Kapton FN polyimide film (FEP-coated) PI (Kapton FN)
Composite: Kapton HN polyimide film with FEP fluorocarbon resin on one or both sides
Also known as 120FN616, 150FN019, 250FN029
Kapton FN is Qnity's heat-sealable polyimide film: Kapton HN polyimide film with FEP fluoropolymer resin coated or laminated on one or both sides.
Evidence level
2 of 5
Lab-measured
- 0Predicted only. No one has made it, or no measurement exists.
- 1Calculated. Only calculated or predicted values from sources.
- 2Lab-measured. Measured properties with their conditions stated.
- 3Space-relevant tests. Measured in conditions relevant to space, such as vacuum or atomic oxygen.
- 4Ground-qualified. Qualified for an application on the ground.
- 5Flown or field-proven. Flight or field results exist.
Strength
207 MPa
Insulation
272 V/µm
Heat sealing
700 g/in
Moisture
2.5% at 98% RH
Thermal index
240 °C electrical
Recipe, share of the weight
- 80 wt% in 120FN616, 57 wt% in 150FN019, 73 wt% in 250FN029 (summary, Table 4)Kapton HN polyimide film
- 20 wt% in 120FN616, 43 wt% in 150FN019, 27 wt% in 250FN029 (summary, Table 4)FEP fluorocarbon resin
Best for
Heat-sealable insulating film that needs a polyimide base, a fluoropolymer sealing layer and a moisture barrier
Weakest at
No flight or space-exposure data we read name an FN grade, and the two Qnity sources disagree on density
Risk at a glance
- People Low. No hazard classification listed; watch cuts and static
- If it fails Moderate. Overheating above 400 °C
- Corrosion No data. No corrosion data recorded
Quick facts: PI (Kapton FN)
| Property | Value | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 1.5 to 1.7 g/cm³ | 6 sourced values across conditions |
| Tensile strength | 162 to 207 MPa | 3 sourced values across conditions |
| Young's modulus | 2.28 to 2.62 GPa | 3 sourced values across conditions |
What is the density of Kapton FN polyimide film (FEP-coated)?
Kapton FN polyimide film (FEP-coated) has a density of 1.5 to 1.7 g/cm³. The range covers 6 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.
What is the tensile strength of Kapton FN polyimide film (FEP-coated)?
Kapton FN polyimide film (FEP-coated) has a tensile strength of 162 to 207 MPa. The range covers 3 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.
What is the Young's modulus of Kapton FN polyimide film (FEP-coated)?
Kapton FN polyimide film (FEP-coated) has a Young's modulus of 2.28 to 2.62 GPa. The range covers 3 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.
What are the other names and codes for Kapton FN polyimide film (FEP-coated)?
Kapton FN polyimide film (FEP-coated) is also written as 120FN616, 150FN019, 250FN029. Each code is printed in the source listed beside it in the designations table.
What is Kapton FN polyimide film (FEP-coated) used for?
Uses recorded in the sources include Heater circuits, tubing, heat-sealable bags and electrical insulation; Aluminized Kapton polyimide multilayer insulation (MLI) on a space experiment tray.
Why it exists
Kapton FN is Kapton HN polyimide film with FEP fluorocarbon resin on one or both sides. The polyimide keeps the high-temperature insulation behaviour of the base film, and the FEP layer adds a heat-sealable surface and a moisture barrier. Qnity describes FN as a heat-sealable grade for flexible insulation, heater circuits and bags. The summary of properties does not name a space application for FN, and the only space source read describes plain Kapton MLI without naming a grade. A designer who needs a sealable, insulating film would choose FN for those properties, and the sources read for this profile do not show that FN has flown.
Where it's used
Heater circuits, tubing and electrical insulation
Qnity's product page lists heater circuits, tubing, heat-sealable bags, automotive diaphragms and manifolds, and electrical insulation as uses of Kapton FN. No aerospace use is named on the page.
Space thermal blankets (Kapton, grade not stated)
A NASA report on Space Station WP-2 blankets describes aluminized Kapton polyimide multilayer insulation on LDEF tray F-9 and expects the blanket to last 30 years in low Earth orbit. The report names no Kapton grade and no FEP coating.
Recipe
Composite: Kapton HN polyimide film with FEP fluorocarbon resin on one or both sides
Kapton FN is a composite of Kapton HN polyimide film with FEP fluorocarbon resin on one or both sides. Qnity's bulletin describes it as combining Kapton HN with FEP in a composite structure. Weight shares are printed for three constructions.
| Ingredient | Share of the weight | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Kapton HN polyimide film | 80 wt% in 120FN616, 57 wt% in 150FN019, 73 wt% in 250FN029 (summary, Table 4) | The base film. It carries the polyimide's thermal, mechanical and electrical properties. |
| FEP fluorocarbon resin | 20 wt% in 120FN616, 43 wt% in 150FN019, 27 wt% in 250FN029 (summary, Table 4) | The heat-sealable layer on one or both sides. The summary says it adds heat sealability, a moisture barrier and better chemical resistance. |
Weight shares are as printed in the sources.
What it can do
Strength
207 MPa
The 120FN616 construction has a typical ultimate tensile strength of 207 MPa at 23 °C and an elongation at break of 75% (summary, Table 4, ASTM D-882-91 Method A).
Insulation
272 V/µm
120FN616 has a typical dielectric strength of 272 V/µm and a dielectric constant of 3.1 (summary, Table 8). The bulletin's minimum breakdown for the same construction is 165 kV/mm.
Heat sealing
700 g/in
Coated sides seal to a minimum peel strength of 700 g/in (2.7 N/cm) for constructions other than 120FN616, which has 450 g/in (1.7 N/cm). The test seals at 350 °C (662 °F), 20 psig and 20 sec dwell (bulletin).
Moisture
2.5% at 98% RH
120FN616 takes up 1.3% water at 50% RH and 2.5% at 98% RH at 23 °C (summary, Table 11). The summary says the FEP layer provides a moisture barrier.
Thermal index
240 °C electrical
The Qnity product page lists a UL electrical relative thermal index of 240 °C and a mechanical value of 200 °C under UL 746B, for the Kapton FN series.
How it compares
Among the three printed FN constructions, 120FN616 has the highest tensile strength at 23 °C (207 MPa) and the highest typical dielectric strength (272 V/µm), but its minimum breakdown (165 kV/mm) is above 150FN019 (146 kV/mm) and 250FN029 (108 kV/mm). 250FN029 has the highest elongation at 23 °C (85%) and the highest tensile modulus (2.62 GPa). 150FN019 takes up less water at 98% RH (1.7%) than 120FN616 (2.5%); the summary prints no moisture figure for 250FN029. The bulletin's and the summary's densities for the same grades differ, so the density comparison is shown with both values. The bulletin's HN base-film tables are not recorded here as FN values.
The same measurements for each material, so you can compare them. Each row names the key condition under the value; the full conditions and methods are in the numbered notes under Technical details. Other materials are shown beside it; each was measured under its own conditions, so open its page before comparing closely. Compare every grade in the family.
