Coarse Cotton-Fabric Reinforced Phenolic Laminate (NEMA C)
A composite laminate comprised of a phenolic resin binder and medium weave canvas (cotton) substrate. Canvas Phenolic qualifies to NEMA C and MIL-I-24768/16, and offers high machinability and good wear resistance, making it ideal for producing components with tight tolerances.
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Material Overview
Cotton phenolic Grade C is a thermoset laminate composed of coarse cotton canvas fabric impregnated with phenolic resin and cured under heat and pressure into rigid sheet and rod stock. As a c grade canvas phenolic governed by NEMA LI-1, it is one of the most widely specified mechanical grades in the cotton phenolic family — chosen wherever high impact strength, wear resistance, and reliable machinability are required together.
Grade C pairs 37,000 psi tensile strength, 22,000 psi flexural strength, and 11,200 psi compressive strength with a Rockwell M103 hardness and low water absorption of 1.60% over 24 hours. Maximum continuous operating temperature reaches 255°F (125°C). The coarse canvas weave distributes mechanical load efficiently, making c sheet stock ideal for gears, bearings, bushings, wear pads, and structural brackets that see sustained friction or impact in service.
Standards. Grade C qualifies to NEMA LI-1 and the US defense specification MIL-I-24768/16. Flammability is rated 94HB per UL 94. Test methods follow ASTM D709 for laminated thermosetting materials. Certificates of conformance are available on request.
Sister grades. Step up to Grade CE — canvas phenolic, electrical grade when your application also requires reliable dielectric performance alongside mechanical strength. Choose Grade L — linen phenolic, fine weave when surface finish and tighter tolerances matter more than raw toughness. For maximum electrical insulation in a fine-weave linen construction, see Grade LE.
Technical Specifications
Typical values at 23°C / 50% RH. Values are nominal and not guaranteed; refer to lot-specific certificates of conformance for production parts.
Frequently Asked Questions
NEMA Grade C is a coarse-weave cotton-fabric phenolic laminate — a thermoset composite of canvas fabric bonded with phenolic resin. It delivers 37,000 psi tensile strength, high impact resistance, and excellent wear resistance, making it a primary choice for mechanical components such as gears, bearings, and wear pads. Grade C is governed by NEMA LI-1 and qualifies to MIL-I-24768/16.
Both grades use a coarse cotton canvas reinforcement, but they are optimized for different end uses. Grade C prioritizes mechanical performance — highest tensile and flexural strength in the canvas family — while Grade CE adds an electrical rating, providing reliable dielectric insulation alongside mechanical strength. Choose Grade C for pure mechanical applications; choose CE when you also need insulation performance.
Ready Plastics stocks Grade C canvas phenolic in sheet and rod form. Sheets are available in a wide range of thicknesses; rods are stocked in standard diameters up to several inches. Cut-to-size is available on every SKU — contact us or see the datasheet for current size inventory and minimum order requirements.
Yes. Grade C machines readily on conventional mill, lathe, and drill press equipment using standard carbide tooling. Use sharp tooling, moderate feed rates, and light cuts to achieve tight tolerances. Phenolic dust is abrasive — use dust extraction and avoid inhalation. Grade C accepts tapped holes and threaded inserts without chipping.
No. Grade C is reinforced with coarse cotton canvas fabric; paper phenolic grades (X, XX, XXX) use layers of kraft paper as the reinforcement. Cotton canvas reinforcement gives Grade C significantly higher impact strength and toughness. Paper phenolic grades offer better electrical insulation per unit cost but are more brittle under impact. For mechanical load-bearing parts, Grade C is the appropriate choice.
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