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M60J UD-CE

Matrix

UD-CE = unidirectional cyanate-ester prepreg laminate

Choose for satellite optical benches and antennas: low outgassing, low moisture expansion, near-zero CTE.

High cost $$$$

Values for the UD-CE condition

Other M60J grades and fills

M60J is listed in 7 conditions; see the grade overview at M60J.

Compare all 7 grades and fillsHide
Grade · open for datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %Hardness
Quasi-isotropic epoxy laminate [0/±45/90]s
Layup-level values for plates and brackets needing direction-independent stiffness and near-zero in-plane CTE.—6000.5—
Woven fabric (plain/satin) epoxy laminate
Balanced biaxial stiffness for skins and panels where drapability beats maximum unidirectional modulus.—800——
Wet filament-wound / towpreg epoxy structure
Pick for wound tubes, struts and rims where hoop/axial stiffness matters and prepreg tooling is not justified.—1,6500.5—
Unidirectional bismaleimide prepreg laminate
Use where service temperature exceeds epoxy capability (hot structures, engine-adjacent stiff members).—1,7000.5—
UD-CEThis page
Unidirectional cyanate-ester prepreg laminate
Choose for satellite optical benches and antennas: low outgassing, low moisture expansion, near-zero CTE.—1,7500.5—
Unidirectional epoxy prepreg laminate, Vf ≈ 60 %
Standard 180 °C-cure epoxy UD laminate — the baseline form for stiff aerospace tubes and panels.—1,8500.55—
6KDefault
6000-filament sized tow
The as-delivered continuous tow for filament winding, tape/prepreg making and braiding.—3,8200.7—

What is M60J UD-CE?

M60J UD-CE is M60J in the UD-CE condition — choose for satellite optical benches and antennas: low outgassing, low moisture expansion, near-zero CTE. M60J UD-CE has a tensile strength of 1,750 MPa (254 ksi), stronger than 76% of composite grades. Elongation at break is 0.5% and the elastic modulus is 350 GPa (50.8 Msi). M60J UD-CE has a density of 1.65 g/cm³ (0.0596 lb/in³), lighter than 52% of composite grades. 6K is the default condition FabDigit quotes; UD-CE is available on request or by drawing note.

Advantages

  • Stiff — 350 GPa (50.8 Msi), better than 94% of composite grades
  • Conducts heat well — 85 W/m·K (49.1 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 89% of composite grades

Limitations

  • High embodied carbon — 50 kg CO₂/kg, worse than 93% of composite grades
  • Limited ductility — 0.5%, worse than 90% of composite grades
  • Difficult to machine — 15/100, worse than 84% of composite grades

M60J UD-CE properties

Typical room-temperature values for M60J UD-CE; 17 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are M60J reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among composite grades.

Physical1

M60J UD-CE has a density of 1.65 g/cm³ (0.0596 lb/in³), lighter than 52% of composite grades.

Density1.65 g/cm³0.06 lb/in³

Mechanical5

M60J UD-CE has a tensile strength of 1,750 MPa (254 ksi), stronger than 76% of composite grades. Elongation at break is 0.5% and the elastic modulus is 350 GPa (50.8 Msi).

Elastic (Young's) Modulus350 GPa50.8 Msi
Poisson's Ratio0.27
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)1,750 MPa254 ksi
Elongation at Break0.5%
Compressive Strength650 MPa94.3 ksi

Thermal6

M60J UD-CE is rated for continuous service to 180°C (356 °F). It conducts heat at 85 W/m·K (49.1 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 89% of composite grades. Thermal expansion is -1 µm/m·K (-0.556 µin/in·°F).

Thermal Conductivity85 W/m·K49.1 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity750 J/kg·K0.18 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)-1 µm/m·K-0.56 µin/in·°F
Max Service Temperature (continuous)180°C356 °F
Min Service Temperature-269°C-452 °F
Max Service Temperature (short-term)500°C932 °F

Electrical2

M60J UD-CE has an electrical resistivity of 1.3×10⁻⁵ Ω·m.

Electrical Resistivity1.3×10⁻⁵ Ω·m512 µΩ·in
Volume Resistivity7.6×10⁻⁴ Ω·cm

Chemical & Environmental3

Corrosion resistance is excellent (88/100), better than 77% of composite grades. UV resistance is excellent.

