P100 UD-CE
Matrix
UD-CE = p100/
Choose the cyanate ester matrix for space optics and structures where moisture-induced dimensional change must be minimal and service reaches 180 °C, accepting 1050 MPa at 0°.
Values for the UD-CE condition
Other P100 grades and fills
P100 is listed in 3 conditions; see the grade overview at P100.
Compare all 3 grades and fillsHide
| Grade · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
P100/ | Select the aluminium metal-matrix form for electronic packaging and heat-spreader baseplates needing 400 W/m·K, tunable near-zero CTE and a solderable, conductive, radiation-tolerant metal interface. | 350 | 600 | 0.4 | — |
UD-CEThis page P100/ | Choose the cyanate ester matrix for space optics and structures where moisture-induced dimensional change must be minimal and service reaches 180 °C, accepting 1050 MPa at 0°. | — | 1,050 | — | — |
P100/ | Pick the 60 % Vf epoxy laminate for space optical benches, trusses and antenna reflectors needing 450 GPa at 0° and near-zero CTE; the epoxy caps service at 120 °C with a Tg of 130 °C. | — | 1,100 | 0.28 | — |
What is P100 UD-CE?
P100 UD-CE is P100 in the UD-CE condition — choose the cyanate ester matrix for space optics and structures where moisture-induced dimensional change must be minimal and service reaches 180 °C, accepting 1050 MPa at 0°. P100 UD-CE has a tensile strength of 1,050 MPa (152 ksi), stronger than 73% of composite grades. Elongation at break is 0.32% and the elastic modulus is 450 GPa (65.3 Msi). P100 UD-CE has a density of 1.8 g/cm³ (0.065 lb/in³), heavier than 59% of composite grades.
Advantages
- Stiff — 450 GPa (65.3 Msi), better than 97% of composite grades
- Conducts heat well — 300 W/m·K (173.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 97% of composite grades
- Good UV / weathering resistance — 95/100, better than 78% of composite grades
Limitations
- Limited ductility — 0.32%, worse than 93% of composite grades
- High embodied carbon — 45 kg CO₂/kg, worse than 90% of composite grades
- Difficult to machine — 12/100, worse than 89% of composite grades
P100 UD-CE properties
Typical room-temperature values for P100 UD-CE; 10 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are P100 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among composite grades.
Physical1
P100 UD-CE has a density of 1.8 g/cm³ (0.065 lb/in³), heavier than 59% of composite grades.
Mechanical3
P100 UD-CE has a tensile strength of 1,050 MPa (152 ksi), stronger than 73% of composite grades. Elongation at break is 0.32% and the elastic modulus is 450 GPa (65.3 Msi).
Thermal6
P100 UD-CE is rated for continuous service to 180°C (356 °F). It conducts heat at 300 W/m·K (173.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 97% of composite grades. Thermal expansion is -1.1 µm/m·K (-0.611 µin/in·°F).
Electrical1
P100 UD-CE has an electrical resistivity of 2.5×10⁻⁶ Ω·m.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is excellent (88/100), better than 77% of composite grades. UV resistance is excellent.
Sustainability3
Producing a kilogram of P100 UD-CE takes about 750 MJ of energy and emits 45 kg of CO₂ — more than 93% of composite grades. Typical recycled content is 0%.
Manufacturability1
P100 UD-CE's machinability is not recommended (12/100, worse than 89% of composite grades).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with P100 UD-CE
Is P100 easy to machine?
Cut only with diamond-coated or PCD tooling, diamond grit, or abrasive waterjet; keep feed light. The fiber is extremely brittle and edges delaminate and fuzz easily, so back up cut lines and extract the conductive dust to protect nearby equipment.
Can P100 be welded?
Not weldable; join by structural epoxy or film adhesive bonding, or by co-curing titanium or Invar end fittings. Insulate any aluminum interface to prevent galvanic corrosion.
Can P100 be formed, bent or molded?
Mainly hand or automated layup of prepreg cured in an autoclave or press; winding is possible. Strain to failure is only 0.32 %, so minimum bend radii are large and layups must be symmetric and balanced to control thermal distortion.
What surface finishes work on P100?
Surfaces are normally coated with epoxy or polyurethane topcoat, or a low-outgassing coating for UV and moisture protection. Optical parts can use a resin-replicated face or electroless nickel as a reflective substrate.
P100 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.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| sizing (epoxy-compatible)sizing; may be supplied unsized depending on delivery state | 0 – 1.5 | 0.8 |
| Cmesophase pitch graphitized at 3000 C, high crystallite alignment | ≥ 99 (balance) | — |
P100 UD-CE — frequently asked
What is P100 UD-CE used for?
P100 UD-CE is typically used for satellite thermal straps, space antenna structures and high-stiffness optical benches. In short: highest thermal conductivity fiber; 758 GPa ultra-high modulus; stiffness over strength.
What is the tensile strength of P100 UD-CE?
P100 UD-CE has a typical tensile strength of 1,050 MPa (152 ksi) — stronger than 73% of composite grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 3 listed tempers.
Is P100 UD-CE easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated not recommended (12/100, worse than 89% of composite grades). Cut only with diamond-coated or PCD tooling, diamond grit, or abrasive waterjet; keep feed light. The fiber is extremely brittle and edges delaminate and fuzz easily, so back up cut lines and extract the conductive dust to protect nearby equipment.
Can P100 UD-CE be welded?
Not weldable; join by structural epoxy or film adhesive bonding, or by co-curing titanium or Invar end fittings. Insulate any aluminum interface to prevent galvanic corrosion.
What surface finishes work on P100 UD-CE?
Surfaces are normally coated with epoxy or polyurethane topcoat, or a low-outgassing coating for UV and moisture protection. Optical parts can use a resin-replicated face or electroless nickel as a reflective substrate.
Can P100 UD-CE be formed, bent or molded?
Mainly hand or automated layup of prepreg cured in an autoclave or press; winding is possible. Strain to failure is only 0.32 %, so minimum bend radii are large and layups must be symmetric and balanced to control thermal distortion.
What is the maximum service temperature of P100 UD-CE?
P100 UD-CE is rated for continuous use to about 180°C (356 °F), and briefly to 2,000°C. Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
Sources
- Thornel P-100 Pitch-Based Carbon Fiber Data Sheet — Amoco / Cytec Engineered Materials (1996)
- Engineered Materials Handbook Vol.1: Composites — ASM International (1987)
- MIL-HDBK-17 / CMH-17 Composite Materials Handbook — SAE International (2012)
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.