15% MoS2 vs PI CF30

Polymer · PI grade comparison

PI 15% MoS2 and PI CF30 are two grades of the same polymer grade, PI: 15% MoS2 (15% MoS₂ filled) versus CF30 (30% carbon-fiber reinforced polyimide). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. PI CF30 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 100 MPa (14.5 ksi) against 62 MPa (8.99 ksi) for PI 15% MoS2, about 61% more. In exchange, PI 15% MoS2 is the more ductile: elongation 4% versus 2% for PI CF30. PI CF30 is lighter (1.45 g/cm³ vs 1.6 g/cm³ for PI 15% MoS2) and PI CF30 is stiffer (12 GPa vs 3.8 GPa). On the shop floor, PI 15% MoS2 machines more easily (good vs fair).

PI 15% MoS2Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.

PI CF30Choose it when strength drives the design, or when weight is the constraint.

PI 15% MoS2 vs PI CF30: properties

PI 15% MoS2PI CF30

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

3.8 GPa0.55 Msi
12 GPa1.7 Msi

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

62 MPa9 ksi
100 MPa14.5 ksi

Elongation at Break

4%
2%

Compressive Strength

125 MPa18.1 ksi
130 MPa18.9 ksi

Flexural Strength

98 MPa14.2 ksi
150 MPa21.8 ksi

Flexural Modulus

3.9 GPa0.57 Msi
11 GPa1.6 Msi

Shear Strength

65 MPa9.4 ksi
80 MPa11.6 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

1.7 MPa·√m1.5 ksi·√in
2 MPa·√m1.8 ksi·√in

Izod Impact, Notched

27 J/m0.51 ft·lbf/in
43 J/m0.81 ft·lbf/in

Hardness, Shore D

87 Shore D
88 Shore D

Hardness, Rockwell M

100 HRM
105 HRM

Same in both: Shear Modulus 1.1 GPa0.16 Msi · Bulk Modulus 6 GPa0.8 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.41 · Compressive Modulus 2.9 GPa0.42 Msi

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

1.6 g/cm³0.06 lb/in³
1.45 g/cm³0.05 lb/in³

Same in both: Glass Transition (Tg) 385°C725 °F · Water Absorption (24 h) 0.3% · Water Absorption (Saturation) 1.2% · Refractive Index 1.7

Thermal

How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.

Thermal Conductivity

0.42 W/m·K0.24 BTU/hr·ft·°F
1.2 W/m·K0.69 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

52 µm/m·K28.9 µin/in·°F
22 µm/m·K12.2 µin/in·°F

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

260°C500 °F
300°C572 °F

Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa

365°C689 °F
360°C680 °F

Limiting Oxygen Index

48%
45%

Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 1,130 J/kg·K0.27 BTU/lb·°F · Min Service Temperature -240°C-400 °F · Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa 400°C752 °F · Max Service Temperature (short-term) 480°C896 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Resistivity

1×10¹⁰ Ω·m3.94×10¹⁷ µΩ·in
1×10¹⁴ Ω·m3.94×10²¹ µΩ·in

Same in both: Dielectric Strength 22 kV/mm559 V/mil · Dielectric Constant (1 MHz) 3.5 · Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) 0.0034 · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹⁶ Ω·cm · Surface Resistivity 1×10¹⁵ Ω

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Corrosion Resistance

82 / 100
85 / 100

Same in both: UV / Weathering Resistance 60 / 100

Manufacturability

FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.

Machinability

58 / 100
35 / 100

Formability (cold)

8 / 100
15 / 100

Same in both: Weldability 5 / 100 · Polishability 60 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 290 MJ/kg124,678 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 13 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 600 L/kg71.9 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 0%

Strength versus weight

Yield strength against density for every polymer grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.

0.1110100123Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scalePI

PI 15% MoS2 vs PI CF30 — frequently asked

Is PI CF30 stronger than PI 15% MoS2?

Yes. PI CF30 has a typical tensile strength of 100 MPa (14.5 ksi) against 62 MPa (8.99 ksi) for PI 15% MoS2 — about 61% more.

Which grade does FabDigit quote by default, 15% MoS2 or CF30?

Specify the condition in the material field or the drawing note; FabDigit prices the quote for the state you call out.

Which is easier to machine, PI 15% MoS2 or PI CF30?

PI 15% MoS2. Its machinability rates good (58/100) against fair (35/100) for PI CF30.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PI 15% MoS2 and PI CF30 side by side — material, machining time, tolerance and finish in one quote. Certified material data ships with the order on request.

Typical handbook values for the conditions named above, normalised for comparison. Hardness on non-Brinell scales is converted approximately for charting only. Request certified data with your order for design-critical properties.