FR-4 (Glass Epoxy Laminate) vs PA66 (Nylon 66): 0% composition overlap. Significantly different materials serving different application areas.
FR-4 (Glass Epoxy Laminate) vs PA66 (Nylon 66)
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
FR-4 (Glass Epoxy Laminate)
Flame retardant woven fiberglass cloth with epoxy resin binder — the worldwide standard substrate material for printed circuit boards (PCBs). Designated NEMA grade FR-4 and IPC-4101. Good mechanical strength, dimensional stability and electrical insulation up to 130°C (Tg). Dielectric constant 4.2–4.7 at 1 MHz. Self-extinguishing (UL94 V-0). Used for single/multilayer PCBs, electrical insulation boards, structural composites in electronics, test fixtures and jigs. Available in thicknesses 0.1–50 mm.
PA66 (Nylon 66)
Polyamide 66 — stiffer and more heat-resistant than PA6. Higher crystallinity gives better creep resistance and ~40°C higher melting point (260°C vs 220°C). Slightly more brittle. More moisture-sensitive at saturation than PA6. Trade names include Ultramid A (BASF), Zytel 101 (DuPont), Tecamid 66 (Ensinger). Dominant in US/UK markets. Used for automotive engine components, electrical connectors, gears, cable ties, and industrial bushings.
| FR-4 (Glass Epoxy Laminate) | PA66 (Nylon 66) | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | — | — |
| Category | Polymers | Polymers |
| Standard | IPC-4101 | ISO 10350 |
Chemical composition (wt%) — Pro
| Element | FR-4 (Glass Epoxy Laminate) | PA66 (Nylon 66) | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Epoxy Resin Matrix | 35–45% | — | — |
| Glass Fiber (E-Glass) Cloth | 55–65% | — | — |
| Hexamethylenediamine unit | — | 45–55% | — |
| Adipic Acid unit | — | 45–55% | — |
Mechanical properties — Pro
| Property | FR-4 (Glass Epoxy Laminate) | PA66 (Nylon 66) | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flexural Strength | 380–480 | — | MPa |
| Tensile Strength | 280–340 | 80–90 | MPa |
| Compressive Strength | 350–420 | — | MPa |
| Density | |||
| Glass Transition Temp (Tg) | |||
| Dielectric Constant (1MHz) | |||
| Dielectric Strength | |||
| UL94 Flammability | |||
| Water Absorption (24h) | |||
| Tensile Strength | |||
| Yield Strength | |||
| Elongation | |||
| Elastic Modulus | |||
| Density | |||
| Melting Point | |||
| Glass Transition Temp (Tg) | |||
| Water Absorption (24h) | |||
| Tensile Modulus | |||
| Elongation at Break | |||
| Charpy Impact (notched) | |||
| Melting Point | |||
| Glass Transition Temp | |||
| Water Absorption (saturation) |
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FR-4 (Glass Epoxy Laminate) and PA66 (Nylon 66) have significantly different compositions (0% overlap). These materials are not interchangeable and serve different application areas.
Automated assessment based on composition analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FR-4 (Glass Epoxy Laminate) the same as PA66 (Nylon 66)?
FR-4 (Glass Epoxy Laminate) and PA66 (Nylon 66) have a 0% composition overlap. They are generally not directly interchangeable.
Can I replace FR-4 (Glass Epoxy Laminate) with PA66 (Nylon 66)?
Generally not recommended. The compositions differ significantly (0% overlap). These materials have different alloying concepts and are intended for different applications.
What is the difference between FR-4 (Glass Epoxy Laminate) and PA66 (Nylon 66)?
The main differences are in the following elements: overall alloying content. FR-4 (Glass Epoxy Laminate) is a Polymers grade, while PA66 (Nylon 66) is a Polymers grade.
Related Comparisons
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