P100Gr/6061Al UD45-F
Reinforced grade · default condition
UD45-F = uD Vf≈45%
Standard unidirectional Vf≈45% plate in as-fabricated condition: near-zero axial expansion and 320 GPa modulus suit truss struts and other one-dimensional load paths, with only 0.3 % elongation.
Values for the UD45-F condition
Other P100Gr/6061Al grades and fills
P100Gr/6061Al is listed in 5 conditions; see the grade overview at P100Gr/6061Al.
Compare all 5 grades and fillsHide
| Grade · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Quasi-isotropic [0/±45/90] laminate | Use for housings and mounting plates with multidirectional loads or isotropic dimensional stability; the [0/±45/90] lay-up gives the smallest stiffness gain (130 GPa) but the simplest design. | 230 | 250 | 0.4 | — |
[0/90] cross-ply laminate | Choose for panels and baseplates loaded in two directions: the cross-plied lay-up balances stiffness (175 GPa) and CTE in both principal axes, with in-plane expansion tunable to near zero. | — | 330 | 0.3 | — |
Solution heat treated and artificially aged | Use when matrix-dominated transverse, shear and bearing strength must be raised; the solution-treated and artificially aged matrix needs tight temperature and time control to avoid interfacial Al4C3 and residual thermal stress. | 580 | 660 | 0.25 | — |
UD Vf≈55% | Pick for maximum axial stiffness (400 GPa), 380 W/m·K conduction and near-zero or negative CTE; at ~55% fibre volume the transverse and shear properties drop further. | 600 | 700 | 0.25 | — |
UD45-FDefaultThis page UD Vf≈45% | Standard unidirectional Vf≈45% plate in as-fabricated condition: near-zero axial expansion and 320 GPa modulus suit truss struts and other one-dimensional load paths, with only 0.3 % elongation. | — | 620 | 0.3 | — |
What is P100Gr/6061Al UD45-F?
P100Gr/6061Al UD45-F is P100Gr/6061Al in the UD45-F grade — standard unidirectional Vf≈45% plate in as-fabricated condition: near-zero axial expansion and 320 GPa modulus suit truss struts and other one-dimensional load paths, with only 0.3 % elongation. P100Gr/6061Al UD45-F has a tensile strength of 620 MPa (89.9 ksi), stronger than 69% of composite grades. Elongation at break is 0.3% and the elastic modulus is 320 GPa (46.4 Msi). P100Gr/6061Al UD45-F has a density of 2.5 g/cm³ (0.0903 lb/in³), heavier than 81% of composite grades.
Advantages
- Conducts heat well — 320 W/m·K (184.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 98% of composite grades
- Stiff — 320 GPa (46.4 Msi), better than 93% of composite grades
Limitations
- Needs corrosion protection — 28/100, worse than 99% of composite grades
- Limited ductility — 0.3%, worse than 95% of composite grades
- Difficult to machine — 12/100, worse than 89% of composite grades
- High embodied carbon — 32 kg CO₂/kg, worse than 84% of composite grades
- Heavy — 2.5 g/cm³ (0.0903 lb/in³), worse than 81% of composite grades
P100Gr/6061Al UD45-F properties
Typical room-temperature values for P100Gr/6061Al UD45-F; 12 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are P100Gr/6061Al reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among composite grades.
Physical1
P100Gr/6061Al UD45-F has a density of 2.5 g/cm³ (0.0903 lb/in³), heavier than 81% of composite grades.
Mechanical11
P100Gr/6061Al UD45-F has a tensile strength of 620 MPa (89.9 ksi), stronger than 69% of composite grades. Elongation at break is 0.3% and the elastic modulus is 320 GPa (46.4 Msi).
Thermal6
P100Gr/6061Al UD45-F is rated for continuous service to 350°C (662 °F). It conducts heat at 320 W/m·K (184.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 98% of composite grades. Thermal expansion is 0.5 µm/m·K (0.278 µin/in·°F).
Electrical1
P100Gr/6061Al UD45-F has an electrical resistivity of 5×10⁻⁸ Ω·m.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is poor (28/100), worse than 99% of composite grades. UV resistance is excellent.
Sustainability3
Producing a kilogram of P100Gr/6061Al UD45-F takes about 480 MJ of energy and emits 32 kg of CO₂ — more than 81% of composite grades. Typical recycled content is 0%.
Manufacturability2
P100Gr/6061Al UD45-F's machinability is not recommended (12/100, worse than 89% of composite grades).
Common Calculations4
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with P100Gr/6061Al UD45-F
Is P100Gr/6061Al easy to machine?
Requires PCD or CVD-diamond tooling at high speed and low feed with full coolant to avoid fiber pull-out and delamination. Use water-guided laser or diamond grinding for holes and edge trimming; ordinary carbide tool life is extremely short.
