High Performance Thermoset Composites Phenolic Resin -- Paper Substrates Norplex-Micarta NP600 Series The NP600 series of thermoset composites is made with various paper substrates and several different phenolic resins. These combinations yield cost-effective products with excellent thermal and electrical insulation properties machining qualities and outstanding performance in a wide range of applications. NP600 Series The NP600 series includes a range of products that are optimized for different tasks. In some cases special additives enhance key performance properties NP629 is a machining grade intended for mechanical application with high resistance to moisture. The material also has a low potential for splitting when edge drilled and tapped NP612 is suitable for room temperature punching and shearing in thicknesses up to 0.125 NP843 is made from a semi-conductive phenolic resin with an insulating core for X-ray applications requiring maximum X-ray clarity and static dissipation SkatePlate 3000 is composed of a phenolic resin and mechanical grade kraft paper providing excellent strength and durability in both indoor and outdoor skateboard park applications. Phenolic resins are fundamentally strong and resistant to high temperatures and chemicals. They thoroughly coat the surfaces andor impregnate the reinforcing paper which can vary from economy and mechanical grades to electrical grades in natural or pigmented varieties depending on the application and desired appearance. Even at high temperatures phenolic resins retain their chemical structure and rigidity. Hence the NP600 series provides excellent performance even in high-temperature refractory and foundry environments and when exposed to acids cleaning solutions and lubricants in the food processing industry. The NP600 series is also ideal for low-voltage dry electrical applications. These laminated thermoset composites are easier to machine than metal with less tool wear. They do not spark when struck a
key property that enables them to be used in explosion-proof environments. In addition parts made of phenolic-paper provide strength and insulation properties that meet or exceed those of low-end thermoplastic materials. Phenolic-paper composites are ideal for fabricating a variety of rigid parts including drill entry and backing panels washers terminal boards breaker arms high-voltage switch gear components and intricate punched parts. Specialty phenolic-paper materials can even be used to construct X-ray-clear tables and outdoorindoor skateboard parks. Resin impregnated cover sheets are applied to some grades to improve the moisture resistance change the laminate color and provide special properties to the composite.
