ACRYLITE® and EUROPLEX® Films
You meet ACRYLITE® every day, all your life. It provides a clear view and brilliance to a variety of objects; it protects against rain, hail and stormy weather, can withstand extreme pressure and heat, is impact resistant and faithfully reflects the world in all its colors.
Besides these properties, it is environmentally friendly and can be recycled after careful separation from other materials.
Thanks to its high functionality and many special grades, ACRYLITE® is surprisingly adaptable to new applications that call for novel properties. ACRYLITE® has made a name for itself in items that make life easier and safer, more varied and exciting, and that need to meet very stringent requirements.
EUROPLEX® HC Films combine excellent weathering performance with outstanding chemical resistance due to the polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) surface.
ACRYLITE® and EUROPLEX® films
Roehm is offering a wide variety of film solutions to make your product look or perform better.
- ACRYLITE® films are pure polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) films, with different loadings of UV-absorbers.
- EUROPLEX® films are PMMA films co-extruded with Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), the fluoropolymer facing outside.
- ACRYLITE® and EUROPLEX® films are produced in thicknesses typically between 50 μm and 1.0 mm, both for decorative and protective end-use.
- They show very good abrasion resistance, weather resistance and are absolutely colorless, meaning there is no color shift in the decor applied to the back of the film.
- ACRYLITE® and EUROPLEX® films are delivered on rolls and 1.0 mm sheets.
Chill-roll films
ACRYLITE® pure PMMA chill-roll films and EUROPLEX® PMMA/PVDF co-extruded chill-roll films are typically between 50 μm and 125 μm thick. The films manufactured by this process show a high-glossy surface.
Calendered films
ACRYLITE® pure PMMA films in thicknesses of 125 μm to 1.0 mm are typically made using a calender stack. As the melt leaves the die, the film is formed in the roll nip, transferring the mirror-like gloss of the calender rolls onto the film surface. This process makes it possible to obtain ACRYLITE® films with high-gloss surfaces which are demanded by the automotive industry. From 175 μm onward, a deep-view effect can be obtained on decorated surfaces using ACRYLITE® as a carrier for your decoration.
UV-protective films for improved exterior weathering on polymeric substrates
Why do you need improved material performance?
- There is a clear drive in the market for longer warranties.
What can you do?
- Boost the performance of your products.
- Outperform the competition.
- Align yourself with the market leader.
How can you do it?
- Protect your products with ACRYLITE® or EUROPLEX® films
Processing
Laminating ACRYLITE® or EUROPLEX® films onto your polymeric substrates -films or sheets - is relatively easy. The most common technology for binding them to another substrate is the in-line heat lamination (heat-fusing). The bond between PVC / ABS / PC and PMMA is a melt bond. Typical lamination temperatures are between 140 – 180 °C. Most suitable grades for these lamination applications are ACRYLITE® Film 0F008 or 0F032 matt. For laminates with optical surfaces, like retro reflective traffic signs, ACRYLITE® Film 0F016 is the right grade. Bonding to polyolefins is possible through an adhesive.
Spectral transmittance ACRYLITE® Film 0F008, thickness = 53 μm
UV protective films for improved exterior weatherable high-pressure laminates (HPL)
ACRYLITE® 99836 is our standard UV protective film for exterior grade compact laminates. It absorbs over 98% of the UV radiation and shows optimal performance in long time outdoor weathering.
EUROPLEX® HC 99716 is our premium film for the HPL market segment. On top to the UV protection performance of ACRYLITE® 99836, it adds PVDF on its top layer. In addition, the PVDF provides superior chemical resistance and an anti soiling / easy to clean surface.
Both products include a tailored formulation of the PMMA base layer that achieves a chemical bonding onto your panels.
Processing
Our UV protective films 99836 and HC 99716 are directly applied during the manufacturing process of the panels. No additional equipment, process step or adhesive is necessary. Standard process temperatures of 135°C to 155°C as well as standard process pressures of 70 to 100 bars are perfectly compatible with the incorporation of our films and the achievement of the proper chemical bonding. You can also optimize your process and stop using release films. The surface of both films will not stick to your press plates.
