Mylar film

The term Mylar film

Mylar film, or simply Mylar, was originally the product name of a film manufactured by DuPont. Similar to the way the brand name Tempo has become established as a term for paper tissues, this brand name has become established as a name for a specific type of film. Mylar films are polyester films that have been biaxially oriented and therefore have high strength as well as temperature resistance and resistance to various environmental influences, chemicals and water. The term “Mylar” has become established particularly in the areas of packaging, art, electrical engineering, aerospace and various other industrial applications.

Mylar film in the Bleher range

The direct counterpart to Mylar film in the Bleher range is optimont® MF-MW. Although all technical films in the Bleher range are made from biaxially oriented PET film and the original Mylar film was also available in a wide variety of finishes and qualities, optimont® MF-MW comes closest to the original product in terms of its properties. The large selection of available thicknesses from 125 to 500 μm, dimensional stability, temperature resistance, and physical and chemical properties make the film extremely versatile.

Properties of optimont® MF-MW Mylar film

• Biaxially oriented PET film
• Milky white
• Dimensionally stable
• Heat-resistant
• Tear-resistant
• Water-resistant
• UL 94 (VTM-2) compliant

The manufacturing process of Mylar film

The production process for Mylar film begins with the polycondensation of polyethylene terephthalate from the raw materials ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid. Polyester film is then produced from this thermoplastic polymer by extrusion. After extrusion, the film is stretched in two directions using a special technique known as biaxial orientation. This technique increases the strength, dimensional stability and clarity of the film while also making it highly temperature-resistant and durable. In this context, biaxial means that the film is stretched in the machine direction as well as transverse to the machine direction. The component BO in the resulting BO-PET film refers to the biaxial orientation of the film through the stretching process in both directions. Depending on the application, the Mylar film can be coated after the orientation process, for example to make it printable. By adding additives during the production process, Mylar film can be adapted to different areas of application.

Applications of Mylar film

Hardly any other material has such a broad range of applications as Mylar film. Only a few areas are highlighted here as examples. In consultation with the Bleher service team, it can be determined in which other areas the use of Mylar film may be suitable.

Mylar film in the packaging industry

Mylar film is frequently used for packaging food, for example as bags or film packaging. It protects sensitive food from moisture, light and oxygen, thus extending its shelf life. Mylar is particularly well suited for vacuum packaging due to its barrier properties. Mylar film also plays an important role not only in the food sector, but also in the packaging of non-food products. In order for the film to be printed directly with product information, Mylar film must be coated.

Mylar film in the printing sector

The good printability of coated Mylar film makes the material an important print substrate, and the film also acts as a protective layer in laminates and labels.

Mylar film in the aerospace industry

In the aerospace industry, Mylar film is used in satellites and spacecraft to protect sensitive equipment from extreme temperatures and radiation. The high resistance and low weight of the films make them suitable for providing protection in such demanding environments while also saving weight. Mylar film performs similar functions in the aviation industry, although the areas of application are much broader here.

Mylar film in electrical engineering

In electrical engineering, Mylar film is used as an insulating material, particularly as a separating film, for example in capacitors, and as insulation for electronic and electrical components such as transformers, motors or generators. Cable insulation is made from Mylar film, as is protective material for high-voltage applications. The ability of Mylar film to insulate electrical currents, together with its durability and flexibility, makes it a preferred material in electrical engineering.

Mylar film in medical technology

In medical technology, Mylar is used in the manufacture of sterile packaging for medical devices and instruments. As a protective film for sensitive medicines, it performs similar functions in medical technology as it does in food packaging.

Mylar film in the construction industry

Mylar film is also used in construction as an insulating material and also acts as a vapour barrier. The film helps control moisture in buildings and, thanks to its wind-tightness, also has a positive effect on thermal management. The energy efficiency of buildings can be improved through the targeted and building-biologically appropriate use of Mylar film.

Mylar film in art

Mylar film is also used as a material for artworks. Artists value the design possibilities offered by the many colours and surface structures of the films. With coatings, the appearance of installations and collages can be adapted in many ways to the intentions of the artists. With suitable surface treatment, Mylar films are also an appropriate substrate for painting.

Advantages of Mylar films in a wide variety of applications

Mylar film has a number of special physical and chemical properties that make it attractive for numerous applications. The most important properties include:

• The high strength of Mylar film ensures good resistance to mechanical loads such as tensile, elongation or impact stresses
• The water resistance of the film protects packaged contents or components from moisture
• Thanks to its temperature resistance, Mylar film remains stable even at extreme temperatures between -70 °C and +150 °Celsius and retains its good physical and electrical properties
• The chemical resistance of Mylar film to many chemicals, such as acids, alkalis and oils, makes the film suitable for use in the chemical industry, for example for packaging chemicals
• The light transmission combined with UV resistance of Mylar film can be specifically controlled during the manufacturing process in order to adapt the material to different protective functions
• The dimensional stability and low shrinkage of Mylar films when heated make it possible to maintain the protective function even at high temperatures
• The good electrical insulation performance of Mylar film enables a wide range of applications in the electrical and electronics industry

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