Formex Polypropylene Electrical Insulation is Better Than Paper
December 13, 2024
Electrical insulators come in a variety of forms. Fishpaper, also known as vulcanized fiber, is a pure base cellulose material, while aramid paper is made up of aramid fibers. While each offer their own distinct advantages as electrical insulation, there are several drawbacks when compared with Formex polypropylene.
Formex has greater dielectric strength than paper which allows thinner sheets of insulation to be used, resulting in savings in both cost and weight. Additionally, Formex polypropylene is non-hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs virtually no moisture. This means that Formex retains its structural integrity and dimensional stability in outdoor or other harsh environments better than paper.
In terms of fabrication, Formex bonds better to a wide variety of pressure sensitive adhesives and is easy to laminate with substrates such as foils, making it suitable for EMI shielding. Formex is also formable, scorable, and printable, making it a versatile choice for many engineering applications inside electrical components.
Additionally, Formex comes in a variety of compositions, including enhanced flame retardance, static dissipative, and halogen-free blends, to name a few. The most recent product announcement from ITW ECS, the manufacturer of Formex materials, is Formex TCI, a thermally conductive electrical insulation.