| Measurement | PI (Kapton FN) | PI (CP1) | PI (Kapton H) | PI (Kapton HN) | PI (PMR-15) | PI (Upilex-S) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thermal behavior and safety | ||||||
| Minimum seal peel strength, FN constructions other than 120FN616 | 700 g/in35 | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data |
| Minimum seal peel strength, 120FN616 | 450 g/in36 | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data |
| Physical and electrical | ||||||
| Density, 120FN616 (summary) | 1.53 g/cc13 | 1.419 g/cm³ | 1.427 g/cm³ | 1.42 g/cm³ | 1.287 g/cm³ | 1.387 g/cm³ |
| Density, 150FN019 (summary) | 1.67 g/cc14 | 1.419 g/cm³ | 1.427 g/cm³ | 1.42 g/cm³ | 1.287 g/cm³ | 1.387 g/cm³ |
| Density, 250FN029 (summary) | 1.57 g/cc15 | 1.419 g/cm³ | 1.427 g/cm³ | 1.42 g/cm³ | 1.287 g/cm³ | 1.387 g/cm³ |
| Density, 120FN616 (product page) | 1.5 g/cc16 | 1.419 g/cm³ | 1.427 g/cm³ | 1.42 g/cm³ | 1.287 g/cm³ | 1.387 g/cm³ |
| Density, 150FN019 (product page) | 1.7 g/cc17 | 1.419 g/cm³ | 1.427 g/cm³ | 1.42 g/cm³ | 1.287 g/cm³ | 1.387 g/cm³ |
| Density, 250FN029 (product page) | 1.6 g/cc18 | 1.419 g/cm³ | 1.427 g/cm³ | 1.42 g/cm³ | 1.287 g/cm³ | 1.387 g/cm³ |
| Other measurements | ||||||
| Ultimate tensile strength, 120FN616, 23 °C | 207 MPa1 | 87 MPa | no data | no data | no data | 520 MPa |
| Ultimate tensile strength, 150FN019, 23 °C | 162 MPa2 | 87 MPa | no data | no data | no data | 520 MPa |
| Ultimate tensile strength, 250FN029, 23 °C | 200 MPa3 | 87 MPa | no data | no data | no data | 520 MPa |
| Ultimate tensile strength, 120FN616, 200 °C | 121 MPa4 | 87 MPa | no data | no data | no data | 520 MPa |
| Ultimate tensile strength, 150FN019, 200 °C | 89 MPa5 | 87 MPa | no data | no data | no data | 520 MPa |
| Ultimate tensile strength, 250FN029, 200 °C | 115 MPa6 | 87 MPa | no data | no data | no data | 520 MPa |
| Ultimate elongation, 120FN616, 23 °C | 75 %7 | 16 percent | no data | no data | no data | 40 % |
| Ultimate elongation, 150FN019, 23 °C | 70 %8 | 16 percent | no data | no data | no data | 40 % |
| Ultimate elongation, 250FN029, 23 °C | 85 %9 | 16 percent | no data | no data | no data | 40 % |
| Tensile modulus, 120FN616, 23 °C | 2.48 GPa10 | 2 GPa | no data | no data | no data | 9.1 GPa |
| Tensile modulus, 150FN019, 23 °C | 2.28 GPa11 | 2 GPa | no data | no data | no data | 9.1 GPa |
| Tensile modulus, 250FN029, 23 °C | 2.62 GPa12 | 2 GPa | no data | no data | no data | 9.1 GPa |
| Dielectric strength, 120FN616, typical | 272 V/µm19 | no data | no data | 303 kV/mm | no data | 6.8 kV |
| Dielectric strength, 150FN019, typical | 197 V/µm20 | no data | no data | 303 kV/mm | no data | 6.8 kV |
| Dielectric strength, 250FN029, typical | 197 V/µm21 | no data | no data | 303 kV/mm | no data | 6.8 kV |
| Minimum breakdown strength, 120FN616 | 165 kV/mm22 | no data | no data | 303 kV/mm | no data | 6.8 kV |
| Minimum breakdown strength, 150FN019 | 146 kV/mm23 | no data | no data | 303 kV/mm | no data | 6.8 kV |
| Minimum breakdown strength, 250FN029 | 108 kV/mm24 | no data | no data | 303 kV/mm | no data | 6.8 kV |
| Dielectric constant, 120FN616, typical | 3.1 -25 | 2.4 - | no data | 3.4 (dimensionless) | no data | 3.5 - |
| Dielectric constant, 150FN019, typical | 2.7 -26 | 2.4 - | no data | 3.4 (dimensionless) | no data | 3.5 - |
| Dielectric constant, 250FN029, typical | 3 -27 | 2.4 - | no data | 3.4 (dimensionless) | no data | 3.5 - |
| Dissipation factor, 120FN616, typical | 0.0015 -28 | no data | no data | no data | no data | 0.0013 - |
| Dissipation factor, 150FN019, typical | 0.0013 -29 | no data | no data | no data | no data | 0.0013 - |
| Dissipation factor, 250FN029, typical | 0.0013 -30 | no data | no data | no data | no data | 0.0013 - |
| Moisture absorption, 120FN616, 50% RH | 1.3 %31 | 0.4 percent | no data | no data | no data | 1.4 % |
| Moisture absorption, 120FN616, 98% RH | 2.5 %32 | 0.4 percent | no data | no data | no data | 1.4 % |
| Moisture absorption, 150FN019, 50% RH | 0.8 %33 | 0.4 percent | no data | no data | no data | 1.4 % |
| Moisture absorption, 150FN019, 98% RH | 1.7 %34 | 0.4 percent | no data | no data | no data | 1.4 % |
| UL electrical relative thermal index, Kapton FN series | 240 °C37 | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data |
| UL mechanical strength relative thermal index, Kapton FN series | 200 °C38 | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data |
| Polyimide content, 120FN616 | 80 wt%39 | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data |
| Polyimide content, 150FN019 | 57 wt%40 | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data |
| Polyimide content, 250FN029 | 73 wt%41 | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data |
Why choose it, and why not
Good for
- Heat sealing. Coated sides seal with a minimum peel strength of 700 g/in for most constructions (bulletin).
- Moisture-resistant insulation. The FEP layer gives a moisture barrier (summary); 120FN616 takes up 2.5% water at 98% RH.
- Insulation in thin gauges. 120FN616 has a typical dielectric strength of 272 V/µm.
Watch out for
- No flight data for an FN grade were found, and the space-exposure data read for Kapton are for other grades or films.
- Density values differ between Qnity's two sources for each grade (1.53 against 1.50 for 120FN616, 1.67 against 1.70 for 150FN019 and 1.57 against 1.60 for 250FN029).
- Loss of elongation under UV, oxygen and water in air; the summary shows it only in figures.
Kapton FN is a heat-sealable version of Kapton HN film with a FEP layer that adds sealing and a moisture barrier. Its space record is thin in the sources read, so treat it as a ground-tested insulating film unless the grade is qualified for flight.
Technical details
For scientists and researchers. Everything above comes from the record below: every number with its method, its conditions and its source.
Other names and standards
The same grade under other systems, as datasheets and standards print them. Each code was checked against the page it comes from.
| System | Codes |
|---|---|
| Trade name | 120FN616 (Kapton FN construction code), 150FN019 (Kapton FN construction code), 250FN029 (Kapton FN construction code) |
Notes
The method, full conditions and any caveat for the numbered rows above.
