MF CEL
Reinforced grade · default condition
CEL = α-cellulose filled molding compound
Pick the α-cellulose filled compound (ISO type 152/153) as the standard commercial form for light-coloured, high-gloss, colourable tableware, switch plates and knobs up to 120 °C.
Values for the CEL condition
Other MF grades and fills
MF is listed in 6 conditions; see the grade overview at MF.
Compare all 6 grades and fillsHide
| Grade · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mineral-filled MF | Choose the mineral-filled type (ISO 180/181/182) when heat resistance to 140 °C, arc resistance and dimensional stability lead, as in commutators, lampholders and terminal blocks; machining is harder. | — | 50 | — | 120 HRM |
Wood-flour / organic-filled MF | Choose the wood-flour filled economy compound for handles and covers where appearance is uncritical; service tops out at 110 °C and tensile strength at 55 MPa. | — | 55 | 0.7 | 112 HRM |
Impregnating / laminating resin | Use the unfilled impregnating resin for saturating HPL decor papers, crosslinking amino stoving enamels and formulating wood adhesives rather than for molded components. | — | 55 | 0.6 | 125 HRM |
Melamine-phenolic (MF/PF) molding compound | Pick the melamine-phenolic blend for lower cost, easier flow and better wet electrical performance in switch and socket bodies, accepting that only dark colours are available. | — | 60 | 0.6 | 115 HRM |
CELDefaultThis page Α-cellulose filled molding compound | Pick the α-cellulose filled compound (ISO type 152/153) as the standard commercial form for light-coloured, high-gloss, colourable tableware, switch plates and knobs up to 120 °C. | — | 70 | — | 118 HRM |
Glass-fibre reinforced MF | Use the glass-fibre reinforced type (ISO 183/184) for structural electrical parts and commutators needing the highest strength (80 MPa), stiffness and 170 °C service; machinability is the lowest. | — | 80 | — | — |
What is MF CEL?
MF CEL is MF in the CEL grade — pick the α-cellulose filled compound (ISO type 152/153) as the standard commercial form for light-coloured, high-gloss, colourable tableware, switch plates and knobs up to 120 °C. MF CEL has a tensile strength of 70 MPa (10.2 ksi), stronger than 76% of polymer grades. Elongation at break is 0.8% and the elastic modulus is 9 GPa (1.31 Msi). MF CEL has a density of 1.5 g/cm³ (0.0542 lb/in³), heavier than 88% of polymer grades.
Advantages
- Stiff — 9 GPa (1.31 Msi), better than 93% of polymer grades
- Conducts heat well — 0.4 W/m·K (0.231 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 93% of polymer grades
- Polishes to a fine finish — 75/100, better than 86% of polymer grades
- Good UV / weathering resistance — 60/100, better than 80% of polymer grades
Limitations
- Limited ductility — 0.8%, worse than 98% of polymer grades
- Difficult to weld — 0/100, worse than 98% of polymer grades
- Limited formability — 5/100, worse than 95% of polymer grades
- Needs corrosion protection — 60/100, worse than 89% of polymer grades
- Heavy — 1.5 g/cm³ (0.0542 lb/in³), worse than 88% of polymer grades
MF CEL properties
Typical room-temperature values for MF CEL; 12 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are MF reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among polymer grades.
Physical3
MF CEL has a density of 1.5 g/cm³ (0.0542 lb/in³), heavier than 88% of polymer grades.
Mechanical9
MF CEL has a tensile strength of 70 MPa (10.2 ksi), stronger than 76% of polymer grades. Elongation at break is 0.8% and the elastic modulus is 9 GPa (1.31 Msi).
Thermal10
MF CEL is rated for continuous service to 120°C (248 °F). It conducts heat at 0.4 W/m·K (0.231 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 93% of polymer grades. Thermal expansion is 40 µm/m·K (22.2 µin/in·°F).
