DuPont
™
Kapton
®
is used in applications such as the solar array and
for thermal management in the United States space program.
General Information .................................................................. 2
Physical and ermal Properties ................................................3
Mechanical Properties ............................................................... 5
Hydrolytic Stability ..................................................................6
Dimensional Stability ...............................................................7
ermal Aging .......................................................................... 7
Electrical Properties ..................................................................10
Eect of Humidity .................................................................11
Eect of Temperature .............................................................12
Eect of Frequency .................................................................13
Corona Life ............................................................................14
Chemical Properties .................................................................15
Radiation Resistance ...............................................................16
Kapton® Film Type Information ..............................................17
Nominal Construction, Type FN ............................................ 18
Safety and Handling .................................................................19
Soldering and Hot Wire Stripping ..........................................19
Welding and Flame Cutting ....................................................19
Scrap Disposal ........................................................................19
Fire Hazards ...........................................................................19
Static Electricity ...................................................................... 19
DuPont
™
Kapton
®
Summary of Properties
2
GENERAL INFORMATION
Kapton® polyimide lm possesses a unique combination of
properties that make it ideal for a variety of applications in many
dierent industries. e ability of Kapton® to maintain its excellent
physical, electrical, and mechanical properties over a wide
temperature range has opened new design and application areas to
plastic lms. Kapton® is synthesized by polymerizing an aromatic
dianhydride and an aromatic diamine. It has excellent chemical
resistance; there are no known organic solvents for the lm. Kapton®
is self extinguishing as it has the highest UL-94 ammability rating:
V-0. e outstanding properties of Kapton® permit it to be used at
both high and low temperature extremes where other organic
polymeric materials would not be functional. Adhesives are available
for bonding Kapton® to itself and to metals, various paper types, and
other lms. Kapton® polyimide lm can be used in a variety of
electrical and electronic insulation applications: wire and cable tapes,
formed coil insulation, substrates for exible printed circuits, motor
slot liners, magnet wire insulation, transformer and capacitor
insulation, magnetic and pressure-sensitive tapes, and tubing. Many
of these applications are based on the excellent balance of electrical,
thermal, mechanical, physical, and chemical properties of Kapton®
over a wide range of temperatures. It is this combination of useful
properties at temperature extremes that makes Kapton® a unique
industrial material.
ree types of Kapton® are described in this bulletin:
• Kapton® Type HN, all-polyimide lm, has been used
successfully in applications at temperatures as low as -269°C
(-452°F) and as high as 400°C (752°F). Type HN lm can be
laminated, metallized, punched, formed, or adhesive coated. It
is available as 7.5 µm (0.3 mil), 12.5 µm (0.5 mil), 25 µm (1 mil),
50 µm (2 mil), 75 µm (3 mil), and 125 µm (5 mil) lms.
• Kapton® Type HPP-ST, all-polyimide lm with all of the
properties of Type HN, plus superior dimensional stability and
modied surface for better adhesion. Type HPP-ST is available
as 12.5 µm (0.5 mil), 25 µm (1 mil), 50 µm (2 mil), 75 µm (3
mil), and 125 µm (5 mil) lms.
• Kapton® Type FN, a Type HN lm coated or laminated on one
or both sides with FEP uoropolymer resin, imparts heat
sealability, provides a moisture barrier, and enhances chemical
resistance. Type FN is available in a number of combinations of
polyimide and FEP thicknesses (see Table 16).
Note: In addition to these three types of Kapton®, lms are
available with the following attributes:
• Antistat
• ermally conductive
• Polyimides for ne line circuitry
DUPONT
™
KAPTON
®
SUMMARY OF PROPERTIES
• Cryogenic insulation
• Corona resistant
• Pigmented for color
• Conformable
• Other lms tailored to meet customers’ needs
Data for these lms are covered in separate product bulletins,
which can be obtained from your DuPont representative.
Kapton
®
withstands the harsh chemical and physical demands on
diaphragms used in automotive switches.
Kapton® polyimide lms retain their physical properties over a wide
temperature range. ey have been used in eld applications where
the environmental temperatures were as low as -269°C (-52°F) and
as high as 400°C (752°F). Complete data are not available at these
extreme conditions, and the majority of technical data presented in
this section falls in the 23 to 200°C (73 to 392°F) range.