| # | Measurement | Method | Conditions | Caveat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ultimate tensile strength, 120FN616, 23 °C | Typical value printed in Table 4 of the Qnity Kapton summary of properties | grade 120FN616temperature 23 °C (73 °F)value basis typical value for film typetest ASTM D-882-91, Method A (Table 4 footnote: same test methods as Table 1) | — |
| 2 | Ultimate tensile strength, 150FN019, 23 °C | Typical value printed in Table 4 of the Qnity Kapton summary of properties | grade 150FN019temperature 23 °C (73 °F)value basis typical value for film typetest ASTM D-882-91, Method A (Table 4 footnote: same test methods as Table 1) | — |
| 3 | Ultimate tensile strength, 250FN029, 23 °C | Typical value printed in Table 4 of the Qnity Kapton summary of properties | grade 250FN029temperature 23 °C (73 °F)value basis typical value for film typetest ASTM D-882-91, Method A (Table 4 footnote: same test methods as Table 1) | — |
| 4 | Ultimate tensile strength, 120FN616, 200 °C | Typical value printed in Table 4 of the Qnity Kapton summary of properties | grade 120FN616temperature 200 °C (392 °F)value basis typical value for film type | — |
| 5 | Ultimate tensile strength, 150FN019, 200 °C | Typical value printed in Table 4 of the Qnity Kapton summary of properties | grade 150FN019temperature 200 °C (392 °F)value basis typical value for film type | — |
| 6 | Ultimate tensile strength, 250FN029, 200 °C | Typical value printed in Table 4 of the Qnity Kapton summary of properties | grade 250FN029temperature 200 °C (392 °F)value basis typical value for film type | — |
| 7 | Ultimate elongation, 120FN616, 23 °C | Typical value printed in Table 4 of the Qnity Kapton summary of properties | grade 120FN616temperature 23 °C (73 °F)value basis typical value for film type | — |
| 8 | Ultimate elongation, 150FN019, 23 °C | Typical value printed in Table 4 of the Qnity Kapton summary of properties | grade 150FN019temperature 23 °C (73 °F)value basis typical value for film type | — |
| 9 | Ultimate elongation, 250FN029, 23 °C | Typical value printed in Table 4 of the Qnity Kapton summary of properties | grade 250FN029temperature 23 °C (73 °F)value basis typical value for film type | — |
| 10 | Tensile modulus, 120FN616, 23 °C | Typical value printed in Table 4 of the Qnity Kapton summary of properties | grade 120FN616temperature 23 °C (73 °F)value basis typical value for film type | — |
| 11 | Tensile modulus, 150FN019, 23 °C | Typical value printed in Table 4 of the Qnity Kapton summary of properties | grade 150FN019temperature 23 °C (73 °F)value basis typical value for film type | — |
| 12 | Tensile modulus, 250FN029, 23 °C | Typical value printed in Table 4 of the Qnity Kapton summary of properties | grade 250FN029temperature 23 °C (73 °F)value basis typical value for film type | — |
| 13 | Density, 120FN616 (summary) | Typical value printed in Table 4 of the Qnity Kapton summary of properties | grade 120FN616temperature 23 °C (73 °F)value basis typical value for film type | The Qnity product page prints 1.50 g/cc for the same grade; both are recorded. |
| 14 | Density, 150FN019 (summary) | Typical value printed in Table 4 of the Qnity Kapton summary of properties | grade 150FN019temperature 23 °C (73 °F)value basis typical value for film type | The Qnity product page prints 1.70 g/cc for the same grade; both are recorded. |
| 15 | Density, 250FN029 (summary) | Typical value printed in Table 4 of the Qnity Kapton summary of properties | grade 250FN029temperature 23 °C (73 °F)value basis typical value for film type | The Qnity product page prints 1.60 g/cc for the same grade; both are recorded. |
| 16 | Density, 120FN616 (product page) | Value printed in the grade table of the Qnity product page | grade 120FN616note grade table on the Qnity product page; no test temperature printed in the table | The Qnity summary of properties prints 1.53 g/cc for the same grade. |
| 17 | Density, 150FN019 (product page) | Value printed in the grade table of the Qnity product page | grade 150FN019note grade table on the Qnity product page; no test temperature printed in the table | The Qnity summary of properties prints 1.67 g/cc for the same grade. |
| 18 | Density, 250FN029 (product page) | Value printed in the grade table of the Qnity product page | grade 250FN029note grade table on the Qnity product page; no test temperature printed in the table | The Qnity summary of properties prints 1.57 g/cc for the same grade. |
| 19 | Dielectric strength, 120FN616, typical | Typical value printed in Table 8 of the Qnity Kapton summary of properties | grade 120FN616basis typical value; the summary prints V/µm and V/mil (6900)frequency not printed in Table 8 | — |
| 20 | Dielectric strength, 150FN019, typical | Typical value printed in Table 8 of the Qnity Kapton summary of properties | grade 150FN019basis typical value; the summary prints V/µm and V/mil (5000)frequency not printed in Table 8 | — |
| 21 | Dielectric strength, 250FN029, typical | Typical value printed in Table 8 of the Qnity Kapton summary of properties | grade 250FN029basis typical value; the summary prints V/µm and V/mil (5000)frequency not printed in Table 8 | — |
| 22 | Minimum breakdown strength, 120FN616 | Minimum value printed in Table 4 of the Qnity Kapton FN specification bulletin | grade 120FN616basis minimum breakdown, printed as 4,200 V/mil (165 kV/mm)test ASTM D-149-97, average of ten specimens, 60 cycles AC, 500 V/sec rate of rise, 1/4 in brass electrodes | The summary prints a typical 272 V/µm for the same construction; the two are different bases (minimum versus typical) and both are recorded. |
| 23 | Minimum breakdown strength, 150FN019 | Minimum value printed in Table 4 of the Qnity Kapton FN specification bulletin | grade 150FN019basis minimum breakdown, printed as 3,700 V/mil (146 kV/mm)test ASTM D-149-97, average of ten specimens, 60 cycles AC, 500 V/sec rate of rise | — |
| 24 | Minimum breakdown strength, 250FN029 | Minimum value printed in Table 4 of the Qnity Kapton FN specification bulletin | grade 250FN029basis minimum breakdown, printed as 2,750 V/mil (108 kV/mm)test ASTM D-149-97, average of ten specimens, 60 cycles AC, 500 V/sec rate of rise | — |
| 25 | Dielectric constant, 120FN616, typical | Typical value printed in Table 8 of the Qnity Kapton summary of properties | grade 120FN616basis typical valuefrequency not printed in Table 8 | — |
| 26 | Dielectric constant, 150FN019, typical | Typical value printed in Table 8 of the Qnity Kapton summary of properties | grade 150FN019basis typical valuefrequency not printed in Table 8 | — |
| 27 | Dielectric constant, 250FN029, typical | Typical value printed in Table 8 of the Qnity Kapton summary of properties | grade 250FN029basis typical valuefrequency not printed in Table 8 | — |
| 28 | Dissipation factor, 120FN616, typical | Typical value printed in Table 8 of the Qnity Kapton summary of properties | grade 120FN616basis typical valuefrequency not printed in Table 8 | — |
| 29 | Dissipation factor, 150FN019, typical | Typical value printed in Table 8 of the Qnity Kapton summary of properties | grade 150FN019basis typical valuefrequency not printed in Table 8 | — |
| 30 | Dissipation factor, 250FN029, typical | Typical value printed in Table 8 of the Qnity Kapton summary of properties | grade 250FN029basis typical valuefrequency not printed in Table 8 | — |
| 31 | Moisture absorption, 120FN616, 50% RH | Value printed in Table 11 of the Qnity Kapton summary of properties | grade 120FN616temperature 23 °C (73 °F)humidity 50% RH | — |
| 32 | Moisture absorption, 120FN616, 98% RH | Value printed in Table 11 of the Qnity Kapton summary of properties | grade 120FN616temperature 23 °C (73 °F)humidity 98% RH | — |
| 33 | Moisture absorption, 150FN019, 50% RH | Value printed in Table 11 of the Qnity Kapton summary of properties | grade 150FN019temperature 23 °C (73 °F)humidity 50% RH | — |
| 34 | Moisture absorption, 150FN019, 98% RH | Value printed in Table 11 of the Qnity Kapton summary of properties | grade 150FN019temperature 23 °C (73 °F)humidity 98% RH | — |
| 35 | Minimum seal peel strength, FN constructions other than 120FN616 | Minimum value stated in the Heat Seal Strength section of the Qnity Kapton FN specification bulletin | constructions all FN constructions except 120FN616seal jaw sealer at 350 °C (662 °F), 20 psig (1.4 bar), 20 sec dwellpeel between coated sides; printed as minimum 700 g/in (2.7 N/cm) | — |
| 36 | Minimum seal peel strength, 120FN616 | Minimum value stated in the Heat Seal Strength section of the Qnity Kapton FN specification bulletin | constructions 120FN616 onlyseal jaw sealer at 350 °C (662 °F), 20 psig (1.4 bar), 20 sec dwellpeel between coated sides; printed as minimum 450 g/in (1.7 N/cm) | — |
| 37 | UL electrical relative thermal index, Kapton FN series | Series-level value printed on the Qnity product page | standard UL 746Bseries Kapton FN series as printed on the product page; no grade named | — |
| 38 | UL mechanical strength relative thermal index, Kapton FN series | Series-level value printed on the Qnity product page | standard UL 746Bseries Kapton FN series as printed on the product page; no grade named | — |
| 39 | Polyimide content, 120FN616 | Value printed in Table 4 of the Qnity Kapton summary of properties | grade 120FN616fep wt percent 20construction 25.4 µm Kapton HN base with 2.54 µm FEP on each side (Table 16) | — |
| 40 | Polyimide content, 150FN019 | Value printed in Table 4 of the Qnity Kapton summary of properties | grade 150FN019fep wt percent 43construction 25.4 µm Kapton HN base with 12.7 µm FEP on one side (Table 16) | — |
| 41 | Polyimide content, 250FN029 | Value printed in Table 4 of the Qnity Kapton summary of properties | grade 250FN029fep wt percent 27construction 50.8 µm Kapton HN base with 12.7 µm FEP on one side (Table 16) | — |
Corrosion and compatibility
What happens when it meets other materials and environments.
