RO4360G2 laminates are the first high dielectric constant (Dk) thermoset laminate that we can process like FR-4. It is a high-strength, lightweight composite made of polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) for advanced performance at a low cost. It has an extension co-efficient of -0.112%/C, with a heat deflection temperature below 260°C and good adhesion to metal and other base materials.
This product offers many benefits like:
Outstanding strength at high temperatures ranges from -40°C to +200°C.
Low Cost $4.98/sq.ft (in 2010)
Able to be machined and drilled using ordinary metalworking tools.
This article will discuss the processing of this material about the benefits and provide electrical performance data for this material over various temperatures, humidity levels, and frequencies. In addition, a discussion of the properties, cost, and durability of RO4360G2 will also take place in this paper.
Composition and properties
Rogers RO4360G2 is a composite of crystalline PPS as its matrix and colloidal silica powder as its reinforcing phase. The crystals are rod-like particles approximately 7 nm in diameter. Silica has a melting point of 478°C, making it brittle and not easily machined. As with most semiconductors, the PPS matrix is an insulating material. However, the large density of minuscule crystal particles gives the material a high dielectric constant.
Wet density Dry density Tensile strength (psi) Tensile strength (MPa) Expanded thickness (in.) at 100% elongation temperature (°C) Density @ operating temperature% Hysteresis loss (%) Dielectric constant for P-N junction % Dielectric constant at rated frequency (GHz) Dielectric loss factor @ rated frequency Thermal conductivity k< 0.3°C/cm k > 0.3°C/cm at ambient °C
The dielectric constant of this material is very high at 7.5, which can lead to problems in the design of electrical components using this material. However, all plastics have very low dielectric constants, ranging from 5 for polyethylene (PE) to 11 for polystyrene (PS). The high dielectric constant of this material comes from the crystalline nature of PPS. We enhance it by the silica addition contained in it.
The thermal conductivity of this material is non-linear and ranges between 0.3 and 1.1 k/cm at ambient temperatures. Therefore, the dielectric loss for this material is moderate at about 12%, with a frequency of 100 MHz. The dielectric loss factor at high frequencies is a problem associated with any dielectric material and gets more severe as the temperature increases. However, the thermal conductivity values are excellent and stay relatively constant from 0°C to 100°C. This increase in thermal conductivity at higher temperatures compensates for the loss factor values and helps keep this material from overheating.
Dielectric loss vs. frequency
This material can be machined, drilled, and soldered using ordinary metalworking tools. It is not advisable to use acids, solvents, or other chemicals. This material should work in conjunction with a PEMF device to aid in the healing of cuts and abrasions and improve its durability.
This material’s cost per square foot was $4.98 in 2010 and has been very stable in price over the past few years, despite rampant price increases in other polyphenylene sulfides (PPS).
Durability
This material has excellent durability when used with PEMF as part of a treatment program. As a result, we can use it as a platform for implanted electronic components fabricating electronic packaging, antennas, and RF shielding enclosures. In addition, several pieces of this material have been exposed to air at 90% relative humidity (RH) over one year with no effect on its electrical or physical properties.
The material is essential in various applications, including electrical connectors, wiring harnesses, RF applications, heat sinks, and electronic packaging.
Environmental protection
This material does not have to be heat treated because it has a very high thermal stability of about 90°C/hr. It can also withstand high radiation levels and impact through its excellent insulation properties.
The strength and durability of this material are excellent in the range of -40 to +200°C. The dielectric property of this material also makes it a good choice for applications requiring its dielectric properties at temperatures over 100°C. However, it is not as good as high-temperature thermoplastic polymers (TPUs) for these applications. Nevertheless, we can use it in low-temperature applications to +60°C.
The electrical properties of this material are quite stable, with temperatures over the range of -40°C to +70°C, which makes it an ideal material for use in any connector or switch. In addition, its high dielectric constant leads to better electrical properties at higher temperatures and frequencies. The cost of this material is moderate but still below $7/sq.Ft currently, compared to prices ranging from $15-30+ for other materials.
Plated through-hole reliability
This material is essential in a variety of applications for through-hole soldering. We can use it in most solder processes and provides good adhesion. It has a wide temperature range and can withstand temperatures up to 180°C, making it useful for any fillet or spring soldering process. We can also use it for through-hole lamination.
It could be helpful as a low-cost substrate for high-temperature/high-frequency surface mount devices. We can use it to make electrical components and wire harnesses currently underused. Its wide temperature range and strength make it useful for many applications in corrosive environments where its physical properties are needed more than its dielectric properties. Its strength and dielectric properties allow it to help as a sacrificial laminate in tough environments.
The durability of this material has a rate of 150°C/hr, which is typical for a PPS. It is also resistant to oxidation and requires no special treatment or coating. In the last five years, there have been no major changes to the cost of this material, with prices staying between $6-7/sq.ft, which makes it very economical compared to other materials in its class.
Efficient supply chain
This material is a product of St. Gobain. It has approximately 60% of the world market share for PPS and controls over 80% of the PEMF market. Having a single dominant supplier has allowed certain economies of scale to be taken advantage of over the years, which has kept pricing on this material constant while other materials have had huge price increases during that time.
Rayming PCB & Assembly also controls the market for polycarbonate, one of its main competitors in the PPS market. Polycarbonates require four times as much energy to produce per unit mass as PPS, and they are significantly more expensive. Polycarbonates are also highly susceptible to environmental influences, leading to a loss in strength over time and requiring special treatment to maintain their integrity. This can result in increased costs and added time for processing applications.
Automated assembly compatible
This material has good mechanical properties, which allows for automated assembly processing and pick and place operations.
This material produces electrical connectors, wire harnesses, PCBs, and switch components. It is also an excellent platform for electronic components such as sensors, transistors, and other electronic assemblies.
We can plate it using solder paste or selective soldering (explosive or thermal) processes and easily soldered using conventional surface mount equipment. It is also helpful in several other applications, such as RF shielding enclosures, heat sinks, and electronic packaging.
This material has good mechanical properties and processed using a variety of processes. They include hot-melt extrusion, spraying, cutting, and embossing. It can also be injection molded.
It has a very high dielectric constant, holding its dielectric properties over a wide temperature range.
Conclusion
Rogers RO4360G2 is ideal if you want an inexpensive functional, and durable material to use in your next product. Rogers RO4360G2 is a very popular material for making medical devices, Aircraft Electronic Fixtures, and many other applications. It is available in an open-cell material with a U-type cross-section. Its dielectric constant of 60 indicates that it has excellent electrical properties. In addition, its high tensile strength and excellent oxidation resistance make it suitable for many types of electronic assemblies.