3
DUPONT
™
KAPTON
®
SUMMARY OF PROPERTIES
Table 1. Physical Properties of Kapton
®
Type 100 HN Film, 25µm (1 mil)
Physical Property
Typical Value at
Test Method23°C (73°F) 200°C (392°F)
Ultimate Tensile Strength, MPa (psi) 231 (33,500) 138 (20,000) ASTM D-882-91, Method A*
Yield Point at 3%, MPa (psi) 69 (10,000) 41 (6000) ASTM D-882
Stress to Produce 5% Elongation, MPa (psi) 90 (13,000) 62 (9,000) ASTM D-882
Ultimate Elongation, % 72 83 ASTM D-882
Tensile Modulus, GPa (psi) 2.76 (400,000) 2.0 (290,000) ASTM D-882
Impact Strength, N
•
cm (ft
•
lb) 78 (0.58) DuPont Pneumatic Impact Test
Folding Endurance (MIT), cycles 285,000 ASTM D-2176
Tear Strength—Propagating (Elmendorf), N (lbf) 0.07 (0.02) ASTM D-1922
Tear Strength—Initial (Graves), N (lbf) 7.2 (1.6) ASTM D-1004
Density, g/cc or g/mL 1.42 ASTM D-1505
Coefficient of Friction—Kinetic (Film-to-Film) 0.48 ASTM D-1894
Coefficient of Friction—Static (Film-to-Film) 0.63 ASTM D-1894
Refractive Index (Sodium D Line) 1.70 ASTM D-542
Poisson’s Ratio 0.34 Avg. Three Samples Elongated at 5%, 7%, 10%
Low Temperature Flex Life Pass IPC TM 650, Method 2.6.18
*Specimen Size: 225 x 150 mm (1 x 6 in); Jaw Separation: 100 mm (4 in); Jaw Speed: 50 mm/min (2 in/min); Ultimate refers to the tensile strength and elongation measured
at break.
Table 2. Thermal Properties of Kapton
®
Type 100 HN Film, 25 µm (1 mil)
Thermal Property Typical Value Test Condition Test Method
Melting Point None None ASTM E-794 (1989)
Thermal Coefficient of Linear Expansion
20 ppm/°C
(11 ppm/°F)
-14 to 38°C
(7 to 100°F)
ASTM D-696
Coefficient of Thermal Conductivity, W/m
•
K (cal/sec-cm-°C) 0.20 (4.8 × 10
-4
) 296 K (23°C) ASTM D5470
Specific Heat, J/g
•
K (cal/g
•
°C) 1.09 (0.261) Differential Calorimetry
Flammability 94V-0 UL-94 (2-8-85)
Shrinkage, %
0.17
1.25
30 min at 150°C
120 min at 400°C
IPC TM 650, Method 2.2.4A
ASTM D-5214
Heat Sealability Not Heat Sealable
Limiting Oxygen Index, % 37 ASTM D-2863
Solder Float Pass IPC TM 650, Method 2.4.13A
Smoke Generation DM = <1 NBS Smoke Chamber NFPA-258
Glass Transition Temperature (T
g
)
A second order transition occurs in Kapton
®
between 360°C (680°F) and 410°C (770°F) and is assumed to
be the glass transition temperature. Different measurement techniques produce different results within the
above temperature range.
4
Table 3. Physical and Thermal Properties of Kapton
®
Type HPP-ST Film
Property
Typical Value for Film Thickness
Test Method25 μm (1 mil) 50 μm (2 mil) 75 μm (3 mil) 125 μm (5 mil)
Ultimate Tensile Strength, MPa (psi) 231 (33,500) 234 (34,000) 231 (33,500) 231 (33,500) ASTM D-882
Ultimate Elongation, % 72 82 82 82 ASTM D-882
Tear Strength—Propagating (Elmendorf), N 0.07 0.21 0.38 0.58 ASTM D-1922
Tear Strength—Initial (Graves), N 7.2 16.3 26.3 46.9 ASTM D-1004
Folding Endurance (MIT), × 10
3
cycles 285 55 6 5 ASTM D-2176
Density, g/cc or g/mL 1.42 1.42 1.42 1.42 ASTM D-1505
Flammability 94V-0 94V-0 94V-0 94V-0 UL-94 (2-8-85)
Shrinkage, %, 30 min at 150°C (302°F) 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03 IPC TM 650 Method 2.2.4A
Limiting Oxygen Index, % 37 43 46 45 ASTM D-2863
Table 4. Physical Properties of Kapton
®
Type FN Film*
Property
Typical Value for Film Type**
120FN616 150FN019 250FN029
Ultimate Tensile Strength, MPa (psi)
23°C (73°F)
200°C (392°F)
207 (30,000)
121 (17,500)
162 (23,500)
89 (13,000)
200 (29,000)
115 (17,000)
Yield Point at 3%, MPa (psi)
23°C (73°F)
200°C (392°F)
61 (9000)
42 (6000)
49 (7000)
43 (6000)
58 (8500)
36 (5000)
Stress at 5% Elongation, MPa (psi)
23°C (73°F)
200°C (392°F)
79 (11,500)
53 (8000)
65 (9,500)
41 (6000)
76 (11,000)
48 (7000)
Ultimate Elongation, %
23°C (73°F)
200°C (392°F)
75
80
70
75
85
110
Tensile Modulus, GPa (psi)
23°C (73°F)
200°C (392°F)
2.48 (360,000)
1.62 (235,000)
2.28 (330,000)
1.14 (165,000)
2.62 (380,000)
1.38 (200,000)
Impact Strength at 23°C (73°F), N
•cm (ft•lb) 78 (0.58) 68.6 (0.51) 156.8 (1.16)
Tear Strength—Propagating (Elmendorf), N (lbf) 0.08 (0.02) 0.47 (0.11) 0.57 (0.13)
Tear Strength—Initial (Graves), N (lbf) 11.8 (2.6) 11.5 (2.6) 17.8 (4.0)
Polyimide, wt%
FEP, wt%
80
20
57
43
73
27
Density, g/cc or g/mL 1.53 1.67 1.57
*Test methods for Table 4 are the same as for Table 1.
