What is PC GF20 natural?
PC GF20 natural is a polycarbonate reinforced with 20 % glass fibres. The reinforcement significantly increases stiffness, strength and heat deflection temperature compared to unreinforced PC and reduces thermal expansion – with the low moisture absorption and flame retardancy (UL 94 V0) typical of polycarbonate.
Technical data
| Property | Value | Test method |
|---|---|---|
| General Properties | ||
| Density | 1.33 g/cm³ | DIN EN ISO 1183-1 |
| Water absorption | 0.20 % | DIN EN ISO 62 |
| Flammability (thickness 3 mm / 6 mm) | V0/V0 | UL 94 |
| Mechanical Properties | ||
| Yield stress | 85 MPa | DIN EN ISO 527 |
| Elongation at break | 5 % | DIN EN ISO 527 |
| Tensile modulus | 3,800 MPa | DIN EN ISO 527 |
| Notched impact strength | 8.0 kJ/m² | DIN EN ISO 179 |
| Ball indentation hardness | 180 MPa | DIN EN ISO 2039-1 |
| Shore hardness | 85 scale D | DIN EN ISO 868 |
| Thermal Properties | ||
| Thermal conductivity | 0.22 W/(m·K) | DIN 52612-1 |
| Coefficient of linear thermal expansion | 30 ·10⁻⁶/K | DIN 53752 |
| Service temperature, long-term | -30 to 120 °C | Average |
| Service temperature, short-term (max.) | 140 °C | Average |
| Heat deflection temperature | 138 °C | DIN EN ISO 75, method A, HDT |
PC GF20 natural or PC (unreinforced) in direct comparison
| Property | PC GF20 natural | PC (unreinforced) |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 1.33 g/cm³ | 1.20 g/cm³ |
| Water absorption | 0.20 % | 0.3 % |
| Yield stress | 85 MPa | 60 MPa |
| Tensile modulus | 3,800 MPa | 2300 MPa |
| Notched impact strength (Charpy) | 8.0 kJ/m² | 65 kJ/m² |
| Heat deflection temperature | 138 °C | 130 °C |
| Coefficient of linear thermal expansion | 30 ·10⁻⁶/K | 65 ·10⁻⁶/K |
| Thermal conductivity | 0.22 W/(m·K) | 0.20 W/(m·K) |
| Service temperature, long-term | -30 to 120 °C | -40 to 120 °C |
| Flammability | V0/V0 | HB (FR grades V-2/V-0) |
PC GF20 natural in detail
1What is PC GF20 natural?+
PC GF20 natural is a polycarbonate reinforced with 20 % glass fibres. The reinforcement significantly increases stiffness, strength and heat deflection temperature compared to unreinforced PC and reduces thermal expansion – with the low moisture absorption and flame retardancy (UL 94 V0) typical of polycarbonate. The fibres increase tensile modulus and yield stress, improve dimensional stability and raise the heat deflection temperature to 138 °C.
2How does Liedtke machine PC GF20 natural?+
PC GF20 natural can be machined using all conventional cutting methods. Because of the abrasive glass fibres, carbide tools are recommended; sharp cutting edges and good cooling via chip removal avoid softening or smearing of the surface caused by heat build-up. Glass-fibre-containing dust generated during machining should be extracted. Cooling lubricants must be compatible with PC (risk of stress cracking); for tight tolerances we recommend intermediate annealing.
3When should I choose PC GF20 natural?+
PC GF20 natural is used wherever stiff, dimensionally stable and flame-retardant components are required:
- Housing and support parts with UL 94 V0 requirement
- Insulating and cover parts in electrical engineering
- Dimensionally stable functional and structural parts
4What determines the price of a PC GF20 natural part?+
PC GF20 natural is calculated individually based on drawing or sample. The part price is mainly determined by the stock form and dimension, material utilisation (waste), machining effort and batch size. We are happy to quote binding prices on request.
5When is PC GF20 natural not the right choice?+
Just as important are the limits of the material:
- Lower impact strength and elongation at break than unreinforced PC
- Glass fibres are abrasive to tools
- Sensitive to stress cracking in contact with solvents and alkalis
- Not generally declared for food contact (see FDA declaration)
6Advantages and disadvantages of PC GF20 natural+
An honest assessment:
- Advantage: Higher stiffness and strength than unreinforced PC
- Advantage: High heat deflection temperature (HDT 138 °C)
- Advantage: Flame retardant (UL 94 V0), electrically insulating
- Advantage: Low moisture absorption, good dimensional stability
- Disadvantage: Lower impact strength and elongation at break than unreinforced PC
- Disadvantage: Glass fibres are abrasive to tools
- Disadvantage: Sensitive to stress cracking in contact with solvents and alkalis
- Disadvantage: Not generally declared for food contact (see FDA declaration)
Typical properties
- Higher stiffness and heat deflection temperature than unreinforced PC
- Flame retardant (UL 94 V0)
- Low moisture absorption
Typical industries
- Electrical Industry
- Mechanical Engineering
Downloads for PC GF20 natural
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