Apr 11 2003
Background
Polyethylene Naphthalate is a polyester that is chemically quite similar to polyethylene terephthalate but which is more temperature resistant. So far available only as biaxially oriented and heat stabilised films, they are semi-crystalline and colourless, either crystal clear or slightly hazy (the latter are available from Goodfellow stock).
Compared to their polyethylene terephthalate equivalents, they start to shrink significantly at 190 °C rather than 150 C and are certified for long term electrical use at 155 °C rather than 105/130 °C. Their tensile strengths are similar, but the modulus of Polyethylene Naphthalate is higher - say 25% at ambient temperatures but several times higher in the 100-150 °C region.
They also have better UV resistance and barrier properties and are more resistant to hydrolysis in alkaline or very hot aqueous conditions. Polyethylene Naphthalate films are, however, more expensive and have a lower flex life.
Applications
Applications for the Polyethylene Naphthalate films are mainly in the electrical and electronic areas.
Properties
The key properties of Polyethylene Naphthalate are tabulated below.
Table 1. Key properties
| Chemical Resistance |
| Acids - concentrated |
Poor - Good |
| Acids - dilute |
Good |
| Alcohols |
Good |
| Alkalis |
Poor - Good |
| Aromatic hydrocarbons |
Good |
| Greases and Oils |
Good |
| Ketones |
Good |
| Electrical Properties |
| Dielectric constant @ 1 MHz |
3.2 @ 10 kHz |
| Dielectric strength ( kV.mm-1 ) |
160 @ 0.075 mm |
| Dissipation factor @ 1 MHz |
0.0048 @ 10 kHz |
| Surface resistivity ( ohm/sq ) |
1014 |
| Volume resistivity ( ohm.cm ) |
1015 |
| Mechanical Properties |
| Coefficient of friction |
0.27 - biax film |
| Elongation at break ( % ) |
60 - biax film |
| Tensile modulus ( GPa ) |
5-5.5 - biax film |
| Tensile strength ( MPa ) |
200 - biax film |
| Physical Properties |
| Density ( g.cm-3 ) |
1.36 |
| Flammability |
VTM-2 - UL94, 0.075 mm |
| Optical transmission ( % ) |
84 @ 0.075 mm |
| Thermal Properties |
| Coefficient of thermal expansion ( x10-6 K-1 ) |
20-21 - biax film |
| Upper working temperature ( °C ) |
155 |
| Properties Polyethylene naphthalate Film |
| Property |
|
Value |
| Shrinkage |
% |
0.8 – 5 min @ 190 °C |
About Goodfellow
Goodfellow supplies metals, ceramics and other materials to meet the research, development and specialist production requirements of science and industry worldwide.
The Goodfellow group consists of four companies. The main administration, research laboratories and workshops are located at the Company's headquarters in Cambridge, England. The subsidiary offices in America, France and Germany provide an additional service.