We offer to support in finding a suitable formulation for the high pressure laminate (HPL) applications to achieve maximum performance and long term durability.
ACRYLITE® films for light scattering applications
ACRYLITE® White 99532 and White 99547 light scattering films are based on impact-modified polymethyl methacrylate and offer an ideal combination of transmission and light diffusion. The key properties compared to other materials suitable for illumination purposes are the pure white color, fewer inclusions, extreme weatherability and UV resistance. They will not show yellowing in lighting applications, were white PVC or PC films, for example, show color change within a short period of time. In addition, these films with two high-gloss surfaces have good resistance to weak acids and alkalis as well as to non-polar solvents.
ACRYLITE® light scattering films can be printed by all techniques, including gravure, flexographic, screen and digital printing. Furthermore, the films can be die-cut using steel rule dies and column-guided tools.
ACRYLITE® films for graphic screen printing
ACRYLITE® Clear 99524 film is most suitable for the insert molding process. High gloss surfaces can be achieved with an excellent deep view effect. ACRYLITE® Clear 99524 film can be used for optical applications such as light guides. Very precise optical structures can be embossed into the film. The film matches perfect optical requirements, when coated with acrylate based hardcoats. Additionally, the films can be delivered with a matt surface.
Accelerated UV test: Measurement of the color difference of PVC; super UV-tester SUV-W11, Irradiance: 83mW/cm²; 300-400 nm, black panel temperature 63°C, Humidity: 60%. PVC-1, PVC-2, modified formulation HC = EUROPLEX® Film HC 99710 cap layer
Our product range
| Thickness range | Remarks | |
|---|---|---|
| Lamination films | ||
| ACRYLITE® Film 0F008 | 53 μm | PVC lamination |
| ACRYLITE® Film 0F014 | 53 and 75 μm | high impact strength, high quality lamination, gravure printing |
| ACRYLITE® Film 0F016 | 60 and 75 μm | good surface hardness, high quality lamination, gravure printing |
| ACRYLITE® Film 0F032 | 70 μm | matt / smooth surface, PVC lamination, gravure printing |
| ACRYLITE® Film 99836 | 50 μm | one side bonding optimized |
| EUROPLEX ® Film HC 99710 | 50 μm | one side PMMA / one side PVDF |
| EUROPLEX ® Film HC 99716 | 50 μm | one side PMMA, bonding optimized / one side PVDF |
| Calendared films | ||
| ACRYLITE® Film 99524 | 175, 250, 375, 500, 750 and 1000 μm | high gloss, graphic quality |
| ACRYLITE® Film 0F003 | 250 μm | one side matt, one side gloss |
| Light Scattering films | ||
| ACRYLITE® Film white 99547 | 250 μm | soft light |
| ACRYLITE® Film white 99532 | 500 and 1000 μm | soft light |
Lamination films
| Property | Test Method | Unit | ACRYLITE® Film 0F032 matt | ACRYLITE® Film 0F008 gloss | ACRYLITE® Film 0F014 gloss | ACRYLITE® Film 0F016 gloss | ACRYLITE® Film 99836 gloss |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical | |||||||
| Yield stress | ISO 527-3 | MPa | 35 | 45 | 47 | 43 | 52 |
| Yield strain | ISO 527-3 | % | 6 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 5 |
| Nominal strain at break | ISO 527-3 | % | > 50 | > 50 | > 50 | 25 | 12 |
| Thermal | |||||||
| Vicat softening temp.1) | ISO 306 | °C | 78 | 86 | 86 | 96 | - |
