What is G10 Glass Epoxy Composite?
G10 is a high-pressure thermoset fiberglass laminate known for its exceptional strength, dimensional stability, and electrical insulation properties. G10 has a heat deflection temperature of 140°C.
- Composition: Epoxy resin + woven glass fabric
- Density: 1.82 g/cm³
This versatile composite material also exhibits low moisture absorption, excellent chemical resistance, and high mechanical strength making it a popular choice in electrical, mechanical, aerospace, and other industrial applications.
G10 was first standardized in the 1950s by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) as a high-performance insulating material.
G-10 Properties
G10 is highly rigid, light green to yellowish and fully-cured composite in its standard form. Depending upon its grade, it can be semi-flexible to very rigid. It shows good dimensional stability, resistance to moisture, chemicals, and electrical breakdown.
Key features include:
- Higher strength, heat resistance and electrical insulation than many plastics
- Very strong and lightweight & hence suitable for various structural applications
- Good mechanical and thermal stability properties
- Excellent electrical insulating properties
- Broad range of use temperature, from -269 to 155°C Low moisture absorption, particularly beneficial in humid environments
- Suitable for high-performance applications, when properly machined
- It doesn't splinter or chip.
- It is highly durable and hence, a suitable metal-replacement in some applications. It is machinable and resistant to most chemicals and solvents.
- It is approved for use in electrical and mechanical applications by various industry standards. High-performance G10 grades »
- Chemical properties
- Excellent resistance to acids, alkalis, organic solvents, and oils
- Moderate resistance to strong oxidizing agents and some chlorinated compounds
The glass transition temperature of G10 is typically around 130-140°C. It has a maximum continuous operating temperature of about 155°C. Standard G10 has a Tg of 130°C. The Tg can be increased with specialized high-temperature grades.
G10 maintains its properties over a wide range of temperatures:
- from cryogenic temperatures as low as -269°C, and
- up to its maximum continuous operating temperature of 155°C.
It normally achieves full cure during manufacturing. It can also be formulated with different resin systems for specialized properties.
Access several readily available g10 shapes to find the best suited option for your application:
- Sheet form
- G10 Rod
- Tube design
The addition of fillers improves specific properties and performance characteristics. It also enhances versatility. Some filler examples include silica, PTFE, etc.
What are the limitations of g10?
G10 has greatly contributed to various industries, but there still exist some drawbacks with this composite material.
The standard form of G10 has:
- lower thermal conductivity
- lower machinability
These properties are lower in comparison to metals, due to its glass fiber reinforcement.
Furthermore, G10 in its typical form is susceptible to moisture absorption and ultraviolet radiation. At high temperatures (>130°C), it can experience degradation of mechanical properties and potential delamination.
Applications for G-10 Material
G10 Safeguards Electronic Components in E&E Applications
G10's exceptional electrical insulation properties and high dielectric strength provide crucial protection for electrical and electronic components by preventing current leakage and breakdown in critical circuitry. Many specialized grades of G10 have been developed for electrical and electronic applications, enabling a wide range of uses in both signal processing and power distribution systems.
Some notable applications include:
- Circuit boards, relay switches
- Insulating panels for power distribution units
- High-voltage insulators
- Transformer bobbins
- Junction boxes
G10 Material Offers Exceptional Durability for Precision Machining
G10 possesses outstanding mechanical characteristics, including:
- High compressive strength
- Excellent dimensional stability
Generally, precision machining applications require materials that maintain tight tolerances and resist wear, often in challenging operating environments.
Among the diverse examples are:
- gears, bushings,
- gasket, spacing,
- industrial machine parts.
With its combination of strength and machinability, G10 composites have also been utilized in semiconductor test fixtures, robotic end effectors, and high-performance sporting goods.
Consumer Goods Applications
Many consumer products have benefited from the versatility of g10 composites, particularly those requiring strength and involving some exposure to harsh environments or mechanical stresses, such as may commonly be found in outdoor equipment and sporting goods.
For g10, typical applications include:
- knife handles and scales,
- Firearm Grips
- gun grips,
- fishing rod components,
- archery equipment
Because of its performance and durability, g10 c