**Because a number of combinations of polyimide lm and uorocarbon coating add up to the same total gauge, it is necessary to distinguish among them. A three-digit
system is used in which the middle digit represents the nominal thickness of the base Kapton® lm in mils. e rst and third digits represent the nominal thickness of the
coating of FEP uoropolymer resin in mils. e symbol 9 is used to represent 13 µm (0.5 mil) and 6 to represent 2.5 µm (0.1 mil). Example: 120FN616 is a 120-gauge
structure consisting of a 25 µm (1 mil) base lm with a 2.5 µm (0.1 mil) coating on each side.
DUPONT
™
KAPTON
®
SUMMARY OF PROPERTIES
Strain–Elongation, %
36
32
28
24
20
16
12
8
4
10
200
30
40
50
60 70 80 90 100
250
200
150
100
50
Stress, kpsi
Stress, MPa
23°C (73°F)
100°C (212°F)
200°C (392°F)
0
0
8
6
4
2
1
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
1 10 100 1000 10,000
Time, min
Elongation, %
100°C (212°F)
61 MPa (8850 psi)
26°C (80°F)
21 MPa (2980 psi)
26°C (80°F)
11 MPa (1610 psi)
26°C (80°F)
6.5 MPa (950 psi)
0
5
DUPONT
™
KAPTON
®
SUMMARY OF PROPERTIES
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
e usual values of tensile strength, tensile modulus, and ultimate
elongation at various temperatures can be obtained from the
typical stress–strain curves shown in Figures 1 and 2. Such
properties as tensile strength and modulus are inversely
proportional to temperature, whereas elongation reaches a
maximum value at about 300°C (570°F). Other factors, such as
humidity, lm thickness, and tensile elongation rates, were found to
have only a negligible eect on the shape of the 23°C (73°F) curve.
Figure 1. Tensile Stress–Strain Curves, Type HN Film, 25 μm (1 mil)
Figure 2. Tensile Creep Properties, Type HN Film, 25 μm (1 mil)
36
32
28
24
20
16
12
8
4
250
200
150
100
50
Tensile Strength, kpsi
Tensile Strength, MPa
0
0
0 0.2 0.4 0.8
0.6
1.0 1.2
1.4 1.6 1.8 2.0 2.2
2.4
2.6
Time in Boiling Water × 10
3
h
0 0.2 0.4 0.80.6
1.0
1.2
1.4 1.6 1.8
2.0
2.2 2.4 2.6
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
Time in Boiling Water × 10
3
h
Elongation, %
6
DUPONT
™
KAPTON
®
SUMMARY OF PROPERTIES
HYDROLYTIC STABILITY
Kapton® polyimide lm is made by a condensation reaction;
therefore, its properties are aected by water. Although long-term
exposure to boiling water, as shown in the curves in Figures 3 and
4, will reduce the level of lm properties, sucient tensile and
elongation remain to ensure good mechanical performance. A
decrease in the temperature and the water content will reduce the
rate of Kapton® property reduction, whereas higher temperature
and pressure will increase it.
Figure 3. Tensile Strength After Exposure to 100°C (212°F) Water, Type HN Film, 25 μm (1 mil)
Figure 4. Ultimate Elongation After Exposure to 100°C (212°F) Water, Type HN Film, 25 μm (1 mil)
1.6
Film Thickness, µm (mil)
1.4
1.2
1.0
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
25 (1)
Typical Shrinkage, %
HN (150°C)
HPP-ST (200°C)* HN (400°C)
1.25
0.17
0.20
0.23
0.25
1.54
1.47
1.26
50 (2) 75 (3) 125 (5)
100
80
60
40
20
0
200
400
600
800 1000
Time at 325°C (617°F), h
Tensile Strength Retained, %
0
7
DUPONT
™
KAPTON
®
SUMMARY OF PROPERTIES
DIMENSIONAL STABILITY
e dimensional stability of Kapton® polyimide lm depends on
two factors—the normal coecient of thermal expansion and the
residual stresses placed in the lm during manufacture. e latter
causes Kapton® to shrink on its rst exposure to elevated
temperatures as indicated in the bar graph in Figure 5. Once the
lm has been exposed, the normal values for the thermal
coecient of linear expansion as shown in Table 5 can be expected.