| Environment | Concern | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Humid air, 23 °C, 50% and 98% relative humidity | not rated | FN film took up 1.3% water at 50% RH and 2.5% at 98% RH for 120FN616.1 |
| Ultraviolet light, oxygen and water in Earth's atmosphere | not rated | Kapton loses elongation when UV, oxygen and water act together in air; FN was not tested separately in the summary.2 |
| Heat ageing in air at 400 °C | not rated | Qnity's routine test ages the film at 400 °C for 2 hours and requires at least 10% elongation afterward.3 |
| # | Environment | Details | Test conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Humid air, 23 °C, 50% and 98% relative humidity | The summary of properties prints moisture absorption of 1.3% at 50% RH and 2.5% at 98% RH for 120FN616, and 0.8% and 1.7% for 150FN019. It says the FEP layer provides a moisture barrier. These are water-uptake figures, not a corrosion test. | basis printed moisture-absorption figures; no corrosion or humidity-ageing test printed for FNtemperature 23 °C (73 °F) |
| 2 | Ultraviolet light, oxygen and water in Earth's atmosphere | The summary says that in the atmosphere there is a synergistic effect on Kapton when it is directly exposed to some combinations of ultraviolet radiation, oxygen and water, shown as a loss of elongation in Florida panel tests and in an Atlas Weatherometer. The results are figures only, and no number is printed in the text. | basis statement about Kapton polyimide film in the summary's radiation section; no FN-specific test printedexposure Florida test panels and Atlas Weatherometer exposure (figures only) |
| 3 | Heat ageing in air at 400 °C | The bulletin says Kapton film is routinely aged freely suspended at 400 °C ±2 °C for 2 hours (1 hour for 30 and 50 gauge film), then tested on a tensile tester. The elongation should not be less than 10% after this ageing. The bulletin states this for the Kapton film it covers, and it gives no separate figure for FN. | basis routine manufacturing test as described in the bulletin; FN not named as a separate resulttemperature 400 °C ±2 °C (752 °F ±3.6 °F)duration 2 hr |
Risks and side effects
Hazards to people, what happens when a cell overheats, and how the material is handled and stored.
For people
The article information sheet for the Kapton HN base film lists no hazard classification. It does not name the FN product, so check the supplier data for the FN film you handle.
- The film
- The sheet lists no hazard statements and says inhalation and ingestion are not considered potential routes of exposure. Thick films have sharp edges that can cut.
- Fire
- The film is self-extinguishing and does not burn in air, though it burns in 100% oxygen. Above 400 °C (752 °F) it gives off carbon oxides and nitrogen oxides.
- Static
- Processing and unwrapping can generate static charge, so the sheet advises taking action to avoid static discharge.
If it overheats or ages
These results come from the manufacturer's sheet, the summary of properties and the bulletin's routine ageing test, not from failures of finished flight hardware.
- Heat
- The sheet lists temperature above 400 °C as a condition to avoid. Qnity's routine test ages the film at 400 °C for 2 hours and requires at least 10% elongation afterward.
- Sunlight and air
- In the summary's test panels, Kapton lost elongation when ultraviolet light, oxygen and water acted together. The results are shown only as figures.
Handling and storage
- Storage
- Keep the film dry at 20 - 30 °C, away from strong acids and strong oxidizers.
- Protection
- Wear safety glasses with side shields and impervious gloves. A dust respirator is needed only where airborne exposure could exceed limits.
Test details
The original wording and numbers from the sources, for readers who want them.
Failure risks
| Failure | Trigger and consequence |
|---|---|
| Overheating above 400 °Cmoderate severity | Temperature above 400 °C (752 °F)Decomposition to carbon oxides and nitrogen oxides, as the article information sheet states for the HN film. No decomposition temperature for the FEP layer is printed in the sources read. |
| Loss of elongation under UV, oxygen and watermoderate severity | Direct exposure to some combinations of ultraviolet radiation, oxygen and water in the atmosphereLoss of elongation, shown in Florida panel and Atlas Weatherometer tests. The summary gives the results as figures only. |
Side effects on surrounding parts
| Affects | Effect |
|---|---|
| Handling and the equipment that feeds the film | Processing and unwrapping the film can generate static charge. |
Handling and storage
- Store in a dry place at 20 - 30 °C, as the article information sheet advises for the HN film.
- Avoid breathing dust, take action to avoid static electricity discharge, and handle thick films with care because their edges can cut.
- Keep away from strong acids and strong oxidizers, which the sheet lists as incompatible.
Mitigations
- Wear safety glasses with side shields and impervious gloves. Wear a respirator with a dust or mist cartridge only where airborne exposure could exceed applicable limits.
Supply and geography
How common the raw materials are and where they come from.
Polyimide film (Kapton)
Monomer feedstock abundance was not found in any source read for this profile.
- Top producers (2025)
- not stated in source, not stated in source
- Recycling
- Not sourced.
Documents
Datasheets, safety data sheets, papers and standards you can open.
Full record
The complete spore, as stored. Free to reuse under CC-BY-4.0. Images keep the licence shown with each one.
Show the full YAML
spore: profile
id: pi-kapton-fn
spore_version: 0.2
family: polyimides
name: Kapton FN polyimide film (FEP-coated)
abbreviation: PI (Kapton FN)
role: heat-sealable insulating film
category: polymers
type: polyimides
summary: |
Kapton FN is Qnity's heat-sealable polyimide film: Kapton HN polyimide film with FEP fluoropolymer resin coated or laminated on one or both sides. For the 120FN616 construction, Qnity's summary of properties prints a typical ultimate tensile strength of 207 MPa at 23 °C (ASTM D-882-91, Method A). The FEP layer adds heat sealability and a moisture barrier, and the specification bulletin gives a minimum seal peel strength of 700 g/in for every construction except 120FN616, which is 450 g/in. Qnity prints two different densities for the same grades, so both are recorded.
best_for: Heat-sealable insulating film that needs a polyimide base, a fluoropolymer sealing layer and a moisture barrier
weakest_at: No flight or space-exposure data we read name an FN grade, and the two Qnity sources disagree on density
identity:
formula: 'Composite: Kapton HN polyimide film with FEP fluorocarbon resin on one or both sides'
source: qnity-bulletin
where: Product description (Kapton FN polyimide film) and Table 1, FN film types
designations:
- system: Trade name
code: 120FN616
note: Kapton FN construction code
source: qnity-page
where: Grade table, first row
- system: Trade name
code: 150FN019
note: Kapton FN construction code
source: qnity-page
where: Grade table, second row
- system: Trade name
code: 250FN029
note: Kapton FN construction code
source: qnity-page
where: Grade table, fourth row
tags:
applications:
- electronics-and-chips
- thermal-control
stresses:
- uv
properties:
- benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
label: Ultimate tensile strength, 120FN616, 23 °C
value: 207
unit: MPa
scope: material
conditions:
grade: 120FN616
temperature: 23 °C (73 °F)
value_basis: typical value for film type
test: 'ASTM D-882-91, Method A (Table 4 footnote: same test methods as Table 1)'
method: Typical value printed in Table 4 of the Qnity Kapton summary of properties
status: ground
source: qnity-summary
where: Table 4 (Physical Properties of Kapton Type FN Film), Ultimate Tensile Strength, 23 °C row
- benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
label: Ultimate tensile strength, 150FN019, 23 °C
value: 162
unit: MPa
scope: material
conditions:
grade: 150FN019
temperature: 23 °C (73 °F)
value_basis: typical value for film type
test: 'ASTM D-882-91, Method A (Table 4 footnote: same test methods as Table 1)'
method: Typical value printed in Table 4 of the Qnity Kapton summary of properties
status: ground
source: qnity-summary
where: Table 4 (Physical Properties of Kapton Type FN Film), Ultimate Tensile Strength, 23 °C row
- benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
label: Ultimate tensile strength, 250FN029, 23 °C
value: 200
unit: MPa
scope: material
conditions:
grade: 250FN029
temperature: 23 °C (73 °F)
value_basis: typical value for film type
test: 'ASTM D-882-91, Method A (Table 4 footnote: same test methods as Table 1)'
method: Typical value printed in Table 4 of the Qnity Kapton summary of properties
status: ground
source: qnity-summary
where: Table 4 (Physical Properties of Kapton Type FN Film), Ultimate Tensile Strength, 23 °C row
- benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
label: Ultimate tensile strength, 120FN616, 200 °C
value: 121
unit: MPa
scope: material
conditions:
grade: 120FN616
temperature: 200 °C (392 °F)
value_basis: typical value for film type
method: Typical value printed in Table 4 of the Qnity Kapton summary of properties
status: ground
source: qnity-summary
where: Table 4, Ultimate Tensile Strength, 200 °C row
- benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
label: Ultimate tensile strength, 150FN019, 200 °C
value: 89
unit: MPa
scope: material
conditions:
grade: 150FN019
temperature: 200 °C (392 °F)
value_basis: typical value for film type
method: Typical value printed in Table 4 of the Qnity Kapton summary of properties
status: ground
source: qnity-summary
where: Table 4, Ultimate Tensile Strength, 200 °C row
- benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
label: Ultimate tensile strength, 250FN029, 200 °C
value: 115
unit: MPa
scope: material
conditions:
grade: 250FN029
temperature: 200 °C (392 °F)
value_basis: typical value for film type
method: Typical value printed in Table 4 of the Qnity Kapton summary of properties
status: ground
source: qnity-summary
where: Table 4, Ultimate Tensile Strength, 200 °C row
- benchmark: elongation
label: Ultimate elongation, 120FN616, 23 °C
value: 75
unit: '%'
scope: material
conditions:
grade: 120FN616
temperature: 23 °C (73 °F)
value_basis: typical value for film type
method: Typical value printed in Table 4 of the Qnity Kapton summary of properties
status: ground
source: qnity-summary
where: Table 4, Ultimate Elongation, 23 °C row
- benchmark: elongation
label: Ultimate elongation, 150FN019, 23 °C
value: 70
unit: '%'
scope: material
conditions:
grade: 150FN019
temperature: 23 °C (73 °F)
value_basis: typical value for film type
method: Typical value printed in Table 4 of the Qnity Kapton summary of properties
status: ground
source: qnity-summary
where: Table 4, Ultimate Elongation, 23 °C row
- benchmark: elongation
label: Ultimate elongation, 250FN029, 23 °C
value: 85
unit: '%'
scope: material
conditions:
grade: 250FN029
temperature: 23 °C (73 °F)
value_basis: typical value for film type
method: Typical value printed in Table 4 of the Qnity Kapton summary of properties
status: ground
source: qnity-summary
where: Table 4, Ultimate Elongation, 23 °C row
- benchmark: elastic_modulus
label: Tensile modulus, 120FN616, 23 °C
value: 2.48
unit: GPa
scope: material
conditions:
grade: 120FN616
temperature: 23 °C (73 °F)
value_basis: typical value for film type
method: Typical value printed in Table 4 of the Qnity Kapton summary of properties
status: ground
source: qnity-summary
where: Table 4, Tensile Modulus, 23 °C row
- benchmark: elastic_modulus
label: Tensile modulus, 150FN019, 23 °C
value: 2.28
unit: GPa
scope: material
conditions:
grade: 150FN019
temperature: 23 °C (73 °F)
value_basis: typical value for film type
method: Typical value printed in Table 4 of the Qnity Kapton summary of properties
status: ground
source: qnity-summary
where: Table 4, Tensile Modulus, 23 °C row
- benchmark: elastic_modulus
label: Tensile modulus, 250FN029, 23 °C
value: 2.62
unit: GPa
scope: material
conditions:
grade: 250FN029
temperature: 23 °C (73 °F)
value_basis: typical value for film type
method: Typical value printed in Table 4 of the Qnity Kapton summary of properties
status: ground
source: qnity-summary
where: Table 4, Tensile Modulus, 23 °C row
- benchmark: density
label: Density, 120FN616 (summary)
value: 1.53
unit: g/cc
scope: material
conditions:
grade: 120FN616
temperature: 23 °C (73 °F)
value_basis: typical value for film type
method: Typical value printed in Table 4 of the Qnity Kapton summary of properties
status: ground
note: The Qnity product page prints 1.50 g/cc for the same grade; both are recorded.
source: qnity-summary
where: Table 4, Density row
- benchmark: density
label: Density, 150FN019 (summary)
value: 1.67
unit: g/cc
scope: material
conditions:
grade: 150FN019
temperature: 23 °C (73 °F)
value_basis: typical value for film type
method: Typical value printed in Table 4 of the Qnity Kapton summary of properties
status: ground
note: The Qnity product page prints 1.70 g/cc for the same grade; both are recorded.
source: qnity-summary
where: Table 4, Density row
- benchmark: density
label: Density, 250FN029 (summary)
value: 1.57
unit: g/cc
scope: material
conditions:
grade: 250FN029
temperature: 23 °C (73 °F)
value_basis: typical value for film type
method: Typical value printed in Table 4 of the Qnity Kapton summary of properties
status: ground
note: The Qnity product page prints 1.60 g/cc for the same grade; both are recorded.
source: qnity-summary
where: Table 4, Density row
- benchmark: density
label: Density, 120FN616 (product page)
value: 1.5
unit: g/cc
scope: material
conditions:
grade: 120FN616
note: grade table on the Qnity product page; no test temperature printed in the table
method: Value printed in the grade table of the Qnity product page
status: ground
note: The Qnity summary of properties prints 1.53 g/cc for the same grade.
source: qnity-page
where: Grade table, Density (g/cc) column, first row
- benchmark: density
label: Density, 150FN019 (product page)
value: 1.7
unit: g/cc
scope: material
conditions:
grade: 150FN019
note: grade table on the Qnity product page; no test temperature printed in the table
method: Value printed in the grade table of the Qnity product page
status: ground
note: The Qnity summary of properties prints 1.67 g/cc for the same grade.
source: qnity-page
where: Grade table, Density (g/cc) column, second row
- benchmark: density
label: Density, 250FN029 (product page)
value: 1.6
unit: g/cc
scope: material
conditions:
grade: 250FN029
note: grade table on the Qnity product page; no test temperature printed in the table
method: Value printed in the grade table of the Qnity product page
status: ground
note: The Qnity summary of properties prints 1.57 g/cc for the same grade.
source: qnity-page
where: Grade table, Density (g/cc) column, fourth row
- benchmark: dielectric_strength
label: Dielectric strength, 120FN616, typical
value: 272
unit: V/µm
scope: material
conditions:
grade: 120FN616
basis: typical value; the summary prints V/µm and V/mil (6900)
frequency: not printed in Table 8
method: Typical value printed in Table 8 of the Qnity Kapton summary of properties
status: ground
source: qnity-summary
where: Table 8 (Typical Electrical Properties of Kapton Type FN Film), Dielectric Strength row
- benchmark: dielectric_strength
label: Dielectric strength, 150FN019, typical
value: 197
unit: V/µm
scope: material
conditions:
grade: 150FN019
basis: typical value; the summary prints V/µm and V/mil (5000)
frequency: not printed in Table 8
method: Typical value printed in Table 8 of the Qnity Kapton summary of properties
status: ground
source: qnity-summary
where: Table 8, Dielectric Strength row
- benchmark: dielectric_strength
label: Dielectric strength, 250FN029, typical
value: 197
unit: V/µm
scope: material
conditions:
grade: 250FN029
basis: typical value; the summary prints V/µm and V/mil (5000)
frequency: not printed in Table 8
method: Typical value printed in Table 8 of the Qnity Kapton summary of properties
status: ground
source: qnity-summary
where: Table 8, Dielectric Strength row
- benchmark: dielectric_strength
label: Minimum breakdown strength, 120FN616
value: 165
unit: kV/mm
scope: material
conditions:
grade: 120FN616
basis: minimum breakdown, printed as 4,200 V/mil (165 kV/mm)
test: ASTM D-149-97, average of ten specimens, 60 cycles AC, 500 V/sec rate of rise, 1/4 in brass electrodes
method: Minimum value printed in Table 4 of the Qnity Kapton FN specification bulletin
status: ground
note: The summary prints a typical 272 V/µm for the same construction; the two are different bases (minimum versus typical) and both are recorded.
