G10 for Fiberglass Surfboards

G10 (aka EPGC201 under IEC standard) is an epoxy fiberglass laminate conforming to the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) standard. The epoxy fiberglass sheet is commonly referred to as fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) and its most important features are high tensile strength, good heat resistance and excellent electrical insulation properties, which make it a superior electrical insulating material.

G10 is made from electronic grade alkali-free fiberglass cloth impregnated with epoxy resin, then hot pressed, baked, cured, and cut into sheets. The number 10 stands for the fiberglass content of 10%. G10 has great electrical and mechanical properties, with its thermal resistance class F (155°C) and flame retardant class UL94-HB. The G10 produced by ZTelec Group comes in a wide range of colors, including aqua green, yellow, and black.

The epoxy fiberglass laminated sheets represented by G10 are widely used in various industries of national economy and are closely related to our daily life. Given its strength, thermal and chemical resistance, G10 is a good material for processed parts, such as the sporting gear. ZTelec Group offers customized G10 related products according to customer requirements. Today we will focus on the application of G10 in surfboards.

First, let's get to know the structure of a surfboard, which is mainly divided into a deck, a stringer, the core, and the tail fin system.

In terms of the materials for surfboards, there are two main types of hard surfboard: polyurethane (PU) based board and polyethylene (PE) based board (both of which are commonly oriented to intermediate and advanced surfers).

1.PU construction refers to boards with a polyurethane or foam core, a wooden stringer running through the center of the board and a laminate top made from fiberglass cloth and polyester resin. Such type of board is cheap, flexible, allowing smooth and stable riding, but not environmentally friendly and very prone to peel off or break.

2.PE construction is an upgraded version of the traditional PU board, which also has a polyurethane or foam core, but wrapped with an epoxy fiberglass surface, without the traditional wooden stringer in the middle of the board. The advantages of epoxy fiberglass surfboard compared to that of the PU type are as follows:

2.1 The epoxy resin coating emits 50-75% less volatile organic compounds (VOC)than that of polyester resin. Therefore, it’s safer to work with, no need to wear a mask and only moderate ventilation required.

2.2 Epoxy fiberglass surfboards are lighter, harder, weather resistant and very buoyant, which ensure faster and more responsive paddling and surfing, as well as quicker adjustment to wave conditions. Such surfboards make it easier for surfers to do difficult professional movements. They are also more durable and less prone to bumps and bursts.

2.3 Many vivid graphic designs are available.

Additionally, the tail fin is a key component of the surfboard, affecting its stability, responsiveness, and steering ability etc. The choice of tail fin is related to the individual surfing style, surfboard dimensions and the tail fin system. Fiberglass laminated sheets are most applied to the tail fin. G10 can be used for tail fins in various colors according to the surfboard design.