HOSTAPHAN™

Definition

HOSTAPHAN™ is the registered trademark of Mitsubishi Polyester Film for a broad portfolio of biaxially oriented polyester films, primarily biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate (BoPET). The films are stretched in both machine and transverse directions and heat‑set to deliver high mechanical strength, dimensional stability, optical clarity (in clear grades), and robust electrical and barrier performance. The portfolio spans clear, matte/hazy, white and black pigmented, and opaque films, as well as metallized, ceramic‑coated, UV‑stabilized, flame‑retardant, heat‑stabilized, adhesion‑primed, silicone‑release, low/high‑COF, and other functional or multilayer coextruded grades. Select products incorporate modified PET or polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) layers to enhance barrier or high‑temperature capabilities.

Key properties or functions

  • Mechanical: High tensile strength and modulus, excellent caliper consistency and flatness, abrasion and tear resistance, and good fatigue resistance in flexing applications.
  • Thermal: Broad usable temperature range for a polyester film; heat‑stabilized grades offer low thermal shrinkage and dimensional stability at elevated temperatures.
  • Electrical: High dielectric strength and insulation resistance with stable properties over temperature and humidity; certain grades are qualified for electrical insulation systems.
  • Barrier/chemical: Inherently good oxygen and aroma barrier; moisture barrier that can be significantly enhanced by metallization or transparent ceramic coatings (SiOx/Al2O3). Good resistance to oils, greases, and many solvents; low‑outgassing and low‑fogging options exist.
  • Optical: Available from ultra‑clear, low‑haze films to controlled‑diffusion matte and fully opaque white or black; consistent gloss and haze control for optical stacks.
  • Surface/functionalization: Corona, plasma, or chemically primed surfaces for improved adhesion to inks, coatings, and adhesives; tunable coefficient of friction; silicone‑coated release surfaces with low transfer; print‑ and metallization‑receptive variants.

Relevance

HOSTAPHAN™ serves as a technical film platform across many sectors:

  • Electrical and electronics: Flexible electrical insulation (slot liners, phase and interlayer insulation in motors, stators, transformers), outer wraps for capacitors, substrates for printed electronics, and dielectric barriers in power electronics.
  • Packaging and barrier laminates: Clear, white, metallized, or ceramic‑coated structures for food, pharmaceutical, and technical packaging; high‑barrier constructions for sensitive products or vacuum insulation panels.
  • Graphics, labels, and printing: Durable labels, tags, cards, and graphic media with excellent printability, abrasion resistance, and chemical resistance.
  • Release and casting: Silicone‑coated release liners; carrier films for casting or transfer of PU, vinyl, and specialty coatings.
  • Optical, display, and glazing: Substrates for diffusers, reflectors, protective and anti‑glare films, and solar‑control, safety, and security window films.
  • Automotive and industrial: Electrical insulation components, wire and cable wrapping tapes, durable labels, reflective heat shields (when metallized), and functional laminates used in vehicles, machinery, and equipment.

Examples and related terms

  • Example HOSTAPHAN™ lines (indicative): standard clear, white translucent, white opaque, and black opaque optical grades; specialized barrier, UV‑stabilized, flame‑retardant, release, and adhesion‑primed variants.
  • Generic material class: polyester film, BoPET film, PET film.
  • Related commercial brands: Mylar, Melinex, Lumirror, Garware (all polyester films of similar class).
  • Adjacent materials: BOPP (biaxially oriented polypropylene) for very low moisture transmission; PEN films for higher heat performance; polyimide films (e.g., Kapton) for high‑temperature electronics.

Further information

  • Manufacturer: Mitsubishi Polyester Film and its global affiliates market HOSTAPHAN™ in numerous technical grades and thicknesses (commonly from ~6 µm to >200 µm, grade‑dependent).
  • Processing and converting: Compatible with coating, printing, laminating, metallization, die‑cutting, and slitting; orientation introduces MD/TD anisotropy, and shrinkage behavior is grade‑ and temperature‑dependent.
  • Compliance and standards: Selected grades meet food‑contact, electrical insulation, flame‑retardant, and automotive specifications and are typically supplied in compliance with major regulatory frameworks (e.g., REACH/RoHS). Users should consult grade‑specific datasheets for exact properties and approvals.

Typical applications

  • Electrical insulation films for motors, transformers, chokes, relays, and capacitors.
  • High‑barrier metallized or ceramic‑coated laminates for food, healthcare, and technical packaging.
  • Durable labels, nameplates, and printable graphics (clear, matte, white, or black).
  • Release liners for pressure‑sensitive adhesives and casting carriers for PU/vinyl.
  • Optical layers and protective films in displays, lighting reflectors, and solar‑control/safety window films.
  • Metallized radiant barriers, EMI/RFI shielding substrates (when combined with conductive layers), and technical laminates in automotive and industrial systems.

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