source: qnity-bulletin
where: Table 4 (Dielectric Strength of Kapton FN polyimide film), 120FN616 row
- benchmark: dielectric_strength
label: Minimum breakdown strength, 150FN019
value: 146
unit: kV/mm
scope: material
conditions:
grade: 150FN019
basis: minimum breakdown, printed as 3,700 V/mil (146 kV/mm)
test: ASTM D-149-97, average of ten specimens, 60 cycles AC, 500 V/sec rate of rise
method: Minimum value printed in Table 4 of the Qnity Kapton FN specification bulletin
status: ground
source: qnity-bulletin
where: Table 4, 150FN019 row
- benchmark: dielectric_strength
label: Minimum breakdown strength, 250FN029
value: 108
unit: kV/mm
scope: material
conditions:
grade: 250FN029
basis: minimum breakdown, printed as 2,750 V/mil (108 kV/mm)
test: ASTM D-149-97, average of ten specimens, 60 cycles AC, 500 V/sec rate of rise
method: Minimum value printed in Table 4 of the Qnity Kapton FN specification bulletin
status: ground
source: qnity-bulletin
where: Table 4, 250FN029 row
- benchmark: dielectric_constant
label: Dielectric constant, 120FN616, typical
value: 3.1
unit: '-'
scope: material
conditions:
grade: 120FN616
basis: typical value
frequency: not printed in Table 8
method: Typical value printed in Table 8 of the Qnity Kapton summary of properties
status: ground
source: qnity-summary
where: Table 8, Dielectric Constant row
- benchmark: dielectric_constant
label: Dielectric constant, 150FN019, typical
value: 2.7
unit: '-'
scope: material
conditions:
grade: 150FN019
basis: typical value
frequency: not printed in Table 8
method: Typical value printed in Table 8 of the Qnity Kapton summary of properties
status: ground
source: qnity-summary
where: Table 8, Dielectric Constant row
- benchmark: dielectric_constant
label: Dielectric constant, 250FN029, typical
value: 3
unit: '-'
scope: material
conditions:
grade: 250FN029
basis: typical value
frequency: not printed in Table 8
method: Typical value printed in Table 8 of the Qnity Kapton summary of properties
status: ground
source: qnity-summary
where: Table 8, Dielectric Constant row
- benchmark: dissipation_factor
label: Dissipation factor, 120FN616, typical
value: 0.0015
unit: '-'
scope: material
conditions:
grade: 120FN616
basis: typical value
frequency: not printed in Table 8
method: Typical value printed in Table 8 of the Qnity Kapton summary of properties
status: ground
source: qnity-summary
where: Table 8, Dissipation Factor row
- benchmark: dissipation_factor
label: Dissipation factor, 150FN019, typical
value: 0.0013
unit: '-'
scope: material
conditions:
grade: 150FN019
basis: typical value
frequency: not printed in Table 8
method: Typical value printed in Table 8 of the Qnity Kapton summary of properties
status: ground
source: qnity-summary
where: Table 8, Dissipation Factor row
- benchmark: dissipation_factor
label: Dissipation factor, 250FN029, typical
value: 0.0013
unit: '-'
scope: material
conditions:
grade: 250FN029
basis: typical value
frequency: not printed in Table 8
method: Typical value printed in Table 8 of the Qnity Kapton summary of properties
status: ground
source: qnity-summary
where: Table 8, Dissipation Factor row
- benchmark: moisture_absorption
label: Moisture absorption, 120FN616, 50% RH
value: 1.3
unit: '%'
scope: material
conditions:
grade: 120FN616
temperature: 23 °C (73 °F)
humidity: 50% RH
method: Value printed in Table 11 of the Qnity Kapton summary of properties
status: ground
source: qnity-summary
where: Table 11 (Chemical Properties of Kapton Type FN Film), Moisture Absorption, 50% RH row
- benchmark: moisture_absorption
label: Moisture absorption, 120FN616, 98% RH
value: 2.5
unit: '%'
scope: material
conditions:
grade: 120FN616
temperature: 23 °C (73 °F)
humidity: 98% RH
method: Value printed in Table 11 of the Qnity Kapton summary of properties
status: ground
source: qnity-summary
where: Table 11, Moisture Absorption, 98% RH row
- benchmark: moisture_absorption
label: Moisture absorption, 150FN019, 50% RH
value: 0.8
unit: '%'
scope: material
conditions:
grade: 150FN019
temperature: 23 °C (73 °F)
humidity: 50% RH
method: Value printed in Table 11 of the Qnity Kapton summary of properties
status: ground
source: qnity-summary
where: Table 11, Moisture Absorption, 50% RH row
- benchmark: moisture_absorption
label: Moisture absorption, 150FN019, 98% RH
value: 1.7
unit: '%'
scope: material
conditions:
grade: 150FN019
temperature: 23 °C (73 °F)
humidity: 98% RH
method: Value printed in Table 11 of the Qnity Kapton summary of properties
status: ground
source: qnity-summary
where: Table 11, Moisture Absorption, 98% RH row
- benchmark: heat_seal_peel_strength
label: Minimum seal peel strength, FN constructions other than 120FN616
value: 700
unit: g/in
scope: material
conditions:
constructions: all FN constructions except 120FN616
seal: jaw sealer at 350 °C (662 °F), 20 psig (1.4 bar), 20 sec dwell
peel: between coated sides; printed as minimum 700 g/in (2.7 N/cm)
method: Minimum value stated in the Heat Seal Strength section of the Qnity Kapton FN specification bulletin
status: ground
source: qnity-bulletin
where: Properties of Kapton FN Polyimide Film, Heat Seal Strength, Film-to-Film Seals
- benchmark: heat_seal_peel_strength
label: Minimum seal peel strength, 120FN616
value: 450
unit: g/in
scope: material
conditions:
constructions: 120FN616 only
seal: jaw sealer at 350 °C (662 °F), 20 psig (1.4 bar), 20 sec dwell
peel: between coated sides; printed as minimum 450 g/in (1.7 N/cm)
method: Minimum value stated in the Heat Seal Strength section of the Qnity Kapton FN specification bulletin
status: ground
source: qnity-bulletin
where: Properties of Kapton FN Polyimide Film, Heat Seal Strength, Film-to-Film Seals
- benchmark: ul_electrical_rti
label: UL electrical relative thermal index, Kapton FN series
value: 240
unit: °C
scope: material
conditions:
standard: UL 746B
series: Kapton FN series as printed on the product page; no grade named
method: Series-level value printed on the Qnity product page
status: ground
source: qnity-page
where: Series-level properties table, UL Electrical RTI row
- benchmark: ul_mechanical_rti
label: UL mechanical strength relative thermal index, Kapton FN series
value: 200
unit: °C
scope: material
conditions:
standard: UL 746B
series: Kapton FN series as printed on the product page; no grade named
method: Series-level value printed on the Qnity product page
status: ground
source: qnity-page
where: Series-level properties table, UL Mechanical Strength RTI row
- benchmark: polyimide_content
label: Polyimide content, 120FN616
value: 80
unit: wt%
scope: material
conditions:
grade: 120FN616
fep_wt_percent: 20
construction: 25.4 µm Kapton HN base with 2.54 µm FEP on each side (Table 16)
method: Value printed in Table 4 of the Qnity Kapton summary of properties
status: ground
source: qnity-summary
where: Table 4, Polyimide, wt% row; Table 16 (Type FN Film Constructions)
- benchmark: polyimide_content
label: Polyimide content, 150FN019
value: 57
unit: wt%
scope: material
conditions:
grade: 150FN019
fep_wt_percent: 43
construction: 25.4 µm Kapton HN base with 12.7 µm FEP on one side (Table 16)
method: Value printed in Table 4 of the Qnity Kapton summary of properties
status: ground
source: qnity-summary
where: Table 4, Polyimide, wt% row; Table 16
- benchmark: polyimide_content
label: Polyimide content, 250FN029
value: 73
unit: wt%
scope: material
conditions:
grade: 250FN029
fep_wt_percent: 27
construction: 50.8 µm Kapton HN base with 12.7 µm FEP on one side (Table 16)
method: Value printed in Table 4 of the Qnity Kapton summary of properties
status: ground
source: qnity-summary
where: Table 4, Polyimide, wt% row; Table 16
corrosion:
- environment: Humid air, 23 °C, 50% and 98% relative humidity
headline: FN film took up 1.3% water at 50% RH and 2.5% at 98% RH for 120FN616.
effect: The summary of properties prints moisture absorption of 1.3% at 50% RH and 2.5% at 98% RH for 120FN616, and 0.8% and 1.7% for 150FN019. It says the FEP layer provides a moisture barrier. These are water-uptake figures, not a corrosion test.
rating: unknown
conditions:
basis: printed moisture-absorption figures; no corrosion or humidity-ageing test printed for FN
temperature: 23 °C (73 °F)
source: qnity-summary
where: Table 11 (Chemical Properties of Kapton Type FN Film); Kapton FN description
- environment: Ultraviolet light, oxygen and water in Earth's atmosphere
headline: Kapton loses elongation when UV, oxygen and water act together in air; FN was not tested separately in the summary.
effect: The summary says that in the atmosphere there is a synergistic effect on Kapton when it is directly exposed to some combinations of ultraviolet radiation, oxygen and water, shown as a loss of elongation in Florida panel tests and in an Atlas Weatherometer. The results are figures only, and no number is printed in the text.