Corrosion ResistanceExcellent88/100
UV / Weathering ResistanceExcellent90/100
Chemical Resistance SummaryInert to water, salt spray, fuels, most solvents, dilute acids and alkalis; attacked by hot strong oxidizers (concentrated HNO3, chromic acid, molten alkali) and oxidizes in air above ~400 °C. Galvanically noble — isolate from Al and steel fasteners.

Sustainability3

Producing a kilogram of M60J UD-CE takes about 700 MJ of energy and emits 50 kg of CO₂ — more than 90% of composite grades. Typical recycled content is 0%.

Embodied Energy (primary production)700 MJ/kg300,946 BTU/lb
Embodied Carbon (primary production)50 kg CO₂/kg
Typical Recycled Content0%

Manufacturability1

M60J UD-CE's machinability is poor (15/100, worse than 84% of composite grades).

MachinabilityPoor15/100

Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.

Working with M60J UD-CE

Is M60J easy to machine?

Cut and drill cured laminates with PCD or diamond-coated tools at high speed/low feed with vacuum extraction; conductive dust is hazardous to skin, lungs and electronics.

Can M60J be welded?

Not weldable — join by adhesive bonding (film adhesive on abraded/peel-ply surfaces) or bonded titanium end fittings; avoid direct aluminum/steel contact to prevent galvanic corrosion.

Can M60J be formed, bent or molded?

Very low strain to failure and high stiffness limit minimum bend radii; lay up prepreg over precise tooling and autoclave cure, or filament wind — avoid fiber kinking and tight-radius drape.

What surface finishes work on M60J?

Seal with UV-blocking or space-qualified topcoat/paint; use conductive coatings, vacuum-metallized or foil layers for charge dissipation and thermal-optical control.

M60J chemical composition (wt %)

Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.

ElementSpec limit (wt %)Nominal
Nresidual nitrogen from PAN precursor≤ 0.50.3
sizing (epoxy-compatible)surface size, wt % of fiber; unsized versions available0.5 – 1.51
Cgraphitized PAN-based carbon; carbon assay per producer≥ 99 (balance)—

M60J UD-CE — frequently asked

What is M60J UD-CE used for?

M60J UD-CE is typically used for space structures, high-stiffness aerospace brackets and precision optics mounts. In short: highest commercial modulus fiber; extreme stiffness, very brittle; low machinability, high cost.

What is the tensile strength of M60J UD-CE?

M60J UD-CE has a typical tensile strength of 1,750 MPa (254 ksi) — stronger than 76% of composite grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 7 listed tempers.

Is M60J UD-CE easy to machine?

Not especially — machinability is rated poor (15/100, worse than 84% of composite grades). Cut and drill cured laminates with PCD or diamond-coated tools at high speed/low feed with vacuum extraction; conductive dust is hazardous to skin, lungs and electronics.

Can M60J UD-CE be welded?

Not weldable — join by adhesive bonding (film adhesive on abraded/peel-ply surfaces) or bonded titanium end fittings; avoid direct aluminum/steel contact to prevent galvanic corrosion.

What surface finishes work on M60J UD-CE?

Seal with UV-blocking or space-qualified topcoat/paint; use conductive coatings, vacuum-metallized or foil layers for charge dissipation and thermal-optical control.

Can M60J UD-CE be formed, bent or molded?

Very low strain to failure and high stiffness limit minimum bend radii; lay up prepreg over precise tooling and autoclave cure, or filament wind — avoid fiber kinking and tight-radius drape.

What is the maximum service temperature of M60J UD-CE?

M60J UD-CE is rated for continuous use to about 180°C (356 °F), and briefly to 500°C. Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.

Sources

  1. TORAYCA M60J Technical Data Sheet — Toray Industries / Toray Composite Materials America (2023)
  2. ASM Handbook Vol.21: Composites — ASM International (2001)
  3. CMH-17 (Composite Materials Handbook) Vol.2 — Polymer Matrix Composites — SAE International (2012)
  4. High-modulus PAN carbon fiber property compilations — Granta/CES material data (2022)

Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.