In insulation systems of complex devices and structures, which are subject to increased operational requirements, use special composite materials. As a rule, these are not universal, but highly specialized products oriented to work in extreme thermal and humidity conditions. These insulators include the following laminated plastics: getinax, textolite, fiberglass, as well as their modifications. Due to the combination of strength and heat-insulating qualities, such composites can be used in structures, devices and devices that are responsible for their intended purpose.
The use of laminate
The range of applications for such polymers is very diverse. This includes machine tools, and aircraft, and manufacturing industries, as well as construction and the chemical industry. Wherever the use of electrical insulation is required, materials of this kind are used. Moreover, one cannot talk about their universality. A wide range of modifications is noted, in which layered plastics are represented. The use of each version of the composition focuses on a specific area. For example, getinax is suitable for the manufacture of low-cost components in electrical devices, and wood-laminated materials due to the rigid structure are used in technical mechanisms. The scope of the PCB is quite extensive, which covers both the electrical industry, and petrochemical complexes, as well as small instrumentation.
What are laminated plastics made of?
Laminated plastic is a composite material based on a polymer binder. To strengthen the functional base, layer-by-layer reinforcing filling is also used. In other words, laminated plastics are a combination of the two main components represented by a binder and a filler. Resins of synthetic origin are used as the first ingredient. It can be polyester, epoxy, phenol-formaldehyde and other substances. The use of polymers is also common, among which are organosilicon and fluoroplastic materials. As for filling, this task can be performed by traditional raw materials in the form of asbestos and cellulose paper fibers.
Characteristics of Laminates
In the classic version, laminated plastic is a sheet material that is laid according to the type of conventional cladding panels. Less common are tissue varieties. The thickness of the sheets can be from 0.4 to 50 mm, depending on the variety and composition of the insulator. Also varied sizes in length and width. A standard fiberglass panel, for example, has an average of 1200x1000 mm. The working qualities possessed by laminated plastics are expressed by the ability to withstand different temperature conditions. Again, the average corridor for a typical plastic of this kind varies from -60 ° C to 120 ° C. Subject to the inclusion of additional modifiers, this range can expand.
Fiberglass Properties
The performance of this plastic is determined by its composition, which includes several layers of fiberglass, bonded by hot pressing technology. The binder in this case is the thermosetting epoxyphenol component. The basic properties that are endowed with layered plastics of this type include high heat resistance, protection from the negative effects of humidity and mechanical strength. In addition, unlike many composites, fiberglass is an environmentally friendly material, which expands its scope. Also, its increased attractiveness and durability contribute to its attractiveness in the market.
Getinax Properties
Another common variation of laminate, which is used as an insulating material. The performance of this composite is determined by a paper base treated with a mixture of phenolic or epoxy resins.
This plastic cannot boast a combination of qualities such as mechanical resistance and the ability to cope with extreme temperatures. Nevertheless, a flexible base in terms of processing allows us to form printed circuit boards of any size. In addition, these are the cheapest laminated plastics, which led to their widespread use in instrumentation. Particularly, stamped components are produced from such material for the technical support of low-voltage household equipment.
PCB properties
The material is formed from cotton fabrics by hot pressing with the addition of thermosetting binders of the phenol-formaldehyde group. It was the use of the fabric base that provided the PCB with high compressive strength, as well as impact strength. The base is easily machined by drilling, cutting and stamping. This quality of the material led to its use in the production of technological elements that are under the influence of electrical and mechanical loads.
However, there are several categories into which commodity laminated plastics are divided. The properties of the first category are expressed in the form of increased electrical insulation, which allows the material to be used both in air and in transformer oil. The second category is characterized by increased mechanical properties, therefore, parts that are under physical stress are often made of plastic from this group. There are special modifications of PCB, designed for use in conditions of elevated temperatures.
Properties of wood-laminated plastics
The main structural difference of this type of insulating materials is the use of wood base as a filler . In particular, the composite is supplemented with sheets of peeled veneer with a thickness of about 0.3-0.6 mm. Natural polymers bind to polymers through resole synthetic resins. As a result, the combined material acquires improved antifriction properties , resistance to aggressive environments and even abrasives, which other laminated plastics cannot resist.
Properties, applications and operational requirements in this case are determined by a combination of a whole range of characteristics. The working qualities of the material are expressed not only by physical security, but also by moisture resistance, dielectric qualities, as well as maintaining stability at ultra-low temperature at the level of -250 ° . With regard to use, wood-laminated materials are successfully integrated into the mechanisms of friction units, sliding bearings, hydraulic locks and other technical systems.
Conclusion
Modern composites were originally developed with the aim of obtaining high-strength materials that could replace some metal alloys. As a result, the construction industry was able to find an alternative to traditional reinforcement in the form of fiberglass rods. In turn, laminated plastics have become a good substitute for traditional insulators. They are not used where it is customary to lay mineral wool or cork panels, but specialized niches, in which the characteristics of conventional means of this type are insufficient, are actively mastering new layered polymers. However, the future entry of such insulators into the domestic use segment is not ruled out. In any case, the environmental harmlessness of fiberglass can contribute to this.