Flexible Solutions - a Blog by Marian Inc.

Kapton® Polyimide Film's Extraordinary Properties

Written by Katie Sullivan | October 26, 2020 3:00 PM

In the 1960s, Dupont™ developed the versatile and high-performing Kapton® Polyimide Film. Since its introduction, designers have relied on Kapton® film because of its ability to maintain its electrical, thermal, chemical and mechanical properties at extreme temperatures. Kapton® polyimide films have been used in many advanced markets including, electronic devices, electric vehicle battery, aerospace systems, power transformers, and more.

Listed below are some of the most extraordinary characteristics of Kapton® Polyimide Film.

  • Temperature Stability – It can be used successfully at both high and low temperatures, where other organic polymeric materials would not be functional. According to Dupont, they have been used in field applications where the environmental temperatures were as low as -269°C (-52°F) and as high as 400°C (752°F).
  • Electrical Insulation – It offers excellent dielectric strength, despite being very thin. For example, Kapton HN at .127mm thick, has a dielectric strength of 3,900 V/mil per ASTM D149. This makes it perfect for thin electrical insulation applications.
  • Durability / Mechanical Resistance – It is recognized for the following mechanical properties: puncture resistance, tear resistance, and resistance to mechanical abrasion by friction
  • Flame Resistance – It is self-extinguishing and has the highest UL-94 flammability rating, V-0.
  • Chemical Resistance – It has excellent chemical resistance, particularly to organic solvents.
  • Ultra-thin / lightweight – This very thin material is lightweight and flexible, making it ideal for applications in consumer electronics and other small portable devices.

To make things even better… enter Marian.

As a material converter, Marian combines Kapton® films with pressure sensitive adhesives and other materials to create material stack-ups that achieve properties in your design that were previously deemed “unachievable”. For example, Kapton films can be…

  • laminated on both sides with pressure sensitive adhesive, including acrylic and silicone
  • bonded to itself as well as other metals, films, and foils
  • combined with other materials to achieve thermal and electrical conductivity or resistance

As stated, Marian has the capabilities to combine Kapton® films with other materials and then die-cut them to custom dimensions at extremely tight tolerances, creating complex functioning components in our customer's devices.

The Summary of Properties PDF linked below discusses 4 types of Kapton film. Marian keeps keep inventory of these materials in various gauges. We can help you select the best type for your application. 

Summary of Properties

Request a material sample, a CAD-produced prototype part, or a quote today. We are ready to help with your film needs whether it's insulating or surface protection. Learn more about our films for surface protection solutions.

 

 

Additional Resources

Unlock Versatile Performance and Innovation with Dupont™ Kapton®
Kapton® Polyimide Film Material Spotlight