What is PEN film?
PEN film is short for polyethylene naphthalate, and fills the performance gap between polyester PET films and high performance polyimide films. Tekra carries Kaladex® and Teonex® brand PEN films for harsh environment applications, particularly those seeing high temperatures.
Polyester PEN films should be considered a specialty product offering. They are manufactured in gauges from 0.6 mil to 10 mil. Based on volume, stocking programs can be established to lessen the impact of product availability and lead times.
Tekra offers PEN films with varying levels of shrink resistance to maintain dimensional stability during processing:
- Standard – Kaladex® 2000 & Teonex® Q51
- Lower shrink – Kaladex® 2000L & Teonex® Q53
- Lowest shrink – Teonex® Q83
What are the key differences between PEN vs PET?
Kaladex® and Teonex® PEN films have many superior properties over PET such as strength, heat resistance, anti-hydrolysis, dimensional stability, and low oligomer extraction. Because of these performance characteristics, PEN film has the potential to replace other engineering films, such as polyimides, with better cost effectiveness. Like polyester PET films, PEN films also have good dielectric properties, chemical resistance, and handling properties.
| Test Method | 48 ga Mylar A PET Film | 48 ga Q51 PEN Film |
| Physical Properties | ||
| Elongation at Break MD | 110% | 90% |
| Elongation at Break TD | 70% | 85% |
| Tensile Strength | 32 kpsi | 38 kpsi |
| Thermal Properties | ||
| Shrinkage MD (150°C) | 2% | 0.4% |
| Shrinkage TD (150°C) | 1% | 0% |
What are common applications for PEN film?
- Electrical insulation for high temperature environments
- Automotive batteries and fuel cells
- Solar cells
- Flat flexible cables
- Flexible printed circuitry
- Motors
- Capacitors
- Transformers
For more information, please contact us or call (800) 448-3572.