rating: unknown
conditions:
basis: statement about Kapton polyimide film in the summary's radiation section; no FN-specific test printed
exposure: Florida test panels and Atlas Weatherometer exposure (figures only)
source: qnity-summary
where: Radiation Resistance section, UV paragraph and Figures 23 and 24
- environment: Heat ageing in air at 400 °C
headline: Qnity's routine test ages the film at 400 °C for 2 hours and requires at least 10% elongation afterward.
effect: The bulletin says Kapton film is routinely aged freely suspended at 400 °C ±2 °C for 2 hours (1 hour for 30 and 50 gauge film), then tested on a tensile tester. The elongation should not be less than 10% after this ageing. The bulletin states this for the Kapton film it covers, and it gives no separate figure for FN.
rating: unknown
conditions:
basis: routine manufacturing test as described in the bulletin; FN not named as a separate result
temperature: 400 °C ±2 °C (752 °F ±3.6 °F)
duration: 2 hr
source: qnity-bulletin
where: Thermal Durability section
risks:
hazards:
- text: 'DuPont article information sheet for Kapton HN and related films (version 2.2, revision date 11/30/2016): it lists no hazard classification or hazard statements and calls the product an article. It names no FN product, so it is the nearest hazard data for the HN base film.'
ghs: []
source: dupont-ais
where: Hazards identification and product information sections
- text: The same sheet says the film does not readily burn or support combustion, is self-extinguishing, and will burn and char in 100% oxygen but does not burn in air. Thick films have sharp edges that can cause cuts.
ghs: []
source: dupont-ais
where: Firefighting measures and Handling and storage sections
- text: The same sheet lists temperature above 400 °C (752 °F) as a condition to avoid, with carbon oxides and nitrogen oxides (NOx) as hazardous decomposition products.
ghs: []
source: dupont-ais
where: Stability and reactivity, under Hazards identification
failure_risks:
- mode: Overheating above 400 °C
trigger: Temperature above 400 °C (752 °F)
consequence: Decomposition to carbon oxides and nitrogen oxides, as the article information sheet states for the HN film. No decomposition temperature for the FEP layer is printed in the sources read.
severity: moderate
source: dupont-ais
where: Stability and reactivity, under Hazards identification
- mode: Loss of elongation under UV, oxygen and water
trigger: Direct exposure to some combinations of ultraviolet radiation, oxygen and water in the atmosphere
consequence: Loss of elongation, shown in Florida panel and Atlas Weatherometer tests. The summary gives the results as figures only.
severity: moderate
source: qnity-summary
where: Radiation Resistance section, UV paragraph
side_effects:
- text: Processing and unwrapping the film can generate static charge.
affects: Handling and the equipment that feeds the film
source: dupont-ais
where: Firefighting measures section
handling:
- text: Store in a dry place at 20 - 30 °C, as the article information sheet advises for the HN film.
source: dupont-ais
where: Handling and storage section
- text: Avoid breathing dust, take action to avoid static electricity discharge, and handle thick films with care because their edges can cut.
source: dupont-ais
where: Advice on safe handling, under Handling and storage
- text: Keep away from strong acids and strong oxidizers, which the sheet lists as incompatible.
source: dupont-ais
where: Stability and reactivity, Incompatibility
mitigations:
- text: Wear safety glasses with side shields and impervious gloves. Wear a respirator with a dust or mist cartridge only where airborne exposure could exceed applicable limits.
source: dupont-ais
where: Exposure controls and personal protection section
uses:
- application: electronics-and-chips
device: Heater circuits, tubing, heat-sealable bags and electrical insulation
example: Qnity's product page lists heater circuits, tubing, heat-sealable bags, automotive diaphragms and manifolds, and electrical insulation as applications of Kapton FN. No aerospace application is named on the page.
source: qnity-page
where: Applications section of the product page
- application: thermal-control
device: Aluminized Kapton polyimide multilayer insulation (MLI) on a space experiment tray
example: A NASA report on Space Station WP-2 blankets describes aluminized Kapton polyimide MLI on LDEF tray F-9 and expects the blanket to last 30 years in low Earth orbit. The report names no Kapton grade and no FEP coating, so it does not show flight use of FN.
source: smith1994
where: Results of LDEF Space Exposure and WP-2 blanket requirements sections
supply:
- subject: Polyimide film (Kapton)
abundance: Monomer feedstock abundance was not found in any source read for this profile.
producers:
- name: DuPont
note: Kapton was invented by DuPont in the 1960s (Wikipedia, Kapton)
country: not stated in source
- name: Qnity Electronics
note: As of November 2025, Kapton is manufactured by Qnity Electronics, a spinoff of DuPont (Wikipedia, Kapton)
country: not stated in source
year: 2025
critical_lists: []
recycling: Not sourced.
substitutes: []
source: wiki-kapton
where: Manufacturers paragraph
media: []
documents:
- title: 'Qnity Electronics product page: Kapton FN polyimide film'
type: datasheet
url: https://www.qnityelectronics.com/products/kapton-fn-polyimide-film
year: 2026
- title: Qnity Kapton polyimide film specification bulletin (Kapton HN, FN and HPP-ST; Tables 1 to 6), undated PDF
type: datasheet
url: https://ekce-p-001.sitecorecontenthub.cloud/api/public/content/599767bd7af84d92827184ea3728c2b3?v=5670ee5b
year: 2026
- title: Qnity Kapton summary of properties (Types HN, FN and HPP-ST; Tables 4, 8, 11 and 16), undated PDF
type: datasheet
url: https://ekce-p-001.sitecorecontenthub.cloud/api/public/content/810b258c62404e42855984f345fdf8d7?v=a2916962
year: 2026
- title: 'DuPont article information sheet: Kapton FPC, HN, HPP-ST, PST, VN, V, GS (0.3 - 2 mil), version 2.2'
type: sds
url: https://www.boedeker.com/Portals/0/Safety%20Data%20Sheets%20SDS/Kapton-Film-Dupont-Safety-Data-Sheet-SDS-11-30-2016.PDF
year: 2016
- title: 'NASA: Space Station WP-2 Application of LDEF MLI Results (NTRS 19940026511)'
type: report
url: https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/19940026511
year: 1994
gaps:
- No flight, space-exposure, atomic-oxygen or vacuum result for an FN grade was found. The only space source (NASA WP-2 paper) names no Kapton grade and no FEP coating, so FN flight heritage is not shown.
- Density is printed twice for each grade with different values (summary 1.53, 1.67 and 1.57 g/cc; product page 1.50, 1.70 and 1.60 g/cc). Both are recorded and neither is picked as correct.
- The bulletin's Table 2 and Table 3 mechanical, thermal and electrical values (including dielectric constant, dissipation factor, volume resistivity and moisture absorption) are printed for Kapton HN base film, not for FN constructions, so they are not recorded here as FN values.
- Volume resistivity for FN (summary Table 8) is printed with exponents (1.4 ×1017 and similar). It is left out because the exponent does not print cleanly.
- Chemical resistance is printed only for Kapton HN (summary Table 10) and for three FN constructions in Table 11 that show moisture data, not solvent or acid resistance. No FN chemical-resistance result was recorded.
- The UV and radiation results are shown as bar graphs or figures (Figures 23 and 24 and the radiation tables). No FN number was taken from a graph.
- The UL RTI values come from the product page as single series values. The bulletin prints ranges of 200 to 220 °C (mechanical) and 220 to 240 °C (electrical), depending on gauge and type; the ranges are not recorded as separate rows.
- The article information sheet covers Kapton HN and related films but does not name FN. No SDS or PubChem GHS record for Kapton FN was found, so hazard entries rest on the HN sheet and the FN summary.
- 'Supply data are thin: Wikipedia names the manufacturers without countries or volumes, and no production share, feedstock abundance or critical-mineral list for polyimide film was found in the sources read.'
