Phenolic LE · matrix · default condition
Phenolic LE Phenolic Matrix
Properties of the Phenolic Matrix condition, compared with the other Phenolic LE grades.
Standard commercial LE sheet/rod/tube: pick it for machined electrical-mechanical parts needing a fine machined finish, good impact and moderate insulation.
What is Phenolic LE Phenolic Matrix?
Phenolic LE Phenolic Matrix is Phenolic LE in the Phenolic Matrix condition — standard commercial LE sheet/rod/tube: pick it for machined electrical-mechanical parts needing a fine machined finish, good impact and moderate insulation. Phenolic LE Phenolic Matrix has a tensile strength of 105 MPa (15.2 ksi), weaker than 71% of composite grades. Elongation at break is 1.5% and the elastic modulus is 7 GPa (1.02 Msi). Phenolic LE Phenolic Matrix has a density of 1.36 g/cm³ (0.0491 lb/in³), lighter than 71% of composite grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 150°C (302 °F).
Advantages
- Easy to machine — 78/100, better than 81% of composite grades
- Low embodied carbon — 4.5 kg CO₂/kg, better than 79% of composite grades
Limitations
- Low fracture toughness — 3.5 MPa·√m (3.19 ksi·√in), worse than 96% of composite grades
- Absorbs moisture — dry before molding — 1.5%, worse than 81% of composite grades
- Low stiffness — 7 GPa (1.02 Msi), worse than 79% of composite grades
- Limited service temperature — 120°C (248 °F), worse than 79% of composite grades
Phenolic LE Phenolic Matrix properties
Typical room-temperature values for Phenolic LE Phenolic Matrix — 8 properties are specific to this condition; the rest are grade-level values shared by every Phenolic LE grade. Each bar shows where the value sits among the composite grades in FabDigit's library — further right is higher.
Physical4
Phenolic LE Phenolic Matrix has a density of 1.36 g/cm³ (0.0491 lb/in³), lighter than 71% of composite grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 150°C (302 °F).
Mechanical13
Phenolic LE Phenolic Matrix has a tensile strength of 105 MPa (15.2 ksi), weaker than 71% of composite grades. Elongation at break is 1.5% and the elastic modulus is 7 GPa (1.02 Msi).
Thermal8
Phenolic LE Phenolic Matrix is rated for continuous service to 120°C (248 °F). It conducts heat at 0.3 W/m·K (0.173 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 62% of composite grades. Thermal expansion is 25 µm/m·K (13.9 µin/in·°F).
Electrical6
Phenolic LE Phenolic Matrix is an electrical insulator with a dielectric strength of 15 kV/mm (381 V/mil) and a resistivity of 1×10⁹ Ω·m.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (65/100), worse than 72% of composite grades. UV resistance is fair.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of Phenolic LE Phenolic Matrix takes about 85 MJ of energy and emits 4.5 kg of CO₂ — less than 79% of composite grades. Typical recycled content is 0%.
Manufacturability2
Phenolic LE Phenolic Matrix's machinability is very good (78/100, better than 81% of composite grades).
Common Calculations4
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Other Phenolic LE grades and fills
Phenolic LE is also supplied in 2 other conditions. The full side-by-side table is on the Phenolic LE overview.
- Phenolic MatrixDefaultStandard commercial LE sheet/rod/tube: pick it for machined electrical-mechanical parts needing a fine machined finish, good impact and moderate insulation.105 MPa tensile
Working with Phenolic LE Phenolic Matrix
Is Phenolic LE easy to machine?
Machines like a hard, abrasive plastic — use sharp carbide or PCD tools, high speed with low feed, dust extraction (phenolic/cotton dust is irritant); holds fine detail and threads well, back up cuts to avoid edge chipping.
Can Phenolic LE be welded?
Thermoset — cannot be welded or thermally reformed; join by bolting, riveting or epoxy adhesive after abrading and degreasing the surface.
Can Phenolic LE be formed, bent or molded?
Supplied as fully cured pressed laminate sheet/rod/tube; no post-forming other than gentle hot bending of thin sheet (<1.5 mm) — parts are made by machining, punching or blanking (punch warm, ~90–120 °C, for clean holes).
What surface finishes work on Phenolic LE?
No plating/anodizing; sand and seal or varnish/epoxy-coat cut edges to limit moisture pick-up, or apply phenolic paint; can be lightly buffed but remains a matte brown finish.
Phenolic LE chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| phenol-formaldehyde resinresole/novolac thermoset matrix | 40 – 50 | 45 |
| fine-weave cotton/linen fabricreinforcement, ~4 oz/yd² fine weave | ≥ 50 (balance) | — |
Phenolic LE Phenolic Matrix — frequently asked
What is Phenolic LE Phenolic Matrix used for?
Phenolic LE Phenolic Matrix is typically used for industrial gears, structural bushings and bearing sleeves, electrical insulators, insulating spacers and standoffs, thrust washers and wear pads and machine fixture and jig plates. In short: linen phenolic gear stock.
What is the tensile strength of Phenolic LE Phenolic Matrix?
Phenolic LE Phenolic Matrix has a typical tensile strength of 105 MPa (15.2 ksi) — weaker than 71% of composite grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 3 listed tempers.
Is Phenolic LE Phenolic Matrix easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated very good (78/100, better than 81% of composite grades). Machines like a hard, abrasive plastic — use sharp carbide or PCD tools, high speed with low feed, dust extraction (phenolic/cotton dust is irritant); holds fine detail and threads well, back up cuts to avoid edge chipping.
Can Phenolic LE Phenolic Matrix be welded?
Thermoset — cannot be welded or thermally reformed; join by bolting, riveting or epoxy adhesive after abrading and degreasing the surface.
What surface finishes work on Phenolic LE Phenolic Matrix?
No plating/anodizing; sand and seal or varnish/epoxy-coat cut edges to limit moisture pick-up, or apply phenolic paint; can be lightly buffed but remains a matte brown finish.
Can Phenolic LE Phenolic Matrix be formed, bent or molded?
Supplied as fully cured pressed laminate sheet/rod/tube; no post-forming other than gentle hot bending of thin sheet (<1.5 mm) — parts are made by machining, punching or blanking (punch warm, ~90–120 °C, for clean holes).
What is the maximum service temperature of Phenolic LE Phenolic Matrix?
Phenolic LE Phenolic Matrix is rated for continuous use to about 120°C (248 °F), and briefly to 150°C. Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
Can FabDigit make parts in Phenolic LE Phenolic Matrix?
Yes — Phenolic LE Phenolic Matrix is available for CNC machining and sheet metal with instant online pricing. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- ASTM D709 — Laminated Thermosetting Materials — ASTM International (2017)
- NEMA LI-1 — Industrial Laminated Thermosetting Products — NEMA (1998)
- MIL-I-24768/16 (type FBG) — Plastic Sheet, Laminated, Cotton Fabric Base, Phenolic — US DoD (2016)
- Engineered Materials Handbook Vol. 2 — Engineering Plastics — ASM International (1988)
- Industrial laminate grade LE data (Micarta / Garolite LE stock sheet) — laminate producers (2023)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.