Figure 5. Residual Shrinkage vs. Exposure Temperature and
Thickness, Type HN and HPP-ST Films
Table 5. Thermal Coefficient of Expansion, Type HN Film, 25 µm
(1 mil), Thermally Exposed
Temperature Range, °C (°F) ppm/°C
30–100 (86–212) 17
100–200 (212–392) 32
200–300 (392–572) 40
300–400 (572–752) 44
30–400 (86–752) 34
Figure 6. Tensile Strength vs. Aging in Air at 325°C (617°F), Type HN Film, 25 μm (1 mil)
THERMAL AGING
e useful life of Kapton® polyimide lm is a function of both
temperature and oxygen concentration. In accordance with
UL-746B test procedures, the thermal life of Kapton® was
determined at various temperatures. At time zero and 325°C
(617°F), the tensile strength is 234 MPa (34,000 psi) and the
elongation is 67%. e results are shown in Figures 6–8.
100
80
60
40
20
0
200 400 600
800
1000
Time at 325°C (617°F), h
Elongation Retained, %
0
120
100
80
60
40
0
20
0 500 1000
Time at 325°C (617°F), h
Dielectric Strength Retained, %
8
DUPONT
™
KAPTON
®
SUMMARY OF PROPERTIES
Figure 7. Ultimate Elongation vs. Aging in Air at 325°C (617°F), Type HN Film, 25 μm (1 mil)
Figure 8. Retained Dielectric Strength at 325°C (617°F) for 25 μm
(1 mil) Film, Test Method UL-746B
e life of Kapton® polyimide lm at high temperature is
signicantly extended in a low oxygen environment. Kapton® is
subject to oxidative degradation. Hence, when it was tested in a
helium environment, its useful life was at least an order of
magnitude greater than in air. Using a DuPont™ 1090 thermal
analyzer system, the weight loss characteristics of Kapton® in air and
helium at elevated temperatures are shown in Figures 9 and 10.
Table 6. Time Required for Reduction in Ultimate Elongation
from 70% to 1%, Type HN Film, 25 µm (1 mil)
Temperature Air Environment
450°C (840°F) 2 hours
425°C (800°F) 5 hours
400°C (750°F) 12 hours
375°C (710°F) 2 days
350°C (660°F) 6 days
325°C (620°F) 1 month
300°C (570°F) 3 months
275°C (530°F) 1 year
250°C (480°F) 8 years
Temperature, °C (°F)
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
100
(212)
200
(392)
300
(572)
400
(752)
500
(930)
600
(1112)
700
(1292)
800
(1472)
900
(1652)
1000
(1832)
Weight Loss, %
Dry He
Dry Air
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
0
100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900
1000 1100
Time, min
Weight Loss, %
550°C (1022°F) He
600°C (1112°F) He
500°C (932°F) Air
500°C (932°F) He
450°C (842°F) Air
575°C (1067°F) He
550°C (1022°F) Air
450°C (842°F) He
400°C (752°F) He
400°C (752°F) Air
9
DUPONT
™
KAPTON
®
SUMMARY OF PROPERTIES
Figure 9. Weight Loss, Type HN Film, 25 μm (1 mil)*
Figure 10. Isothermal Weight Loss, Type HN Film, 25 μm (1 mil)
10
DUPONT
™
KAPTON
®
SUMMARY OF PROPERTIES
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES
e most common electrical properties of Kapton® polyimide lm
of various gauges are shown in Tables 7 and 8. ese values were
measured at 23°C (73°F) and 50% relative humidity. e eect of
such factors as humidity, temperature, and frequency on these
basic values can be found in Table 9 and Figures 11–13.
Table 7. Typical Electrical Properties of Kapton
®
Type HN and HPP-ST Films
Property Film Gauge Typical Value Test Condition Test Method
Dielectric Strength
25 µm (1 mil)
50 µm (2 mil)
75 µm (3 mil)
125 µm (5 mil)
V/μm (kV/mm)
303
240
201
154
(V/mil)
(7700)
(6100)
(5,100)
(3900)
60 Hz
1/4 in electrodes
500 V/sec rise
ASTM D-149
Dielectric Constant
25 µm (1 mil)
50 µm (2 mil)
75 µm (3 mil)
125 µm (5 mil)
3.4
3.4
3.5
3.5
1 kHz ASTM D-150
Dissipation Factor
25 µm (1 mil)
50 µm (2 mil)
75 µm (3 mil)
125 µm (5 mil)
0.0018
0.0020
0.0020
0.0026
1 kHz ASTM D-150
Volume Resistivity
25 µm (1 mil)
50 µm (2 mil)
75 µm (3 mil)
125 µm (5 mil)
Ω
•
cm
1.5 × 10
17
1.5 × 10
17
1.4 × 10
17
1.0 × 10
17
ASTM D-257
Table 8. Typical Electrical Properties of Kapton
®
Type FN Film
Property 120FN616 150FN019 250FN029
Dielectric Strength, V/µm (V/mil) 272 (6900) 197 (5000) 197 (5000)
Dielectric Constant 3.1 2.7 3.0
Dissipation Factor 0.0015 0.0013 0.0013
Volume Resistivity, Ω
•
cm
at 23°C (7°F)
at 200°C (392°F)
1.4 ×10
17
4.4 ×10
14
2.3 ×10
17
3.6 ×10
14
1.9 ×10
17
3.7 ×10
14
393.7
315
236.2
157.5
0
20 40 60 80
100
Relative Humidity, %
AC Dielectric Strength, V/µm (kV/mm)
10,000
8000
6000
4000
AC Dielectric Strength, V/mil
0.004
0
20 40 60 80
100
Relative Humidity, %
Dissipation Factor
0.003
0.002
0.001
11
DUPONT
™
KAPTON
®
SUMMARY OF PROPERTIES
EFFECT OF HUMIDITY
Because the water content of Kapton® polyimide lm can aect its
electrical properties, electrical measurements were made on 25 µm
(1 mil) lm after exposure to environments of varying relative
humidities at 23°C (73°F). e results of these measurements are
shown in Table 9 and Figures 11–13.
