RT/duroid 6002 is a ceramic-filled PTFE laminate with moderate permittivity, relatively low thermal expansion and a small positive dielectric temperature coefficient. It is useful when circuit dimensions and temperature stability must be considered together. Its structure is different from the random-glass RT/duroid 5870 and 5880 materials.

Material system

Ceramic-filled PTFE

Technical properties

RT/duroid 6002 — reported properties and conditions
PropertyReported valueConditions / source
Process dielectric constant2.94 ± 0.04Typical, 10 GHz, 23°C; IPC-TM-650 2.5.5.5 clamped stripline; direction is not separately recorded here. Source
Design dielectric constant2.94Typical, 8–40 GHz; differential phase length method. Average across the common constructions in the cited datasheet. Source
Dissipation factor0.0012Typical, 10 GHz, 23°C; IPC-TM-650 2.5.5.5; direction is not separately recorded here. Source
Thermal conductivity0.6 W/(m·K)Typical; ASTM C518, 80°C; through-thickness thermal conduction. Source
CTE, X axis16 ppm/°CTypical; -55°C to 288°C, IPC-TM-650 2.4.41; average expansion over the interval, not necessarily linear. Source
CTE, Y axis16 ppm/°CTypical; -55°C to 288°C, IPC-TM-650 2.4.41; average expansion over the interval, not necessarily linear. Source
CTE, Z axis24 ppm/°CTypical; -55°C to 288°C, IPC-TM-650 2.4.41; average expansion over the interval, not necessarily linear. Source
Thermal coefficient of dielectric constant12 ppm/°CTypical; 0°C to 100°C, IPC-TM-650 2.5.5.5 (modified temperature measurement); 10 GHz. Source

Typical reported values are not a purchase specification. Process Dk, design Dk and values measured at different frequencies are not interchangeable.

Selection and design notes

  • Consider it for precision RF networks or multilayers where dimensional compatibility and temperature response deserve as much attention as room-temperature loss. Compare the full phase or resonant-frequency drift over the operating range.
  • For a mounted RF circuit, inspect the expansion of the laminate, copper and carrier together. A material-level CTE match can reduce one source of stress without eliminating adhesive or mounting effects.

Thickness and copper options

Standard cores include 10, 20, 30 and 60 mil; the datasheet also discusses additional configurations by enquiry.

ED and rolled copper are listed. Match the foil treatment to both the RF model and the carrier/bonding process.

Fabrication considerations

  • Use the specific RT/duroid 6002 fabrication guidance for drilling, handling and interconnection preparation. If using a metal carrier or bonding film, specify interface thickness and processing sequence so that the RF and mechanical drawings describe the same assembly.

Application fit

  • Precision microwave networks
  • Temperature-sensitive RF circuits
  • PTFE multilayers

Limits and substitution checks

  • Its thermal conductivity is still that of a polymer composite, not a metallic heat spreader. A stable dielectric coefficient also does not account for physical line expansion or connector movement. Temperature-stable circuit behavior must be assessed with geometry and fixtures included.

Technical sources