FR-4 (Glass Epoxy Laminate) vs PP GF30: 0% composition overlap. Significantly different materials serving different application areas.
FR-4 (Glass Epoxy Laminate) vs PP GF30
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.
PP GF30
Polypropylene with 30% short glass fiber — a cost-effective alternative to PA GF30 for applications up to ~130°C. Much cheaper base resin (PP vs PA), zero moisture sensitivity, and excellent chemical resistance. Lower strength than PA6 GF30 (UTS 80 vs 175 MPa) but sufficient for many structural parts. Trade names include Celstran PP-GF30 (Celanese), Tepex (LANXESS), Stamax (SABIC). Used for automotive front-end carriers, battery trays, HVAC components, and household appliance frames.
| FR-4 (Glass Epoxy Laminate) | PP GF30 | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | — | — |
| Category | Polymers | Polymers |
| Standard | IPC-4101 | ISO 10350 |
Chemical composition (wt%) — Pro
| Element | FR-4 (Glass Epoxy Laminate) | PP GF30 | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Epoxy Resin Matrix | 35–45% | — | — |
| Glass Fiber (E-Glass) Cloth | 55–65% | — | — |
| Polypropylene (Base Polymer) | — | 68–72% | — |
| Glass Fiber Reinforcement | — | 28–32% | — |
Mechanical properties — Pro
| Property | FR-4 (Glass Epoxy Laminate) | PP GF30 | 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 | |||
| Elongation | |||
| Elastic Modulus | |||
| Density | |||
| Melting Point | |||
| hdt_1_8mpa | |||
| Water Absorption (24h) |
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FR-4 (Glass Epoxy Laminate) and PP GF30 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 PP GF30?
FR-4 (Glass Epoxy Laminate) and PP GF30 have a 0% composition overlap. They are generally not directly interchangeable.
Can I replace FR-4 (Glass Epoxy Laminate) with PP GF30?
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 PP GF30?
The main differences are in the following elements: overall alloying content. FR-4 (Glass Epoxy Laminate) is a Polymers grade, while PP GF30 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.