Table 9. Relative Humidity vs. Electrical Properties of Kapton
®
* Type HN Film, 25µm (1 mil)
Relative Humidity, %
Dielectric Strength, AC
Dielectric Constant Dissipation FactorV/μm (kV/mm) V/mil
0 339 8600 3.0 0.0015
30 315 8000 3.3 0.0017
50 303 7700 3.5 0.0020
80 280 7100 3.7 0.0027
100 268 6800 3.8 0.0035
*For calculations involving absolute water content, 50% RH in our study is equal to 1.8% water in the lm and 100% RH is equal to 2.8% water, the maximum adsorption
possible regardless of the driving force.
Figure 11. AC Dielectric Strength vs. Relative Humidity, Type HN
Film, 25 μm (1 mil)
Figure 12. Dissipation Factor vs. Relative Humidity, Type HN Film,
25 μm (1 mil)
4.0
3.8
3.6
3.4
3.2
0
20 40 60 80
100
Relative Humidity, %
Dielectric Constant
3.0
12,000
10,000
8000
6000
4000
2000
0
–100
(–148)
0
(32)
100
(212)
200
(392)
300
(572)
–200
(–328)
Temperature, °C (°F)
AC Dielectric Strength, V/mil
400
300
200
100
0
AC Dielectric Strength, V/µm (kV/mm)
25 µm (1 mil)
127 µm (5 mil)
–100
(–148)
0
(32)
100
(212)
200
(392)
300
(572)
3.6
3.4
3.2
3.0
2.8
2.6
Temperature, °C (°F)
Dielectric Constant
10
3
Hz
10
5
Hz
0.1
0.08
0.05
0.04
0.03
0.02
0.01
0.008
0.005
0.004
0.003
0.002
0.001
–100
(–148)
0
(32)
100
(212)
200
(392)
300
(572)
Temperature, °C (°F)
Dissipation Factor
10
5
Hz
10
3
Hz
1 × 10
18
1 × 10
16
1 × 10
14
1 × 10
12
0
(32)
100
(212)
200
(392)
Temperature, °C (°F)
Volume Resistivity, Ω⋅cm
12
DUPONT
™
KAPTON
®
SUMMARY OF PROPERTIES
Figure 13. Dielectric Constant vs. Relative Humidity, Type HN Film,
25 μm (1 mil)
EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE
As Figures 14–17 indicate, extreme changes in temperature have
relatively little eect on the excellent room temperature electrical
properties of Kapton® polyimide lm.
Figure 14. AC Dielectric Strength vs. Temperature, Type HN Film,
25 μm (1 mil)
Figure 15. Dielectric Constant vs. Temperature, Type HN Film,
25 μm (1 mil)
Figure 16. Dissipation Factor vs. Temperature, Type HN Film, 25 μm (1 mil)
Figure 17. Volume Resistivity vs. Temperature, Type HN Film, 25 μm (1 mil)
3.6
3.5
3.4
3.3
3.2
3.1
3.0
2.9
2.8
2.7
10
2
10
3
10
4
10
5
Frequency, Hz
Dielectric Constant
0°C (32°F)
23°C (73°F)
–40°C (–40°F)
100°C (212°F)
200°C (392°F)
250°C (482°F)
300°C (572°F)
0.010
0.008
0.006
0.004
0.002
10
2
10
3
10
4
10
5
0°C (32°F)
250°C (482°F)
23°C (73°F)
–40°C (–40°F)
100°C (212°F)
200°C (392°F)
Frequency, Hz
Dissipation Factor
0
13
DUPONT
™
KAPTON
®
SUMMARY OF PROPERTIES
EFFECT OF FREQUENCY
e eect of frequency on the values of the dielectric constant and
dissipation factor at various isotherms are shown in Figures 18 and
19 for Type HN lm, 25 µm (1 mil), and in Figures 20 and 21 for
HN, 125 µm (5 mil).
