Quality control for polymer films
Precise optical characterization and quality control are key success factors in the manufacture and processing of polymer films. Whether packaging materials, technical films, laminating films, flexible substrates for solar cells, displays, touch panels, printed circuit boards, or optical components—the optical behavior of the materials determines efficiency, functionality, and quality in all of these applications. The focus is not only on pure production monitoring, but above all on the precise determination of the dispersion curves of the polymer films – i.e., the refractive indices across different wavelengths. These provide information about the optical dispersion behavior of the materials and are essential for well-founded optical predictions in later applications, such as in optical devices, displays, or adhesives.
The SCHMIDT + HAENSCH ATR L multi-wavelength refractometer offers you a reliable, fast, and highly precise solution for determining the refractive indices of your film materials—an essential parameter for assessing optical suitability.
A special area of application is optical lamination, for example of two glass substrates using PSA (pressure sensitive adhesive) or OCA (optically clear adhesive) adhesive films. Here, our ATR L provides reliable data on dispersion behavior – even with complex adhesive layers such as those used in displays, vehicle windows, or optical bonding. Applications such as window stickers (e.g., environmental stickers or vignettes) can also be optically evaluated.
Typical film materials such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) can be analyzed just as reliably as more demanding materials – including TCA (triacetate cellulose), PVB (polyvinyl butyral), and cured pressure-sensitive adhesives based on UV, PU, acrylate, silicone, or epoxy. Even latex materials, such as those used in medical gloves, can be measured with the ATR L refractometer.
Since the physical properties and surface characteristics of the polymer film have a significant influence on the measurement accuracy, we offer suitable caps and attachments. Whether flexible, rigid, smooth, or textured films – with our specific solid-state attachments, you can ensure that optimal contact between the sample and the measuring prism is always guaranteed. For particularly hard and dimensionally stable films where direct optical contact cannot be sufficiently established, we recommend the use of a suitable contact liquid, such as diiodomethane.
Your advantages at a glance:
– Precise measurement of the refractive index over multiple wavelengths
– Wide range of materials – from standard polymers to pressure-sensitive adhesives
– Individual attachment solutions for all types of films
– Reliable database for quality control and product development
Trust in our experience and expertise in optical measurement technology – with the SCHMIDT + HAENSCH ATR L, you can ensure the consistently high quality of your polymer films while gaining valuable insights into their optical dispersion behavior and material properties.
On request, we also carry out customer measurements in our application laboratory – quickly, precisely, and tailored to your specific requirements.