Electrical7
MF CEL is an electrical insulator with a dielectric strength of 14 kV/mm (355.6 V/mil) and a resistivity of 1×10¹⁰ Ω·m.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (60/100), worse than 89% of polymer grades. UV resistance is good.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of MF CEL takes about 100 MJ of energy and emits 5 kg of CO₂ — less than 61% of polymer grades. Typical recycled content is 0%.
Manufacturability6
MF CEL's machinability is fair (40/100, worse than 82% of polymer grades); weldability not recommended (0/100); formability not recommended (5/100).
Common Calculations4
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with MF CEL
Is MF easy to machine?
Cured stock can be turned, milled and drilled, but it is brittle and the fillers wear tooling — use carbide or diamond tools at high speed and low feed, with a backing plate on the exit face to prevent edge chipping.
Can MF be welded?
The cross-linked structure cannot be heat welded. Use epoxy or cyanoacrylate adhesives, or mechanical joints.
Can MF be formed, bent or molded?
Mainly compression and transfer moulding, with dedicated thermoset injection screws also available: mould temperature about 145–175 °C, pressure 20–40 MPa, hold 30–60 s/mm. Condensation water must be vented by breathing the tool; preheating or high-frequency preheating shortens the cycle.
What surface finishes work on MF?
A polished tool gives a high-gloss surface that can be buffed further. Printed decor paper can be overlaid and surfaced in a second moulding step. Plating is not suitable; sand off release agent before painting.
MF 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 |
|---|---|---|
| melamineresin backbone from condensation with formaldehyde, F/M 1.5-2.5 | 30 – 55 | 45 |
| formaldehydecrosslinks as methylene/ether bridges | 15 – 30 | 22 |
| alpha-cellulose fillerdefault cellulose-filled molding powder; mineral/glass grades differ | 25 – 45 | 35 |
| pigments, mould release, catalyst (hardepigments, stearate release agent, latent acid hardener | 1 – 5 | 3 |
MF CEL — frequently asked
What is MF CEL used for?
MF CEL is typically used for decorative laminate surfaces, wood adhesives, coatings binders and paper impregnation. In short: hardest amino thermoset; scratch-resistant laminate resin; low-cost thermoset binder.
What is the tensile strength of MF CEL?
MF CEL has a typical tensile strength of 70 MPa (10.2 ksi) — stronger than 76% of polymer grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 6 listed tempers.
Is MF CEL easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated fair (40/100, worse than 82% of polymer grades). Cured stock can be turned, milled and drilled, but it is brittle and the fillers wear tooling — use carbide or diamond tools at high speed and low feed, with a backing plate on the exit face to prevent edge chipping.
Can MF CEL be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated not recommended (0/100). The cross-linked structure cannot be heat welded. Use epoxy or cyanoacrylate adhesives, or mechanical joints.
What surface finishes work on MF CEL?
A polished tool gives a high-gloss surface that can be buffed further. Printed decor paper can be overlaid and surfaced in a second moulding step. Plating is not suitable; sand off release agent before painting.
Can MF CEL be formed, bent or molded?
Mainly compression and transfer moulding, with dedicated thermoset injection screws also available: mould temperature about 145–175 °C, pressure 20–40 MPa, hold 30–60 s/mm. Condensation water must be vented by breathing the tool; preheating or high-frequency preheating shortens the cycle.
What is the maximum service temperature of MF CEL?
MF CEL is rated for continuous use to about 120°C (248 °F), and briefly to 150°C. Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
Sources
- ISO 14526 — Plastics: Phenolic and amino (MF/MP) moulding compounds, designation and specification — ISO (2017)
- Engineered Materials Handbook Vol.2 — Engineering Plastics (amino resins) — ASM International (1988)
- Melamine and melamine-phenolic moulding compound datasheets — Bakelite/Hexion, Sumitomo Bakelite, / (2023)
- CAMPUS / UL Prospector thermoset moulding compound entries — CWFG / UL (2023)
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.