Rogers Corporation Uses Victrex APTIV® Film to Create Flexible, Adhesive-Less Laminates
WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, PA USA - Delamination caused by deteriorating adhesives that traditionally bond the layers of laminate structures can lead to premature product failure. Adhesives often deteriorate when exposed to high temperatures, moisture or chemicals. To solve this problem, Rogers Corporation, a manufacturer of high-end specialty materials, developed a proprietary technology to heat laminate high temperature performance Victrex APTIV® film directly to metal foils or other materials in both roll to roll and flat panel laminate structures without the need for adhesives.
Eliminating the use of adhesives has numerous benefits including the reduction of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) during production which makes the laminate structures more environmentally friendly; reduces the amount of raw materials used compared to adhesive-based systems creating the potential for an overall systems cost reduction; increased laminate thermal conductivity by elimination of the insulating adhesive layers; and the ability to reduce laminate thickness which allows for miniaturization in smaller, thinner devices - adhesives can add up to 50% to the overall thickness and weight of a laminate structure.
According to Koen Hollevoet, Business Opportunity Analyst at Rogers Corporation, "We developed the proprietary process knowledge primarily for APTIV film. It is the highest performing, most versatile thermoplastic film available. Victrex APTIV films provide all of the outstanding performance properties of VICTREX® PEEK(TM) polymer in a thin, flexible format. Victrex Polymer Solutions, the producer of APTIV film, is the only company in the world that is solely dedicated to the manufacture of PEEK polymer-based films."
To produce the adhesive-less laminates, Rogers Corporation installed a new line in its Belgium facility. The production capability supports roll to roll laminate structures having a maximum roll length of 400 m (1,312 ft) and a maximum thickness of 0.25mm (0.10 in). When the rolls are panelized a maximum width of 0.61m (24 in) and length of 1.22 m (48 in) is achievable. Rogers can also produce flat press panels in two sizes - 0.61m (24 in) wide x 0.46 m (18 in) long or 0.46 m (18 in) wide x 1.22 m (48 in) long, with a maximum laminate thickness of 1.5 mm (0.06 in) in a press. Both proprietary processes allow APTIV film to be combined with metal foils like copper, brass, aluminum or other materials including aramid or glass fiber fabrics. "Our standard product is APTIV film with either copper or aluminum foil on one or both sides," explained Hollevoet. "However, we can laminate in a wide variety of configurations. For example, we can produce laminates with A-B, A-B-A and B-A-B structures. Also the process is not limited to only three layers of different materials. Basically, we tailor make any adhesive-free laminate structure combining the required materials with APTIV film customized to the customer's end-use requirements."
The high performance characteristics of APTIV film have enabled Rogers to extend its market reach beyond high-frequency radar and telecommunications circuit applications. "The film allows us to operate in very high continuous use temperature applications including those with requirements up to 200°C (392°F), and can withstand lead free solder processing temperatures which can reach temperature extremes of 280°C (536°F)," explained Hollevoet. "APTIV film has a very unique combination of properties including high temperature and chemical resistance, low moisture absorption, and excellent mechanical and electrical insulation properties enabling our adhesive-less laminates to function in harsh environments such as those found in a variety of automotive under-the-hood where longer part life leads to higher reliability; in down-hole oil and gas applications where reliability and downtime avoidance are critical, and in aerospace applications where adhesive-less laminates offer improved performance and weight reduction."
"Rogers is working with Victrex on non-standard constructions and applications outside our standard printed circuit board applications," explained Hollevoet. "Victrex sells into a variety of applications that are not part of our current focus so our collaboration really benefits customers. If their customers require assistance with lamination, Victrex engages our team to explore how we can cooperatively identify a technical solution and by working with them we are expanding the reach of our processing capability."
For more information about Victrex APTIV films, please visit www.aptivfilms.com.
About Rogers Corporation
Rogers Corporation is a global technology leader in specialty materials and components that enable high performance and reliability of consumer electronics, power electronics, mass transit, sustainable energy, and telecommunications infrastructure. With more than 175 years of materials science and process engineering knowledge, Rogers provides product designers with solutions to their most demanding challenges. Headquartered in Connecticut (USA), Rogers operates manufacturing facilities in the United States, Belgium, China, Germany, and South Korea, with sales offices worldwide. For more information, please visit www.rogerscorp.com.
Note: If you would like more information about this story, or if you would like to speak with a Victrex spokesperson, please contact Kris Jommersbach at krisj@geminiinc.com.
