General Description : Normally infusible, coloured (often amber) high performance polymers with predominantly aromatic molecules of high thermal stability. Semi-fabricated shapes are usually supplied by the polymer manufacturer and made by powder sintering or working with more tractable pre-cursors and completing polymerisation in final form, though some melt-processable grades of resin are manufactured. They have excellent high temperature properties and radiation resistance, inherently low flammability and smoke emission, low creep and high wear resistance and are very expensive. They have moderately high water absorption and are prone tohydrolysis and attack by alkalis and concentrated acids.

A widely used form is DuPont™ Kapton® film, made in thicknesses from 0.008 to 0.125mm and which is a transparent amber colour. Thicker polyimide items are usually opaque. A range of DuPont™ Kapton® film variants are also available. In each of these, a large measure of DuPont™ Kapton® basic properties are combined with an extra attribute eg increased electrical or thermal conductivity,improved corona resistance, opacity and thermoplasticity.

Films are used for capacitators, insulation, printed circuit boards and in aerospace; other applications include engine components, bearings and mechanical parts exposed to radiation.

Explanation of DuPont™ Kapton® grade descriptions

HN Regular DuPont™ Kapton® - Transparent Amber
CB Opaque black version of HN
MT Aluminium oxide filled, increased thermal conductivity, opaque yellow
MTB Opaque black version of MT
CR Improved corona resistance - translucent yellow
XC Electrically (semi-)conductive - opaque black FPC Superior dimensional stability and adhesion compared to HN HPP-ST Similar to FPC a two-sided treated film with superior dimensional stability and superior adhesion compared to HN 200RS100 Two layer film with an electrically conductive layer on one side KJ Thermoplastic - transparent yellow

Availability of DuPont™ Kapton® Grades

Unfortunately due to export restrictions and rationalisation of the DuPont™ Kapton® product range, there are potential issues with the supply of some grades and thicknesses.

DuPont™ Kapton® HN 0.008 mm thick: This specific thickness of DuPont™ Kapton® HN is controlled under ECCN 9A515(x) requirements and is not offered outside of the US.

DuPont™ Kapton® XC & CB: These products are controlled under ECCN 9A515(x)requirements and are not offered outside of the US.

DuPont™ Kapton® KJ & MTB: Regrettably these grades are no longer produced by DuPont™ and we only have a limited range available from our stock.

Please contact you local sales office for an up to date statement on theavailability of all grades of DuPont™ Kapton®.

DuPont™, Nomex® are registered trademarks of E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company.