FR-4 (Glass Epoxy Laminate) vs PC (Polycarbonate): 0% composition overlap. Significantly different materials serving different application areas.
FR-4 (Glass Epoxy Laminate) vs PC (Polycarbonate)
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.
PC (Polycarbonate)
Polycarbonate — the transparent high-impact engineering plastic. Amorphous with outstanding impact strength (virtually unbreakable at room temp), optical clarity (~90% light transmission), and good heat resistance (Tg 145-150°C). Trade names include Lexan (SABIC), Makrolon (Covestro). Used for safety glazing, machine guards, automotive headlamp lenses, CDs/DVDs, riot shields, and electronic housings.
| FR-4 (Glass Epoxy Laminate) | PC (Polycarbonate) | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | — | — |
| Category | Polymers | Polymers |
| Standard | IPC-4101 | ISO 10350 |
Mechanical properties
| Property | FR-4 (Glass Epoxy Laminate) | PC (Polycarbonate) | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flexural Strength | 380–480 | — | MPa |
| Tensile Strength | 280–340 | 60–70 | MPa |
| Compressive Strength | 350–420 | — | MPa |
Compatibility Assessment
FR-4 (Glass Epoxy Laminate) and PC (Polycarbonate) 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 PC (Polycarbonate)?
FR-4 (Glass Epoxy Laminate) and PC (Polycarbonate) have a 0% composition overlap. They are generally not directly interchangeable.
Can I replace FR-4 (Glass Epoxy Laminate) with PC (Polycarbonate)?
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 PC (Polycarbonate)?
The main differences are in the following elements: overall alloying content. FR-4 (Glass Epoxy Laminate) is a Polymers grade, while PC (Polycarbonate) is a Polymers grade.
Related Comparisons
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Data provided for reference only. Always verify against the applicable specification for critical applications.
All data is for reference only. Equivalents indicate similarity, not identity. Always verify against the applicable specification for safety-critical applications. materialref.com accepts no liability for decisions based on this data.