APEL™, a cyclo olefin copolymer (COC) developed by Mitsui Chemicals using Ziegler polymerization technology, is available in resin form. The resulting material possesses a unique set of characteristics representing the best properties of polyolefins and amorphous plastics.
Distinguished by a high density, bulky structure, APEL is a norbornene-type composed only of C&H which is amorphous, optically isotropic and non polar.
The material possesses many characteristics inherent in polyolefins such as excellent electrical insulating properties and outstanding moisture resistance. In addition, it features good melt processability/flowability, good clarity and transparency, high glass transition temperature (Tg), exceptional moisture impermeability, impressive gas barrier qualities and excellent chemical and heat resistance.
Compared to other resins and engineering plastics, this Cyclo Olefin Copolymer has a lower birefringence and the highest refractive index (1.54) among commercialized COCs and other cyclo olefin polymers, making it ideal for use in high performance film, optical lens and packaging applications such as mobile phone and digital camera, shrink film and in pharmaceutical packaging such as blister packs.
There are seven grades of APEL Cyclo Olefin Copolymer available with strong transparency, water vapor barrier and heat distortion resistance. Five of the grades are available for general purpose applications and lower Tg grades are suitable for film extrusion. Two grades are suitable for optical applications and injection molding applications. All grades exhibit good thermal, dielectric and electrical behavior, low shrinkage and low moisture absorption.