Can P100Gr/6061Al be welded?
Not fusion weldable — the weld pool destroys the fibers and forms brittle Al4C3. Join with mechanical fasteners using titanium or aluminum bushings, adhesive bonding, or low-temperature vacuum brazing and diffusion bonding, with galvanic isolation at the interfaces.
Can P100Gr/6061Al be formed, bent or molded?
Near-net shape only: aluminum foil and fiber stacks are vacuum hot pressed and diffusion bonded, or pressure-infiltration cast with tight control of temperature and hold time to suppress interface reaction. Consolidated parts cannot be cold bent or reformed.
What surface finishes work on P100Gr/6061Al?
Seal all edges and cut-outs and protect the whole part with ion vapor deposited aluminum, nickel plating, chemical conversion coating or paint. Galvanic corrosion between bare graphite and aluminum is the main failure source; space parts add low-outgassing and thermal-control coatings.
P100Gr/6061Al 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 |
|---|---|---|
| P100 pitch-based graphite fiberwt%; 40–55 vol%; fiber modulus ~760 GPa; axial CTE ~-1.4 µm/m·K | 34 – 50 | 39 |
| Mg6061 matrix composition (matrix basis, GB/T 3190 / AA) | 0.8 – 1.2 | 1 |
| Simatrix basis | 0.4 – 0.8 | 0.6 |
| Cumatrix basis | 0.15 – 0.4 | 0.28 |
| Crmatrix basis | 0.04 – 0.35 | 0.2 |
| Feimpurity limit, matrix basis | ≤ 0.7 | 0.3 |
| Mnmatrix basis | ≤ 0.15 | 0.05 |
| Znmatrix basis | ≤ 0.25 | 0.05 |
| Timatrix basis | ≤ 0.15 | 0.03 |
| Albalance of 6061 matrix; ~60 wt% of the composite | balance | — |
P100Gr/6061Al UD45-F — frequently asked
What is P100Gr/6061Al UD45-F used for?
P100Gr/6061Al UD45-F is typically used for satellite optical benches, space truss structures and antenna support structures. In short: near-zero CTE composite; 320 GPa and 320 W/m·K; space-structure grade.
What is the tensile strength of P100Gr/6061Al UD45-F?
P100Gr/6061Al UD45-F has a typical tensile strength of 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) — stronger than 69% of composite grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.
Is P100Gr/6061Al UD45-F easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated not recommended (12/100, worse than 89% of composite grades). Requires PCD or CVD-diamond tooling at high speed and low feed with full coolant to avoid fiber pull-out and delamination. Use water-guided laser or diamond grinding for holes and edge trimming; ordinary carbide tool life is extremely short.
Can P100Gr/6061Al UD45-F be welded?
Not fusion weldable — the weld pool destroys the fibers and forms brittle Al4C3. Join with mechanical fasteners using titanium or aluminum bushings, adhesive bonding, or low-temperature vacuum brazing and diffusion bonding, with galvanic isolation at the interfaces.
What surface finishes work on P100Gr/6061Al UD45-F?
Seal all edges and cut-outs and protect the whole part with ion vapor deposited aluminum, nickel plating, chemical conversion coating or paint. Galvanic corrosion between bare graphite and aluminum is the main failure source; space parts add low-outgassing and thermal-control coatings.
Can P100Gr/6061Al UD45-F be formed, bent or molded?
Near-net shape only: aluminum foil and fiber stacks are vacuum hot pressed and diffusion bonded, or pressure-infiltration cast with tight control of temperature and hold time to suppress interface reaction. Consolidated parts cannot be cold bent or reformed.
What is the maximum service temperature of P100Gr/6061Al UD45-F?
P100Gr/6061Al UD45-F is rated for continuous use to about 350°C (662 °F), and briefly to 450°C. Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between P100Gr/6061Al UD45-F and P100Gr/6061Al UD55-F?
UD45-F is the default condition — standard unidirectional Vf≈45% plate in as-fabricated condition: near-zero axial expansion and 320 GPa modulus suit truss struts and other one-dimensional load paths, with only 0.3 % elongation. UD55-F: pick for maximum axial stiffness (400 GPa), 380 W/m·K conduction and near-zero or negative CTE; at ~55% fibre volume the transverse and shear properties drop further.
Sources
- ASM Handbook Vol.21: Composites — Metal Matrix Composites — ASM International (2001)
- MIL-HDBK-17 / CMH-17 Vol.4: Metal Matrix Composites — US DoD / SAE (2002)
- Thornel P-100 Pitch-Based Carbon Fiber Data Sheet — Cytec / Solvay (formerly Amoco) (2012)
- Aluminum Standards and Data (6061 matrix composition) — The Aluminum Association (2015)
- Graphite/Aluminum composite structural test reports — NASA / AFML technical reports (1990)
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.