Figure 18. Dielectric Constant vs. Frequency, Type HN Film, 25 μm (1 mil)
Figure 19. Dissipation Factor vs. Frequency, Type HN Film, 25 μm (1 mil)
3.6
3.5
3.4
3.3
3.2
10
8
10
9
10
10
Frequency, Hz
Dielectric Constant
3.1
10
11
A
B
10
7
0.010
0.008
0.006
0.004
0.002
10
7
10
8
10
9
10
10
Frequency, Hz
A
B
10
11
Dissipation Factor
1
1000
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
2000
Voltage (RMS) at 60 Hz
Time to Failure, h
•
•
•
•
2 3 4 5 6
7
8 910 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9
100
2 3 4
5 678 9
1000
(CSV)
14
DUPONT
™
KAPTON
®
SUMMARY OF PROPERTIES
Figure 20. Dielectric Constant vs. Frequency, Type HN Film,
125 μm (5 mil)*
Figure 21. Dissipation Factor vs. Frequency, Type HN Film,
125 μm (5 mil)*
CORONA LIFE
Like all organic materials, Kapton® is attacked by a corona
discharge and when exposed continuously to it will ultimately fail
dielectrically. At moderate levels of corona exposure, devices
insulated with Kapton® have survived up to 3000 h, giving
reasonable assurance that brief exposure to a corona will not
signicantly aect the life of a properly designed insulation system
based on Kapton®. Corona threshold voltage and intensity are
functions of many parameters, including insulation thickness, air
gap thickness, and device shape. Consult with a DuPont technical
representative on the suitability of Kapton® for specic
applications where corona may be present.
*Technical Report AFML-TR-72-39—Curve A is 500H Kapton® as received and
measured at 25°C (77°F) and 45% RH with the electric eld in the plane of the
sheet. Curve B is the same measurement after conditioning the lm at 100°C
(212°F) for 48 h. Performance of 500HN is believed to be equivalent to 500H.
Figure 22 shows the life for 25 µm (1 mil) Kapton® HN
polyimide lm as a function of voltage (RMS) at 60 Hz. As the
corona starting level is approached, the Kapton® life curve attens,
indicating a long life. It should be emphasized that the superior
thermal and moisture-proof capabilities of Kapton® insulated
magnet wire, wrappers, and slot insulation can be utilized without
fear of corona in properly designed systems. Kapton® can be used
alone or in combination with other insulation materials.
Figure 22. Voltage Endurance of 100HN Kapton
®
Polyimide Film*
*Corona Starting Voltage (CSV) = 425 V
15
DUPONT
™
KAPTON
®
SUMMARY OF PROPERTIES
CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
Typical chemical properties of Kapton® Types HN and FN lms are given in Tables 10 and 11. e chemical properties of Type HPP-ST
lm are similar to those of Type HN.
Table 10. Chemical Properties of Kapton
®
Type HN Film, 25 µm (1 mil)
Property
Typical Value
Test Condition Test MethodTensile Retained, % Elongation Retained, %
Chemical Resistance
Isopropyl Alcohol
Toluene
Methyl Ethyl Ketone
Methylene Chloride/Trichloroethylene (1:1)
2 N Hydrochloric Acid
2 N Sodium Hydroxide
96
99
99
98
98
82
94
91
90
85
89
54
10 min at 23°C IPC TM-650 Method 2.2.3B
Fungus Resistance
Non-nutrient IPC TM-650 Method 2.6.1
Moisture Absorption
1.8% Types HN and HPP-ST
2.8% Types HN and HPP-ST
50% RH at 23°C
Immersion for 24 h at
23°C (73°F)
ASTM D-570 (1988)
Hygroscopic Coefficient of Expansion
22 ppm/% RH 23°C (73°F), 20–80% RH
Permeability
Gas
Carbon Dioxide
Oxygen
Hydrogen
Nitrogen
Helium
Vapor
Water
mL/m
2
•
24 h
•
MPa
6840
3800
38,000
910
63,080
g/(m
2
•
24 h)
54
cc/(100 in
2
•
24 h
•
atm)
45
25
250
6
415
g/(100 in
2
•
24 h)
3.5
23°C (73°F), 50% RH ASTM D-1434 (1988)
ASTM E-96
Table 11. Chemical Properties of Kapton
®
Type FN Film
Property 120FN616 150FN019 400FN022
Moisture Absorption, % at 23°C (73°F),
50% RH
98% RH
1.3
2.5
0.8
1.7
0.4
1.2
Water Vapor Permeability,
g/(m
2
•
24 h)
g/(100 in
2
•
24 h)
17.5
1.13
9.6
0.62
2.4
0.16
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
0
500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000
Exposure Time, h
Ultimate Elongation, %
16
DUPONT
™
KAPTON
®
SUMMARY OF PROPERTIES
RADIATION RESISTANCE
Because of its excellent radiation resistance, Kapton® is frequently
used in high radiation environments where a exible insulating
material is required. In outer space, Kapton® is used both alone and
in combination with other materials for applications that require
radiation resistance at minimum weight. U.S. Government
laboratory test data on gamma and neutron radiation exposure of
Kapton® are summarized in Tables 12 and 13. Testing the
suitability of Kapton® for nuclear reactors and linear accelerators
involves exposure to an adverse chemical environment in addition
to radiation. For example, loss of coolant accident (LOCA) tests for
qualication in containment areas in nuclear power plants expose
the system to steam and sodium hydroxide, both of which tend to
degrade Kapton®. Accordingly, when Kapton® is used in nuclear
power systems that require certication to IEEE-323 and -383,
engineered designs that protect Kapton® from direct exposure to
LOCA sprays are required. e excellent ultraviolet resistance of
Kapton® in the high vacuum of outer space is demonstrated by the
data in Table 14. In the earth’s atmosphere, however, there is a
synergistic eect upon Kapton® if it is directly exposed to some
combinations of ultraviolet radiation, oxygen, and water. Figure 23
shows this eect as a loss of elongation when Kapton® was exposed
in Florida test panels. Figure 24 shows the loss of elongation as a
function of exposure time in an Atlas Weatherometer. Design
considerations should recognize this phenomenon.
