Noryl Properties — Electrical, Mechanical & Thermal Datasheet
Noryl's property profile is defined by three standout characteristics: an exceptionally low dielectric constant (2.65 at 1 MHz — the lowest among common engineering thermoplastics), outstanding dimensional stability from very low moisture absorption (0.07% at 24 hr), and UL 94 V-0 flame rating availability without halogen. This datasheet covers mechanical, thermal, electrical, and chemical properties for the three primary stock-shape grades.
At a glance:
- Dielectric constant (1 MHz): 2.65 — lower than polycarbonate (2.9), acetal (3.7), nylon (3.7–4.0)
- Dissipation factor (1 MHz): 0.0007 — exceptionally low RF loss
- Water absorption (24 hr): 0.07% — excellent for dimensional-critical applications
- HDT at 264 psi: 215°F (EN265 unfilled); 285°F (GFN3 glass-filled)
- Tensile strength: 8,700 psi (EN265 unfilled); ~12,000 psi (GFN3)
- UL 94 V-0 at 0.030" minimum (EN265, GFN3)
Mechanical Properties
Tensile and Flexural Data
Impact and Hardness
Grade-by-Grade Mechanical Comparison
Thermal Properties
The GFN3 glass-filled grade significantly increases both HDT and stiffness. For structural applications requiring Noryl's electrical properties at temperatures above 200°F, GFN3 is the appropriate selection. CTE anisotropy in GFN3 (lower in flow direction) must be accounted for in tight-tolerance assemblies near dissimilar materials.
Electrical Properties — Noryl's Defining Strength
This is where Noryl outperforms every commodity and most specialty engineering thermoplastics:
Why Low Dielectric Constant Matters
The dielectric constant (ε') measures how much a material retards or stores electrical energy in an electric field. Lower ε' means:
- Less capacitive loading on signal-carrying conductors adjacent to the material
- Lower dielectric losses (heating) in high-frequency applications
- Less signal delay in transmission line applications
- Better RF transparency for antenna radomes and enclosures
Noryl at 2.65 is significantly lower than polycarbonate (2.9), acetal (3.7), and nylon (3.7–4.0), and is competitive with PTFE (2.1) at a fraction of the cost.
The dissipation factor (tan δ) at 0.0007 is also among the lowest of engineering thermoplastics — critical for applications where dielectric heating at RF frequencies must be minimized.
Frequency Stability
A unique advantage of Noryl: its dielectric constant changes minimally from 1 MHz to 1 GHz. Many polymers show significant ε' drop with increasing frequency; Noryl's very flat frequency response makes it reliable for broadband RF applications.
Physical and Moisture Properties
Noryl's 0.07% moisture absorption at 24 hr and near-zero dimensional change at saturation are exceptional. This property is particularly important for precision electrical components — even polycarbonate (0.35% at 24 hr) shows more dimensional drift in humid environments than Noryl.
Chemical Resistance
| Reagent | Noryl Resistance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Water / hot water | Excellent | Very low absorption; dimensional stability maintained |
| Dilute acids (pH > 3) | Good | |
| Dilute alkalis (<10% NaOH) | Good | |
| Aliphatic hydrocarbons | Good | Mineral spirits, heptane |
| Aromatic hydrocarbons | Poor | Toluene, xylene cause swelling and stress cracking |
| Chlorinated solvents | Poor | Methylene chloride, TCE attack Noryl |
| Ketones / esters | Poor | Acetone, MEK cause swelling |
| Alcohols | Moderate | IPA — limited contact; methanol poor |
| Gasoline (aliphatic-dominant) | Good | Pure aromatics in gasoline: verify |
Noryl's primary chemical weakness is aromatic and chlorinated solvents. This limits its use in solvent-cement bonding (MEK-based adhesives attack it) and in chemical environments with organic solvents. For solvent-exposed electrical housings, evaluate polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) or PEEK as alternatives.
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