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Achieve various strengths

Both high strength and flexibility

Polyimide is an engineering plastic that possesses top-level heat resistance, electrical insulation, mechanical properties, and chemical resistance. Among these, the water-solvent varnish offers a range of grades, from flexible properties achieved through low-temperature curing to high-strength properties.
Water Solvent NMP Solvent
Development Product ① Development Product ② Development Product ③ UBE Standard Grade
(UPIA®-AT)
Glass Transition Temperature(℃) 145 210 339 274
Elongation Rate(%) 199 164 96 92
Tensile Modulus(GPa) 1.9 3.2 4.6 3.7
Tensile Strength(MPa) 106 214 289 229
Dielectric Breakdown Voltage(kV) 6 6 7 8

The unexpected combinations made possible by water.

Currently, the world is seeing an advancement in the high-performance of electronic devices, driving the demand for enhanced functionality in materials. We have discovered that by using a water-solvent polyimide varnish, it is easier to achieve high-concentration dispersion of high-performance materials and to impart functionality to general-purpose resins than with NMP solvents. By utilizing water-solvent polyimide as a composite material component, we aim to surpass the limitations of various other materials.

Exploring the possibilities of composites.

Contact UBE for sample data and application consulting.

Let's Surpass the Limits of Materials

Water-Solvent Varnish ×
Carbon Nanotubes

Single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are attracting attention as a material with extremely superior properties for imparting antistatic capability, toughness, and electromagnetic shielding ability as an additive. Our single-wall carbon nanotube dispersion solves the challenge inherent to carbon nanotubes--difficulty in achieving uniform dispersion due to their fibrous structure leading to easy aggregation.

Features of UBE's Carbon Nanotube Dispersion

Achievement of High-Concentration Liquid

Correlation between CNT Dispersion Concentration and Viscosity
In conventional dispersions, the CNT concentration limit is 0.4 to 0.6 wt% due to handling considerations.

Because its viscosity is lower than that of general dispersions, it allows for increased concentration while maintaining handleability. A key feature of our dispersion is its resistance to viscosity increase, even when the CNT concentration is raised to 1.0wt%.

Cost Reduction

The high cost of dispersion is a challenge for conventional dispersions.

Because our dispersion concentration is 1.0wt% compared to $0.4wt% for general dispersions, a cost reduction of 50-60% per unit weight is possible.

Superior Storage Stability

Dispersion Stability
Dispersion stability decreases and viscosity increases over time.

Superior storage stability ensures that decreased dispersion and increased viscosity do not occur over time, even when dispersed at high concentrations.

For example, it can be used in the following applications

EMI Shielding

Industry Examples
Aerospace,Automotive,Electronic Equipment
  • Artificial satellite
  • Automobile
  • Personal computer
  • Smartphone
Electromagnetic Shielding Effectiveness Measurement (KEC Method)
Example of Electromagnetic Shielding Effectiveness. Confirmed that performance as a CNT is well expressed.

Antistatic Paint

Industry Examples
Aerospace,Automotive,Electronic Components,Semiconductor
  • Artificial satellite
  • Automobile
  • semiconductor
Correlation between CNT Content and Surface Resistance
CNT含有量が増えることで、材料の導電性が高まり、静電気を効果的に除去することを確認。

Benefits of dispersion with polyimide

Because it is polyimide, high dimensional stability can be achieved.

A comparison was made regarding the effect of a high-humidity environment on CNT films using a polyamic acid dispersion with a 20wt% CNT concentration and a general-purpose resin CNT dispersion.
While CNT films made with the general-purpose resin dispersion undergo water absorption and dimensional change, CNT films made with the polyamic acid dispersion show no change in high-humidity environments, achieving high dimensional stability.

CNT Content vs. Modulus of Elasticity
「高湿度環境における性能変化」をあらわした表

High-concentration CNT dispersions: Contact for details.

Contact UBE for sample data and application consulting.

Let's Surpass the Limits of Materials

Water-Solvent Varnish ×
General-Purpose Resin

Water-solvent varnish can be used without damaging substrates that lack chemical resistance, such as general-purpose resins.
Furthermore, because we offer grades that cure at low temperatures, materials that were previously difficult to process due to deformation at high temperatures can now be easily fabricated.

With water-solvent varnish, coating and heat treatment on PET film is also possible.

Comparison diagram of water-soluble varnish and UPIA-AT-1001 applied to PET film. The water-soluble varnish produced a good coating film, while oxidation and cracking occurred with UPIA-AT-1001.

Dimensional Stability is Improved with PET Film × Polyimide

It was confirmed that while heat expansion is observed in PET film alone, applying polyimide improves dimensional stability.

Comparison of Coefficient of Thermal Expansion with and without Polyimide Coating

Combining materials, unlocking potential.Exploring the future of composites with UBE.

Contact UBE for sample data and application consulting.

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Let's Surpass Environmental and Social Challenges

Do you think environmentally friendly products are inferior in performance?

Because polyimide water-solvent varnish uses water as its solvent, it can suppress environmental and human health impacts, as well as being an excellent product for energy saving and substrate protection. Furthermore, it does not lose the strength of polyimide even with a water solvent, and it can be used with the same processing methods as conventional NMP-based varnishes.

Three Environmental Benefits

  • Benefit 1

    NMP Not Used
    Because organic solvents are not used, it is possible to reduce the regulatory compliance costs incurred until now.
    • NMP recovery equipment
    • Explosion-proof equipment
    • Maintenance of facility filters
  • Benefit 2

    Low VOC
    NMP, which is commonly used as a solvent for polyimide, has adverse effects on health and the environment.
    Water-solvent varnish achieves consideration for the environment and health by reducing NMP solvent use by approximately 80%.
  • Benefit 3

    Energy Cost Reduction
    Contributes to the reduction of energy costs through low-temperature curing ( 150℃ and above).

Experience NMP-equivalent performance, even with water

Performance and Physical Property Values
Water Solvent NMP Solvent
Development Product ① Development Product ② Development Product ③ UBE Standard Grade
(UPIA®-AT)
Film Thickness(μm) 10 10 10 20
Maximum Heat Treatment Temperature(℃) 150 250 350 350
Solid Content(wt%) 18 11 18 18±1
Solution Viscosity(Pa・s) 3.5 2.5 4.0 5.0±1.0
Density(103/m3) 1.10 1.10~1.11
Storage Conditions(℃) ≦10 ≦10 ≦10 ≦30
Glass Transition Temperature(℃) 145 210 339 274
Tensile Strength(MPa) 106 214 289 229
Elongation Rate(%) 199 164 96 92
Tensile Modulus(GPa) 1.9 3.2 4.6 3.7
5% Weight Loss Temperature(℃) 574 592
Dielectric Breakdown Voltage(kV) 6 6 7 8

※Measured at a film thickness of 20㎛.

An Example of a Processing Method

Like NMP-based varnishes, films can be fabricated using the spin coating method.

  1. Varnish is applied to the substrate
  2. Is uniformed by spinning
  3. The film is cured by baking

Potential as vast as your imagination.Partner with us to find your next application.

Contact UBE for sample data and application consulting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What other applications can it be used for?

    The following applications are anticipated:

    • Insulating coating material for magnet wire
    • Flexible circuit board material
    • Heat-resistant paint/coating
    • Dispersant
  • I would like to know the processing method.

    The following processing methods are anticipated:

    • Slot-Die Coating: Varnish is cast onto the substrate through a slit.
    • Dip Coating: The substrate is immersed in the varnish, and the adhered varnish is squeezed off by rollers.
    • Spray Coating: Varnish is applied directly and adhered to the material by spraying.