FR-4 (Glass Epoxy Laminate) vs PPSU (Polyphenylsulfone): 0% composition overlap. Significantly different materials serving different application areas.
FR-4 (Glass Epoxy Laminate) vs PPSU (Polyphenylsulfone)
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.
PPSU (Polyphenylsulfone)
Polyphenylsulfone — highest-performance sulfone polymer. Better impact and chemical resistance than PSU and PEI. Withstands >1000 steam autoclave cycles at 134°C without property loss. Tg 220°C. Transparent amber, colorable. Inherently flame-retardant (V-0). FDA/USP Class VI/ISO 10993 compliant. Trade name: Radel (Solvay/Syensqo), Ultrason P (BASF). Used for reusable medical instrument trays, surgical instrument handles, dental tools, aircraft interior panels, and hot-water plumbing fittings.
| FR-4 (Glass Epoxy Laminate) | PPSU (Polyphenylsulfone) | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | — | — |
| Category | Polymers | Polymers |
| Standard | IPC-4101 | ISO 527-1 |
Chemical composition (wt%) — Pro
| Element | FR-4 (Glass Epoxy Laminate) | PPSU (Polyphenylsulfone) | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Epoxy Resin Matrix | 35–45% | — | — |
| Glass Fiber (E-Glass) Cloth | 55–65% | — | — |
| Base Polymer (Polyphenylsulfone) | — | 99–99.9% | — |
Mechanical properties — Pro
| Property | FR-4 (Glass Epoxy Laminate) | PPSU (Polyphenylsulfone) | 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 | |||
| hdt_1.8mpa |
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FR-4 (Glass Epoxy Laminate) and PPSU (Polyphenylsulfone) 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 PPSU (Polyphenylsulfone)?
FR-4 (Glass Epoxy Laminate) and PPSU (Polyphenylsulfone) have a 0% composition overlap. They are generally not directly interchangeable.
Can I replace FR-4 (Glass Epoxy Laminate) with PPSU (Polyphenylsulfone)?
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 PPSU (Polyphenylsulfone)?
The main differences are in the following elements: overall alloying content. FR-4 (Glass Epoxy Laminate) is a Polymers grade, while PPSU (Polyphenylsulfone) is a Polymers grade.
View full data for each material:
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.