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Tag Archive: Amorphous films

  1. Polymer Film Guide- Amorphous vs. Semi-Crystalline Films

    Comments Off on Polymer Film Guide- Amorphous vs. Semi-Crystalline Films

    Researching polymer films can be a difficult task, especially since there is so many different grades, resins, and combinations available. However, breaking down polymer films by molecular structure: amorphous or semi-crystalline can help narrow down the selection to films that will meet property requirements, difficulty of fabrication, and their relative cost. 

    The difference between amphorous & semi-crystaline films

    Semi-crystalline films have a highly ordered molecular structure with sharp melt points. While amorphous polymers soften gradually when the temperature rises, semi-crystalline plastics do not. Instead, they remain solid until a certain quantity of heat is absorbed. The materials then quickly change into a low viscosity liquid. However,  the sharp melting point of semi-crystalline polymers makes them difficult to thermoform, but ideal for applications that require a high strength, low friction plastic. 

    Amphorous

    • Softens over a broad range of temperatures 
    • Easy to thermoform
    • Tend to be translucent or transparent 
    •  Bond well using adhesives & solvents
    • Prone to stress cracking 
    • Poor Fatigue Resistance 

    Semi-Crystaline

    • Sharp Melting Point 
    • Difficult to thermoform
    • Difficult to bond using adhesives & solvents 
    • Good resistance to stress cracking 
    • Good Fatigue Resistance  

    Imidized

    • Best physical properties above 500ºF
    • Best temperature resistance
    • Good chemical resistance

    Types of amphorous polymer films

    Commodity

    • ABS 
    • Acrylic 
    • PVC 
    • Polystyrene 

    Engineering

    High Performance

    Types of semi-crystalline polymer films

    Commodity

    Engineering

    High Performance

    CS Hyde Company stocks and converts a variety of high performance and engineering films. We also laminate PSA adhesive to hard to bond semi-crystalline films, ideal for peel and stick bonding applications. To learn more about each of the films view our high performance film catalog, or contact us for additional information. 

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