FR-4 (Glass Epoxy Laminate) vs PEEK (unfilled): 0% composition overlap. Significantly different materials serving different application areas.
FR-4 (Glass Epoxy Laminate) vs PEEK (unfilled)
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.
PEEK (unfilled)
Polyetheretherketone — the premium engineering thermoplastic. Exceptional mechanical properties maintained to 260°C continuous use. Resistant to virtually all organic solvents and acids. Biocompatible (ASTM F2026). Used as metal replacement in aerospace, automotive engine parts, medical implants (spinal cages), semiconductor wafer handling, and oil/gas downhole seals.
| FR-4 (Glass Epoxy Laminate) | PEEK (unfilled) | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | — | — |
| Category | Polymers | Polymers |
| Standard | IPC-4101 | ISO 10350 |
Chemical composition (wt%) — Pro
| Element | FR-4 (Glass Epoxy Laminate) | PEEK (unfilled) | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Epoxy Resin Matrix | 35–45% | — | — |
| Glass Fiber (E-Glass) Cloth | 55–65% | — | — |
| Base Polymer (Polyether Ether Ketone) | — | 99–99.9% | — |
Mechanical properties — Pro
| Property | FR-4 (Glass Epoxy Laminate) | PEEK (unfilled) | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flexural Strength | 380–480 | — | MPa |
| Tensile Strength | 280–340 | — | 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 | |||
| Glass Transition Temp (Tg) | |||
| Melting Point | |||
| Continuous Use Temp |
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FR-4 (Glass Epoxy Laminate) and PEEK (unfilled) 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 PEEK (unfilled)?
FR-4 (Glass Epoxy Laminate) and PEEK (unfilled) have a 0% composition overlap. They are generally not directly interchangeable.
Can I replace FR-4 (Glass Epoxy Laminate) with PEEK (unfilled)?
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 PEEK (unfilled)?
The main differences are in the following elements: overall alloying content. FR-4 (Glass Epoxy Laminate) is a Polymers grade, while PEEK (unfilled) 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.