Table 12. Effect of Gamma Radiation Exposure on Kapton
®
Polyimide Film (Cobalt 60 Source, Oak Ridge)
Property Control 1 mil Film 10
4
Gy 1 h 10
5
Gy 10 h 10
6
Gy 4 d 10
7
Gy 42 d
Tensile Strength, MPa (psi ×10
3
) 207 (30) 207 (30) 214 (31) 214 (31) 152 (22)
Elongation, % 80 78 78 79 42
Tensile Modulus, MPa (psi ×10
3
) 3172 (460) 3275 (475) 3378 (490) 3275 (475) 2903 (421)
Volume Resistivity Ω
•
cm ×10
13
at 2°C (392°F) 4.8 6.6 5.2 1.7 1.6
Dielectric Constant 1 kHz at 2°C (73°F) 3.46 3.54 3.63 3.71 3.50
Dissipation Factor 1 kHz at 23°C (73°F) 0.0020 0.0023 0.0024 0.0037 0.0029
Dielectric Strength V/µm (kV/mm) 256 223 218 221 254
Table 13. Effect of Electron Exposure on Kapton
®
Polyimide
Film Mixed Neutron and Gamma
5 × 10
7
Gy 10
8
Gy
5 × 10
12
neutrons/cm/s Flux at
175°C (347°F)
Film Darkened
Film Darkened and
Tough
Table 14. Effect of Ultraviolet Exposure on Kapton
®
Polyimide Film*
1000 h Exposure
Tensile Strength, % of Initial Value Retained 100
Elongation, % of Initial Value Retained 74
*Vacuum environment, 2 × 10
–6
mmHg at 50°C (122°F). UV intensity equal to
space sunlight to 2500A.
Figure 23. Effect of Florida Aging on Kapton
®
Polyimide Film
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
0
200 400 600 800 1000
1200
1400 1600 1800 2000
Exposure Time, h
Ultimate Elongation, %
17
DUPONT
™
KAPTON
®
SUMMARY OF PROPERTIES
Figure 24. Effect of Weathering on Kapton
®
Polyimide Film (Atlas Weatherometer)
Kapton
®
is used as primary insulation for traction motors because
of its outstanding combination of thermal, mechanical, and
electrical properties.
Voice coils made with Kapton
®
possess superior high-frequency
sound performance at operating temperatures.
KAPTON
®
FILM TYPE INFORMATION
Table 15. Type and Thickness
Type
Nominal Thickness Area Factor
μm mil m
2
/kg ft
2
/lb
30HN 7.6 0.3 93 455
50HN 12.7 0.5 56 272
100HN 25.4 1.0 28 136
200HN 50.8 2.0 14 68
300HN 76.2 3.0 9.2 45
500HN 127 5.0 5.5 27
50HPP-ST 12.7 0.5 56 272
100HPP-ST 25.4 1.0 28 136
200HPP-ST 50.8 2.0 14 68
300HPP-ST 76.2 3.0 9.2 45
500HPP-ST 127 5.0 5.5 27
100FN099 25.4 1.0 23 110
120FN616 30.5 1.2 21 104
150FN019 38.1 1.5 16 77
200FN011 50.8 2.0 11 54
200FN919 50.8 2.0 11 54
250FN029 63.5 2.5 10 49
300FN021 76.2 3.0 8.0 39
300FN929 76.2 3.0 8.0 39
400FN022 101.6 4.0 5.5 27
500FN131 127 5.0 4.7 23
18
DUPONT
™
KAPTON
®
SUMMARY OF PROPERTIES
NOMINAL CONSTRUCTION, TYPE FN
In the Kapton® Type FN order code of three digits, the middle
digit represents the nominal thickness of the base Kapton® in mils.
e rst and third digits represent the nominal thickness of the
coating of FEP uoropolymer resin in mils. e symbol 9 is used
to represent 12.7 µm (0.5 mil) and 6 to represent 2.54 µm (0.1 mil).
Example: 120FN616 is a 120-gauge structure consisting of a 25.4
µm (1 mil) base lm with a 2.54 µm (0.1 mil) coating of
uoropolymer on each side. Illustrated in Table 16 are several
examples of the many lm types available.
