Asahi Chemical is proud to announce
a significant development in the field of plastic
films. The physical characteristics of this new
film, called Aramica, set it completely apart
from conventional plastic films. These characteristics
include non-flammability, excellent heat-resistance,
superior tensile and tear strength, extremely high
tensile modulus, and a thermal expansion coefficient
near that of ceramics.
For the past few years we have been undertaking
applications development and trial marketing for
products which take advantage of these exceptional
characteristics; including magnetic tapes, solar
cells, and audio speaker cones. Based on the favorable
results of these developments and the receptive
market which we found for products using Aramica,
the decision was made to begin full commercial operation
and large scale production.
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Overview of business plan and commercial
production plant
Background
Laboratory research for Aramica began
in 1980. In April 1991, a 10-ton/year pilot plant was set
up at our industrial complex in Nobeoka City, Miyazaki Prefecture,
to produce samples for applications development and trial
marketing.
The decision to begin production on a commercial scale
was based on the favorable reactions of users during these
trials, and on forecasts that the total market for aramid
film should grow to 500 tons per year by 2001.
Business plan
Commercial production is scheduled to
begin in February 1998, with sales of 1 billion yen
expected in the first year. When operation reaches full
capacity in the following years, we hope to attain annual
sales of 10 billion yen or more.
Major applications are planned to include: base film
for magnetic data recording tapes, base film for amorphous
silicone photovoltaic cells, use in composite materials,
base material for special thin belts, and use in audio
transducers and electrical and electronic components.
Business development for thin grades (10 µm
or less) is centered on use as a base film for magnetic
tapes, and thick grades (over 10 µm) will be
developed as a particular specialty of Asahi Chemical.
Commercial plant
Production capacity: 200 tons per year.
Investment: 4.5 billion yen.
Site: Nobeoka industrial complex.
Building: Single 3-story building; 3,500 m2 floor space.
Construction: Beginning in fiscal 1996, completion in
February 1998.
Expansion: Potential to install a number of additional
trains.
About Aramica PPTA aramid film
Background
Aramids – wholly aromatic polyamides
– are polyamides consisting of aromatic hydrocarbon
groups (such as benzene rings) combined by amide bonds.
PPTA is the abbreviation for one type of aramid, poly(p-phenylene
terephthalamide), which is produced by solution polymerization
of p-phenylene diamine and terephthalic acid chloride.
PPTA aramid is highly heat resistant, and is most commonly
used in fiber form.
As PPTA aramid polymer consists of rigid molecular chains
with a linear structure, molecule chains normally orient
themselves in a single direction during the formation
of liquid crystals in dope solution. Because of this,
PPTA aramid is normally made into fibers; films tend
to have strength only in the direction of molecular
orientation, while being very fragile under stresses
applied in any other direction. Asahi Chemical has eliminated
this problem with a unique phase transition process
which allows a superior molecular arrangement in the
formation of film. It is this original process – patented
technology of Asahi Chemical – which has allowed the
production of Aramica PPTA aramid film with outstanding
physical characteristics.
Featured characteristics of Aramica
- High tensile strength – about twice
that of polyester (PET).
- High tensile modulus – about four
times that of polyester (PET).
- Heat resistance – almost no deformation
even at 300°C.
- Combustibility – self-extinguishing.
- Low rate of thermal expansion – similar
to ceramics.
- Outstanding chemical resistance.
- Outstanding gas barrier characteristics.
Thickness: 3–50 micrometers
Product types:
Type R – regular type; biaxially balanced.
Type M, Type T – tensilized types.
Type R (#1000) – dry film for deep-draw forming.
Type G – gel film for deep-draw forming.
Typical Properties (standard grades, 25 µm
thickness)
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Aramica
(Type R) |
Polyester
(PET) |
Polyimide |
| Mechanical |
Tensile strength (kg/mm2) |
40 |
25 |
25 |
Tensile modulus (kg/mm2) |
1500 |
400 |
300 |
| Thermal |
Melting point (°C) |
— |
265 |
— |
| Long-term heat resistance
(°C) |
180 |
105 |
200 |
| Heat shrinkage at 200°C
(%) |
0.1 |
1.0
(at 150°C) |
0.1 |
| Coefficient of thermal
expansion (mm/mm/°C) |
2 × 10-6 |
12 × 10-6 |
20 × 10-6 |
| Combustibility |
Self-extinguishing |
Slow burning |
Self-extinguishing |
Note: All information included above
is given in good faith and believed to be correct. This
information is furnished without warranty, express or
implied, except that it is accurate to the best knowledge
of Asahi Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. It relates only
to the specific material designated herein, and does
not relate to use in combination with any other material
or in any process.
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