Phenolic

Phenolics are thermoset resin impregnated reinforcing materials (paper, cotton fabric, glass fabric, etc.) that are cured under heat and pressure to form solid shapes having high mechanical and electrical insulating properties. High pressure laminates, as a group, are often inaccurately referred to as “phenolics” due to the wide use of phenolic resin reinforced grades such as paper/phenolic and fabric/phenolic. Actually, many other resin systems are employed including epoxy, melamine, and silicone.

 

Paper Reinforced Phenolic

These grades are composed of a paper base impregnated with a phenolic resin binder. Grade X has the lowest resin content for good impact strength (but less than the fabric grades). Grade XX has increased resin content. This decreases the impact strength, but increases the electrical strength and reduces moisture absorption. Grade XXX contains the highest resin content and therefore the best electrical properties of the paper grades. It also has minimum cold flaw characteristics.

Sheet, Rod & Tube

 

Canvas and Linen Reinforced Phenolic

These grades are composed of a continuous cotton woven fabric impregnated with phenolic resin binder. Grade C and grade CE contain a medium weave canvas and are known primarily for their mechanical properties. These grades are not suitable for primary insulation. Grade L and LE contain fine weave linen and, like the canvas phenolic, are known mainly for their mechanical properties. The finer weave allows for machining more intricate shapes than C or CE. Although exhibiting better electrical properties than the canvas base, L and LE are not recommended for primary insulation.

Sheet, Rod & Tube

 

G7 (Glass Reinforced Silicone)

Composed of a continuous woven cloth base impregnated with a silicone resin binder, this grade has excellent heat and arc resistance. It has extremely good dielectric loss properties under dry conditions and good electrical properties under humid conditions, although the percentage of change is high.

Sheet, Rod, & Tube

 

G10 (Glass Reinforced Epoxy)

The most versatile all-around laminate, this grade is a continuous glass woven base impregnated with an epoxy resin binder. It has extremely high mechanical strength, good dielectric loss properties, and good electric strength properties, both wet and dry.

Sheet, Rod, & Tube

 

G11(Glass Reinforced Epoxy)

This grade is similar to G10/FR-4, with the addition of a higher operating temperature and improved mechanical strength at elevated temperatures.

Sheet, Rod, & Tube

 

N-1 (Nylon Reinforced Phenolic)

This grade is a continuous nylon woven cloth base impregnated with a phenolic resin binder. It has good electrical properties in high humidity and good impact strength, but is subject to creep and cold flow.

Sheet, Rod, & Tube