Victrex Launches Cosmetic Black APTIV™ Film

Based on VICTREX® PEEK™ polymer, which is widely regarded as one of the highest performing thermoplastics in the world, APTIV high-performance film is now available in a cosmetic black color. The black film has the same properties as the natural color film, but offers customers a new option when dark color is a design requirement. Considerable interest in black film has already been registered by manufacturers of acoustic speakers and thermal acoustic insulation. APTIV film’s excellent fatigue, power handling, and high temperature performance along with outstanding acoustic qualities offer an excellent fit for speaker diaphragms. In addition to the speaker market, the black APTIV film is gaining interest in tapes, labels, and a variety of automotive and aerospace applications.

John Getz, Commercial Leader Film, Victrex, said, “The introduction of black film is in keeping with Victrex’s strategy of continuous innovation. Black film follows a number of technical advancements we have made since the introduction of APTIV film just over a year ago, including the introduction of a 12 micron crystalline grade. The introduction of a thin APTIV film, below 25 microns, has proved to be popular as many competitive high-performance films are not available in this thin form factor. This level of flexibility and versatility has seen APTIV film successfully deployed in a diverse range of market applications, ranging from composite film layers, electrical and magnet wire insulation, and high performance gaskets, to flexible film heaters, capacitors, specialty packaging and pressure sensors.

APTIV black film shares the long list of outstanding inherent properties of VICTREX PEEK polymer, making it one of the most versatile and high performing films available. The combination of properties include: high temperature performance; excellent chemical, wear and hydrolysis resistance; superior mechanical properties; excellent barrier (permeation) and electrical properties; exceptional radiation resistance; high purity; halogen-free, RoHS and FDA compliance; good flammability without the use of flame retardants; low toxicity of combustion gases; and, due to the thermoplastic nature of VICTREX PEEK polymer, APTIV film provides outstanding downstream conversion flexibility and is recyclable.

APTIV film can be easily subjected to a range of secondary process operations, including: thermoforming; lamination to other polymers and metals, with and without adhesives; laser welding to another PEEK film (natural or black) allowing for elimination of glue systems; application of specialized coatings; die cutting and stamping; laser marking and machining, all of which have enabled APTIV film to increase its penetration into a broad range of market sectors.

Getz concluded, “The unique value of Victrex solutions lies in our ability to tailor high performance PEEK-based polymers for our customer's applications. The Victrex reputation is built upon its depth of expertise with VICTREX PEEK polymers, and our ability to work alongside some of the largest companies in the world to help accelerate application development and thoroughly understand their engineering requirements. Our aim is to achieve improvements in product performance, quality, market differentiation, and cost. Our APTIV film team continues to stay focused and passionate about its deep expertise in polyetheretherketones, and we continue to expand our product offering through the development of unique film grades and formats.