APPLICATIONS
High performance and superior product properties may make ULTEMTM film suitable for a variety of high-quality applications, like electronics insulation, high temperature labeling, EMI shielding, speaker cones, and conductive ink substrates. GE Advanced Materials, Specialty Film & Sheet Products is working on a number of future applications, which are continually being validated for ULTEMTM high performance films.
http://www.polyonics.com
Identification Labels
ULTEMTM 1000B film is currently used in top side labeling applications. ULTEMTM film may provide high heat resistance to labeling applications which can be exposed to temperatures as high as 235ºC for a short time. Also, ULTEMTM XH6050B film may be a potential fit for bottom side labeling applications, where the temperature requirements could reach 265ºC.
The main characteristics which may make ULTEMTM film a suitable candidate for labeling applications are:
- High temperature resistance with glass transition temperature (Tg) from 217ºC to 245ºC, materials can perform above Tg
- Films are UL 94 VTM-0–compliant
- Compatibility with acrylic base pressure-sensitive adhesives
- Wide web widths for improved coating productivity
Polyonics Inc., Westmoreland, NH, USA.
http://www.polyonics.com
Produced by Dr. D. Mueller, GmbH, Ahlhorn, Germany. http://www.mueller-ahlhorn.com
Electrical Insulation
Electrical insulation applications require a product with high dielectric strength at thin gauges to prevent the potential for an electrical short. ULTEMTM film may provide design flexibility by offering an alternative material choice to competitive polyimide films.
An example of an electrical insulation application for ULTEMTM film is lithium ion battery insulation. Laminate materials are also under development to meet class H electrical insulation requirements for motor and transformer applications.
The main characteristics which may make ULTEMTM film a suitable candidate for electrical insulation applications are:
- High dielectric strength, tight space requirements, i.e., any portable electronic device
- Puncture and tear resistance
- Ability to die cut
- Compatible with acrylic-based pressure-sensitive adhesives
Speaker Cones
ULTEMTM films are currently used in various speaker cone applications utilizing the excellent sound dampening properties and high adhesion to copper wire–wound voice coils. The thermoforming characteristics of ULTEMTM film is one of the key features for speaker cone applications. Recommended thermoforming conditions are located in Secondary Processing in Thermoforming Conditions.
The main characteristics which may make ULTEMTM film a suitable candidate for speaker cone applications are:
- High glass transition temperature (Tg) from 217ºC to 245ºC
- Excellent sound dampening properties
- Low moisture absorption
- UL 94 VTM-0–compliant
- Compatibility with latex acrylic adhesives
- Wide web widths for improved coating productivity
- Thermoformable
Pressure-Sensitive Tapes
Tapes are another example of an application where ULTEMTM film may have a performance fit. Currently, ULTEMTM films have been converted into pressure-sensitive tapes, using acrylicbased adhesives. An example of applications for the tape is in electrical insulation for liquid crystal display back light modules and cable modems. Corona treatment of the film may be necessary to ensure proper adhesive anchorage to the film. Validations are underway to evaluate the performance of silicone-based pressure-sensitive tapes, as well.
The main characteristics which may make ULTEMTM film a suitable candidate for pressure-sensitive tape applications are:
- Temperature resistance
- UL 94 VTM-0–compliant
- Compatibility with acrylic-based pressuresensitive adhesives
- Dielectric strength
- Tear strength
