CuClad® laminates are composite materials composed of woven
fiberglass and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), engineered
specifically for deployment as printed circuit board (PCB)
substrates. By precisely regulating the fiberglass-to-PTFE ratio,
CuClad laminates deliver a diversified product portfolio: ranging
from variants with ultra-low dielectric constant and loss tangent
to highly reinforced grades optimized for enhanced dimensional
stability.
Compared with non-woven fiberglass-reinforced PTFE laminates of
equivalent dielectric constants, the woven fiberglass reinforcement
in CuClad products confers superior dimensional stability. The
consistent, tightly controlled PTFE coating process applied to the
fiberglass cloth enables Rogers to supply laminates with a broader
spectrum of dielectric constant options, as well as improved
dielectric constant uniformity relative to comparable non-woven
fiberglass-reinforced alternatives. These performance attributes
position CuClad as a preferred material solution for fabricating
filters, couplers, and low-noise amplifiers.
A defining characteristic of CuClad laminates is their cross-ply
construction: successive layers of PTFE-coated fiberglass plies are
oriented at 90° to one another. This unique design ensures true
electrical and mechanical isotropy across the XY plane—a feature
exclusive to CuClad laminates that no other woven or non-woven
fiberglass-reinforced PTFE laminates on the market can match. For
certain phased array antenna applications, designers have verified
that this level of isotropy is a critical performance prerequisite.
CuClad 217 (with a dielectric constant Er of 2.17–2.20) leverages a
low fiberglass-to-PTFE ratio to achieve the minimum dielectric
constant and dissipation factor among all fiberglass-reinforced
PTFE laminates. Combined, these properties facilitate faster signal
propagation speeds and elevated signal-to-noise ratios.
Features & Benefits
-Cross-ply woven fiberglass structure, with alternating plies
oriented at 90° to each other
-High PTFE-to-glass ratio
-Superior dielectric constant uniformity versus comparable
non-woven fiberglass-reinforced laminates
-Electrical and mechanical isotropy in the XY plane
-Ultra-low signal loss
-Ideal for circuits sensitive to dielectric constant (Er)
variations
Typical Applications
-Military electronics systems (including radars, electronic
countermeasures (ECM), and electronic support measures (ESM))
-Microwave components (such as low-noise amplifiers (LNAs),
filters, and couplers)
| Properties | Test Method | Condition | CuClad 217 |
| Dielectric Constant @10 GHz | IPC TM-650 2.5.5.5 | C23/50 | 2.17, 2.20 |
| Dielectric Constant @1MHz | IPC TM-650 2.5.5.3 | C23/50 | 2.17, 2.20 |
| Dissipation Factor @10 GHz | IPC TM-650 2.5.5.5 | C23/50 | 0.0009 |
| Thermal Coefficient of Er (ppm/°C) | IPC TM-650 2.5.5.5 Adapted | -10°C to +140°C | -160 |
| Peel Strength (lbs.per inch) | IPC TM-650 2.4.8 | After Thermal Stress | 14 |
| Volume Resistivity (MΩ-cm) | IPC TM-650 2.5.17.1 | C96/35/90 | 2.3×10⁸ |
| Surface Resistivity (MΩ) | IPC TM-650 2.5.17.1 | C96/35/90 | 3.4×10⁶ |
| Arc Resistance (seconds) | ASTM D-495 | D48/50 | >180 |
| Tensile Modulus(kpsi) | ASTM D-638 | A, 23°C | 275, 219 |
| Tensile Strength (kpsi) | ASTM D-882 | A, 23°C | 8.8, 6.6 |
| Compressive Modulus(kpsi) | ASTM D-695 | A, 23°C | 237 |
| Flexural Modulus(kpsi) | ASTM D-790 | A, 23°C | 357 |
| Dielectric Breakdown (kv) | ASTM D-149 | D48/50 | >45 |
| Specific Gravity (g/cm³) | ASTM D-792 Method A | A, 23°C | 2.23 |
| Water Absorption (%) | MIL-S-13949H 3.7.7; IPC TM-650 2.6.2.2 | E1/105 + D24/23 | 0.02 |
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (ppm/°C) - X Axis - Y Axis - Z Axis | IPC TM-650 2.4.24 Mettler 3000 Thermomechanical Analyzer | 0°C to 100°C | 29 |
| 28 |
| 246 |
| Thermal Conductivity | ASTM E-1225 | 100°C | 0.26 |
Outgassing - Total Mass Loss (%) Collected Volatile Condensable Material (%) Water Vapor Regain (%) Visible Condensate (±) | NASA SP-R-0022A Maximum 1.00% Maximum 0.10% | 125°C, ≤10⁻⁶ torr | 0.01 0.01 0.00 NO |
| Flammability | UL 94 Vertical Burn; IPC TM-650 2.3.10 | C48/23/50, E24/125 | Meets UL94-V0 |