Table 16. Type FN Film Constructions
Type
Construction
FEP HN FEP
μm mil μm mil μm mil
100FN099 12.7 0.50 12.7 0.50
120FN616 2.54 0.10 25.4 1.00 2.54 0.10
150FN019 25.4 1.00 12.7 0.50
200FN011 25.4 1.00 25.4 1.00
200FN919 12.7 0.50 25.4 1.00 12.7 0.50
250FN029 50.8 2.00 12.7 0.50
300FN021 50.8 2.00 25.4 1.00
300FN929 12.7 0.50 50.8 2.00 12.7 0.50
400FN022 50.8 2.00 50.8 2.00
500FN131 25.4 1.00 76.2 3.00 25.4 1.00
Kapton
®
bar code labels are used in the harsh environments PC
boards are exposed to during soldering.
Kapton
®
is an excellent dielectric substrate that meets the stringent
requirements of flexible circuitry.
19
DUPONT
™
KAPTON
®
SUMMARY OF PROPERTIES
SAFETY AND HANDLING
Safe handling of Type HN and HPP-ST Kapton® polyimide lms
at high temperatures requires adequate ventilation. Meeting the
requirements of OSHA (29 CFR 1910.1000) will provide
adequate ventilation. If small quantities of Kapton® are involved,
as is often the case, normal air circulation will be all that is needed
in case of overheating. Whether or not existing ventilation is
adequate will depend on the combined factors of lm quantity,
temperature, and exposure time.
Soldering and Hot Wire Stripping
Major uses for all types of Kapton® include electrical insulation for
wire and cable and other electronic equipment. In virtually all of these
applications, soldering is a routine fabricating procedure, as is the use
of a heated element, to remove insulation. Soldering operations rarely
produce o-gases to be of toxicological signicance.
Welding and Flame Cutting
Direct application of welding arcs and torches can quickly destroy
most plastics, including all types of Kapton® lm. For practical
reasons, therefore, it is best to remove all such parts from
equipment to be welded. Where removal is not possible, such as in
welding or cutting coated parts, mechanical ventilation should be
provided. Because Kapton® can be used at very high temperatures,
parts made from it may survive at locations close to the point of
direct ame contact. us, some in-place welding operations can
be done. Because the quantity of lm heated is usually relatively
small (less than 1 lb), ventilation requirements seldom exceed
those for normal welding work. Because of the possibility of
inadvertent overheating, the use of a small fan or elephant-trunk
exhaust is advisable.
Scrap Disposal
Disposal of scrap Kapton® polyimide lms presents no special
problem to the user. Small amounts of scrap may be incinerated
along with general plant refuse. e incinerator should have
sucient draft to exhaust all combustion products to the stack.
Care should be taken to avoid breathing smoke and fumes from
any re. Because Kapton® is so dicult to burn, it is often best to
dispose of scrap lm in a landll.
Fire Hazards
Whether in storage or use, Kapton® is unlikely to add appreciably
to the hazards of re. Bulk quantities of Kapton® (over 100 lb)
should be stored away from ammable materials. In the event of
re, personnel entering the area should use a fresh air supply or a
respirator. All types of chemical extinguishers may be used to ght
res involving Kapton®. Large quantities of water also may be used
to cool and extinguish a re.
Static Electricity
e processing of Kapton® can generate a strong static charge.
Unless this charge is bled o as it forms by using ionizing radiation
or tinsel, it can build to many thousands of volts and discharge to
people or metal equipment. In dust- or solvent-laden air, a ash
re or explosion could result. Precautions for static charges should
also be taken when removing plastic lms used as protective
packaging for Kapton®. For additional information, users should
refer to the bulletin “Kapton® Polyimide Film— Products of
Decomposition” (H-16512).
The information provided in this data sheet corresponds to our knowledge on the subject at the date of its publication. It may be subject to revision as new knowledge
and experience becomes available. This information is not intended to substitute for any testing you may need to conduct to determine for yourself the suitability of our
products for your particular purposes. Since we cannot anticipate all variations in end-use and disposal conditions, DuPont makes no warranties and assumes no
liability in connection with any use of this information. It is intended for use by persons having technical skill, at their own discretion and risk. Nothing in this publication is
to be considered as a license to operate under or a recommendation to infringe any patent right.
CAUTION: Do not use in medical applications involving permanent implantation in the human body. For other medical applications, see “DuPont Medical Applications
CAUTION” and “DuPont Medical Applications POLICY” statements. These documents are available upon request.
DuPont
™
, the DuPont Oval Logo, and all products, unless otherwise noted, denoted with
™
,
℠
or
®
are trademarks, service marks or registered trademarks of afliates of
DuPont de Nemours, Inc. Copyright © 2022 DuPont de Nemours Inc. All rights reserved.
EI-10142 (1/22)
For more information on DuPont
™
Kapton
®
polyimide
films or other DuPont products, please visit our website.
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