what is micarta and phenolic?? adv/disadv?

[Matt Green]

I've seen phenolic and micarta used a lot - these are not woods - correct? I've never seena  post - someone educate me. What are these products? why used so much? advantages? disadvantages?
thanks
mgreen

[ch1ch2]

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Micarta is a trademark of Norplex-Micarta industrial high pressure laminates and refers to a composite of linen, canvas, paper, fiberglass, carbon fiber or other fabric in a thermosetting plastic, originally used in electrical and decorative applications. Micarta(R) was developed by George Westinghouse at least as early as 1910 using phenolic resins invented by Dr. Leo Baekeland. These resins were used to impregnate paper and cotton fabric which were cured under pressure and high temperature to produce laminates. In later years this manufacturing method included the use of fiberglass fabric, other resin types were also used. Today Micarta high pressure industrial laminates are produced with a wide variety of resins and fibers. The term has been inappropriately used to generically refer to most resin impregnated fibre compounds. Common uses of modern high pressure laminates are as electrical insulators, printed circuit board substrates, and knife handles.

phenolic (plural phenolics)
(organic chemistry) A phenol compound.
Any thermosetting resin manufactured from phenols and aldehydes.

[amar911]

Simply put, the term "phenolic" relates to a cross-linked plastic polymer formed from aromatic hydrocarbons that are similar in some respects to some alcohols. The phenols are usually derived from oil produced from the ground but can be made from other organic materials as well. When the phenol molecules are made to bond, or cross-link, with one another (similar to what happens with common epoxy glue) we get the plastic resin that hardens into a solid mass that can be used for multiple purposes, including counter tops, circuit boards, billiard balls, etc. Phenolic is also a good insulator of heat and electricity. Most of us have seen it all our lives as the black plastic handles on pots and pans.

Micarta is the general term used when the phenolic resin is used with laminations of paper or cloth (like linen) that act similarly to fiberglass in adding structural strength to the material. Micarta has been used for many years in all sorts of applications, and will be familiar to many of us as one of the more common materials used for the handles of knives, including expensive full-tang custom knives. It is a great material for bow risers where additional strength is needed. Some bowyers, like Bob Morrison, sometimes form risers entirely from phenolic Micarta.

The phenolic or Micarta materials feel warmer in your hands than metal, are relatively strong and stable, are not easily damaged, are resistant to heat, cold and chemicals, are denser (heavier) than wood. These materials are ideal for use in many outdoor applications such as knives and bows. Gregg Coffey who makes the Shrew bows (as well as a number of other bowyers) insists on using at least a lamination of phenolic in the handles of his two piece bows to add strength for the BowBolt that is inserted into the two sides of the riser. The phenolic material can also be very attractive and mates well with the aesthetics of many woods. The black Micarta has an appearance in the risers that is similar to Gaboon ebony, but has much greater strength and stability. Just ask "Irish" about that!

Hope this helps.

Allan

[Stumpkiller]

It has some huge advantages in strength and durability.  Makes durable knife handles and pistol grips with good handling qualities, too.

 

But it just lacks that look and feel of wood.

[Cocklebur]

Very interesting info.

[Irish]

Yep, much stronger than Ebony.  Per my experience, I would not have a 2 piece bow that did not have at least some phenolic in the handle.  In my case, almost all phenolic.

[Stumpkiller]

At the limb tips/ string notches, too.