Cotton phenolic CE grade is a thermoset laminate — a composite of coarse cotton fabric impregnated with phenolic resin and cured under heat and pressure into rigid sheet, rod, and tube stock. It belongs to the cotton phenolic family defined by NEMA standard LI-1 and is widely specified across electrical insulation, mechanical bearing, and structural applications.
CE pairs 13,000 psi tensile strength, 17,000 psi flexural strength, and Rockwell M105 hardness with reliable electrical insulation and stable performance in humid environments. Maximum continuous operating temperature is 257°F (125°C). The coarse cotton weave gives CE excellent impact strength and machinability — ideal for parts that must absorb shock and run on conventional shop equipment.
Standards. CE is governed by NEMA LI-1 and meets the US defense specification MIL-I-24768/14 Type FBG. Test methods follow ASTM D709 (laminated thermosetting materials).
Sister grades. Choose Grade C — coarse-weave variant when you need a slightly stiffer cotton phenolic at lower cost. Step up to Grade LE — finer weave, better electrical when dielectric strength and surface finish matter more than impact. Step up further to Grade L — best machinability for fine-detail machined parts. For applications requiring much higher dielectric strength, see G-10/FR-4 alternative when higher dielectric strength is required.
