Chemistry:G10 (material)
G-10 is a high-pressure fiberglass laminate, a type of composite material.[1] It is created by stacking multiple layers of glass cloth, soaked in epoxy resin, and by compressing the resulting material under heat until the epoxy cures.[2][3] It is manufactured in flat sheets, most often a few millimeters thick.
G-10 is very similar to Micarta and carbon fiber laminates, because they are all resin-based laminates, except that the base material used is glass cloth. G-10 is the toughest of the glass fiber resin laminates and therefore the most commonly used.
Properties
G-10 is favored for its high strength, low moisture absorption, and high level of electrical insulation and chemical resistance. These properties are maintained not only at room temperature but also under humid or moist conditions. It was first used as a substrate for printed circuit boards, and its designation, G-10, comes from a National Electrical Manufacturers Association standard for this purpose.
Decorative variations of G-10 are produced in many colors and patterns and are especially used to make handles for knives, grips for firearms and other tools. These can be textured (for grip), bead blasted, sanded or polished. Its strength and low density make it useful for other kinds of handcrafting as well.
Hazards
G-10 is generally safe to use. When cutting or grinding the material, however, proper respirators should be worn to avoid inhaling glass and epoxy dust, which have been known to contribute to respiratory disorders and increase the risk of developing lung cancer. Similarly, any work space used for cutting or grinding G10 should be appropriately ventilated.
Related materials
FR-4 has replaced G-10 in most consumer electronics. It uses a flame-retardant brominated epoxy.
G-3 is a material made of glass fiber and phenolic resin. Unlike G-10, it is not often used for knifemaking.
CDM, also known as "Durostone" (Röchling Group), is used in high temperature applications that require good machinable, chemical, and ESD properties.[4]
See also
References
- ↑ "What is G-10 Handle Material? Knife Handles, Grips, Scales & More". http://www.knifeart.com/g10-knife-handle-material.html.
- ↑ Blain, William Robert; Wilde, Willy Patrick (1996-01-01) (in en). Computer aided design in composite material technology V. Computational Mechanics Publications. ISBN 9781853124013. https://books.google.com/books?id=LrVRAAAAMAAJ&q=Computer+aided+design+in+composite+material+technology+V&dq=Computer+aided+design+in+composite+material+technology+V&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiXtIH21M_RAhXihFQKHdUoCDUQ6AEIGzAA.
- ↑ Lemansites.ch. "MB Fins material G-10". http://www.mb-fins.com/e/home/material/g10.asp.
- ↑ "Durostone® - Fibre reinforced materials | Röchling Industrial EN". https://www.roechling-industrial.com/materials/composites/datasheet-materials/durostoner-fibre-reinforced-materials/. Retrieved 22 August 2019.
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