| Specific heat | / | kJ/kgK | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 |
| Weatherability | |||||||
| Xenontest 1200 / 8000 h | / | / | No visible change | No visible change | No visible change | No visible change | No visible change |
| Optical | |||||||
| Light Transmittance D65 | DIN 5036 | % | 90 | 92 | 92 | 92 | 92 |
| UV- Transmittance (280 – 380 nm) | DIN 5036 | % | < 1 | < 1 | < 1.5 | < 1 | |
| Haze | ASTM D1003 | % | / | < 1 | < 1 | < 1 | < 1.5 |
| Yellowness index | ASTM D1925 | / | < 1.5 | - | < 1.5 | < 1.5 | < 1 |
| Refractive index | ISO 489 | / | 1.49 | 1.49 | 1.49 | 1.49 | 1.49 |
| Gloss (60°) 3) | DIN 67 530 | / | 22 | - | - | - | - |
| Electrical | |||||||
| Volume resistivity | IEC 250 | Ohm cm | > 1013 | > 1013 | > 1013 | > 1013 | > 1013 |
| Relative permittivity 100 Hz - 1Mhz | IEC 250 | / | 0.04 - 0.03 | 0.04 – 0.03 | 0.04 – 0.03 | 0.04 – 0.03 | 0.04 – 0.03 |
| Others | |||||||
| Surface tension | / | mN/m | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
| Density 1) | ISO 1183 | g/cm3 | 1.15 | 1.14 | 1.13 | 1.15 | 1.15 |
1) based on molding compound
High pressure laminate (HPL) films
| Property | Test Method | Unit | EUROPLEX® Film HC 99710 gloss | EUROPLEX® Film HC 99716 gloss |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical | ||||
| Yield stress | ISO 527-3 | MPa | 45 | 45 |
| Yield strain | ISO 527-3 | % | - | - |
| Nominal strain at break | ISO 527-3 | % | > 50 | > 50 |
| Thermal | ||||
| Vicat softening temp.1) | ISO 306 | °C | - | - |
| Specific heat | / | kJ/kgK | - | - |
| Weatherability | ||||
| Xenontest 1200 / 8000 h | / | / | No visible change | No visible change |
| Optical | ||||
| Light Transmittance D65 | DIN 5036 | % | 93 | 93 |
| UV- Transmittance (280 – 380 nm) | DIN 5036 | % | < 1 | < 2 |
| Haze | ASTM D1003 | % | 2 | 2 |
| Yellowness index | ASTM D1925 | / | < 1 | < 1 |
| Refractive index | ISO 489 | / | - | - |
| Gloss (60°) 3) | DIN 67 530 | / | - | - |
| Electrical | ||||
| Volume resistivity | IEC 250 | Ohm cm | - | - |
| Relative permittivity 100 Hz - 1Mhz | IEC 250 | / | - | - |
| Others | ||||
| Surface Tension | / | mN/m | 23 | 23 |
| Density 1) | ISO 1183 | g/cm3 | 1.2 | 1.2 |
1) based on molding compound
Insert and light scattering films
| Property | Test Method | Unit | ACRYLITE® Film 99524 gloss | ACRYLITE® Film 99547 White | ACRYLITE® 99532 White opaque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical | |||||
| Yield stress | ISO 527-3 | MPa | 54 | 55 | 51 |
| Yield strain | ISO 527-3 | % | 5 | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Nominal strain at break | ISO 527-3 | % | 35 | - | - |
| Thermal | |||||
| Vicat softening temp.1) | ISO 306 | °C | 100 | 100 | 98 |
| Specific heat | / | kJ/kgK | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 |
| Weatherability | |||||
| Xenontest 1200 / 8000 h | / | / | - | - | - |
| Optical | |||||
| Light Transmittance D65 | DIN 5036 | % | 92 | 54.5/0.25 mm | 57.5 / 0.5 mm |
| Haze | ASTM D1003 | % | < 1 | - | - |
| Refractive index | ISO 489 | / | 1,49 | - | - |
| Gloss (60°) | DIN 67 530 | / | 83 | - | - |
| Electrical | |||||
| Volume resistivity | IEC 250 | Ohm cm | > 1013 | > 1013 | > 1013 |
| Relative permittivity 100 Hz - 1Mhz | IEC 250 | / | 0.05– 0.03 | 0.05 – 0.03 | 0.04 – 0.03 |
| Others | |||||
| Surface Tension | / | mN/m | 50 | 50 | 50 |
| Density 1) | ISO 1183 | g/cm3 | 1.16 | 1.16 | 1.16 |
1) based on molding compound
