Something like Ceramic

Arctic Fox

I need ceramic for a very large electrical project. The problem I have is weight. I would like to find a material with all the properties of ceramic (electrical isolation, temperature insulation, armourment, ability to design for any shape), but it needs to be a lot lighter.

I thought there might be some types of plactics or fiberglas that I could use, but I've no idea.

Price won't be a problem. The material is needed. Anyone with ideas?

nbo10

Carbon Fiber

JMD

Arctic Fox

Last time I checked, CF was an electrical conductor not an insulator.

CF's got some great properties - some that exceed ceramic. But, insulation is my primary need. :)

Cliff_J

Aerogel if it can take the heat.

How about a glass microsphere filled ceramic? It might lose a little compressive strength along with its weight loss but should otherwise retain electrical and thermal properties.

What temperature range are we talking about? I believe some of the Ren plastics can handle injection molding stress and temps. They list a casting resin here that goes to 408F for a 264psi deflection test:
http://www.freemansupply.com/tables/renepoxycasting.htm
And here's a laminating resin that's listed as 460F:
http://www.freemansupply.com/tables/renepoxylam.htm

Cliff

Njorl

I remember testing the optical properties of some plastics that were supposed to have good thermal and mechanical properties. They were:

Lexan - reinforced with glass fibers
Ultem - as above
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
Polyetheretherketone
Duron

Some of them had deformation issues. They would deform long before melting.

Njorl

LURCH

Then perhaps a thermoset, rather than a thermoplastic polymer would be in order. Something like Bakelite?

Njorl

Bakelite is very useful, but very toxic when you machine it. Be careful. I used it for a device once. I was lucky, I just drew up what I wanted and told some pros to make it.

Njorl

Arctic Fox

Where can I find chemicals for Bakelite? From what I've searched, it seems to be somewhat like fiberglas? I haven't found any detailed information about it - links anyone?