- Web search was not available during this run, so producer and space-flight sources beyond the pages listed were not checked.
sources:
qnity-page:
title: Kapton FN polyimide film (Qnity Electronics product page, grade and series property tables)
id: Qnity Electronics product page
url: https://www.qnityelectronics.com/products/kapton-fn-polyimide-film
year: 2026
kind: datasheet
license: manufacturer web page, linked not reproduced
qnity-bulletin:
title: Kapton polyimide film specifications bulletin (Qnity; Kapton HN, FN and HPP-ST; Tables 1 to 6)
id: Qnity Kapton specification bulletin (undated PDF)
url: https://ekce-p-001.sitecorecontenthub.cloud/api/public/content/599767bd7af84d92827184ea3728c2b3?v=5670ee5b
year: 2026
kind: datasheet
license: manufacturer document, linked not reproduced
qnity-summary:
title: Kapton summary of properties (Qnity; Types HN, FN and HPP-ST; Tables 4, 8, 11 and 16)
id: Qnity Kapton summary of properties (undated PDF)
url: https://ekce-p-001.sitecorecontenthub.cloud/api/public/content/810b258c62404e42855984f345fdf8d7?v=a2916962
year: 2026
kind: datasheet
license: manufacturer document, linked not reproduced
dupont-ais:
title: 'Article Information Sheet: DuPont Kapton FPC; HN; HPP-ST; PST; VN; V; GS (0.3 - 2 mil)'
id: Version 2.2, revision date 11/30/2016, Ref. 150000003827
url: https://www.boedeker.com/Portals/0/Safety%20Data%20Sheets%20SDS/Kapton-Film-Dupont-Safety-Data-Sheet-SDS-11-30-2016.PDF
year: 2016
kind: datasheet
license: manufacturer document, linked not reproduced
smith1994:
title: Space Station WP-2 Application of LDEF MLI Results
id: NTRS 19940026511
url: https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/19940026511
year: 1994
kind: report
license: NASA NTRS document, linked not reproduced
wiki-kapton:
title: Wikipedia, Kapton (manufacturers and monomers)
url: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kapton
kind: web
license: CC BY-SA (Wikipedia)
wiki-polyimide:
title: Wikipedia, Polyimide (polymer class, thermal stability, use in spacecraft MLI)
url: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyimide
kind: web
license: CC BY-SA (Wikipedia)
wiki-fep:
title: Wikipedia, Fluorinated ethylene propylene (copolymer definition)
url: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fluorinated_ethylene_propylene
kind: web
license: CC BY-SA (Wikipedia)
license: CC-BY-4.0
updated: '2026-11-01'
review:
status: draft
method: assistant
checked_values: 41
unreachable: 0
caveats: 4
note: 'Written by an AI assistant on 2026-11-01. Values were read from text extracted from the Qnity specification bulletin and summary of properties PDFs and from the Qnity product page. Caveats: density is printed with different values in two Qnity sources; FN dielectric and moisture values are typical; UL RTI values are series-level; no FN space-flight data were found.'
story:
recipe:
line: Kapton FN is a composite of Kapton HN polyimide film with FEP fluorocarbon resin on one or both sides. Qnity's bulletin describes it as combining Kapton HN with FEP in a composite structure. Weight shares are printed for three constructions.
parts:
- name: Kapton HN polyimide film
share_note: 80 wt% in 120FN616, 57 wt% in 150FN019, 73 wt% in 250FN029 (summary, Table 4)
role: The base film. It carries the polyimide's thermal, mechanical and electrical properties.
- name: FEP fluorocarbon resin
share_note: 20 wt% in 120FN616, 43 wt% in 150FN019, 27 wt% in 250FN029 (summary, Table 4)
role: The heat-sealable layer on one or both sides. The summary says it adds heat sealability, a moisture barrier and better chemical resistance.
risk_groups:
- title: For people
level: 1
verdict: No hazard classification listed; watch cuts and static
lead: The article information sheet for the Kapton HN base film lists no hazard classification. It does not name the FN product, so check the supplier data for the FN film you handle.
points:
- label: The film
line: The sheet lists no hazard statements and says inhalation and ingestion are not considered potential routes of exposure. Thick films have sharp edges that can cut.
- label: Fire
line: The film is self-extinguishing and does not burn in air, though it burns in 100% oxygen. Above 400 °C (752 °F) it gives off carbon oxides and nitrogen oxides.
- label: Static
line: Processing and unwrapping can generate static charge, so the sheet advises taking action to avoid static discharge.
- title: If it overheats or ages
lead: These results come from the manufacturer's sheet, the summary of properties and the bulletin's routine ageing test, not from failures of finished flight hardware.
points:
- label: Heat
line: The sheet lists temperature above 400 °C as a condition to avoid. Qnity's routine test ages the film at 400 °C for 2 hours and requires at least 10% elongation afterward.
- label: Sunlight and air
line: In the summary's test panels, Kapton lost elongation when ultraviolet light, oxygen and water acted together. The results are shown only as figures.
- title: Handling and storage
points:
- label: Storage
line: Keep the film dry at 20 - 30 °C, away from strong acids and strong oxidizers.
- label: Protection
line: Wear safety glasses with side shields and impervious gloves. A dust respirator is needed only where airborne exposure could exceed limits.
why: Kapton FN is Kapton HN polyimide film with FEP fluorocarbon resin on one or both sides. The polyimide keeps the high-temperature insulation behaviour of the base film, and the FEP layer adds a heat-sealable surface and a moisture barrier. Qnity describes FN as a heat-sealable grade for flexible insulation, heater circuits and bags. The summary of properties does not name a space application for FN, and the only space source read describes plain Kapton MLI without naming a grade. A designer who needs a sealable, insulating film would choose FN for those properties, and the sources read for this profile do not show that FN has flown.
uses:
- where: Heater circuits, tubing and electrical insulation
line: Qnity's product page lists heater circuits, tubing, heat-sealable bags, automotive diaphragms and manifolds, and electrical insulation as uses of Kapton FN. No aerospace use is named on the page.
- where: Space thermal blankets (Kapton, grade not stated)
line: A NASA report on Space Station WP-2 blankets describes aluminized Kapton polyimide multilayer insulation on LDEF tray F-9 and expects the blanket to last 30 years in low Earth orbit. The report names no Kapton grade and no FEP coating.
can_do:
- label: Strength
value: 207 MPa
line: The 120FN616 construction has a typical ultimate tensile strength of 207 MPa at 23 °C and an elongation at break of 75% (summary, Table 4, ASTM D-882-91 Method A).
- label: Insulation
value: 272 V/µm
line: 120FN616 has a typical dielectric strength of 272 V/µm and a dielectric constant of 3.1 (summary, Table 8). The bulletin's minimum breakdown for the same construction is 165 kV/mm.
- label: Heat sealing
value: 700 g/in
line: Coated sides seal to a minimum peel strength of 700 g/in (2.7 N/cm) for constructions other than 120FN616, which has 450 g/in (1.7 N/cm). The test seals at 350 °C (662 °F), 20 psig and 20 sec dwell (bulletin).
- label: Moisture
value: 2.5% at 98% RH
line: 120FN616 takes up 1.3% water at 50% RH and 2.5% at 98% RH at 23 °C (summary, Table 11). The summary says the FEP layer provides a moisture barrier.
- label: Thermal index
value: 240 °C electrical
line: The Qnity product page lists a UL electrical relative thermal index of 240 °C and a mechanical value of 200 °C under UL 746B, for the Kapton FN series.
compare: Among the three printed FN constructions, 120FN616 has the highest tensile strength at 23 °C (207 MPa) and the highest typical dielectric strength (272 V/µm), but its minimum breakdown (165 kV/mm) is above 150FN019 (146 kV/mm) and 250FN029 (108 kV/mm). 250FN029 has the highest elongation at 23 °C (85%) and the highest tensile modulus (2.62 GPa). 150FN019 takes up less water at 98% RH (1.7%) than 120FN616 (2.5%); the summary prints no moisture figure for 250FN029. The bulletin's and the summary's densities for the same grades differ, so the density comparison is shown with both values. The bulletin's HN base-film tables are not recorded here as FN values.
compare_rows:
- label: Density (summary values)
benchmark: density
- label: Tensile strength at 23 °C
benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
- label: Dielectric strength
benchmark: dielectric_strength
handling:
- Store in a dry place at 20 to 30 °C, away from strong acids and strong oxidizers.
- Avoid breathing dust and take action against static discharge when unwrapping the film.
- Thick films have sharp edges. Wear safety glasses with side shields and impervious gloves.
- Keep the film below 400 °C, above which the sheet lists carbon oxides and nitrogen oxides as decomposition products.
good_for:
- Heat sealing. Coated sides seal with a minimum peel strength of 700 g/in for most constructions (bulletin).
- Moisture-resistant insulation. The FEP layer gives a moisture barrier (summary); 120FN616 takes up 2.5% water at 98% RH.
- Insulation in thin gauges. 120FN616 has a typical dielectric strength of 272 V/µm.
watch_out:
- No flight data for an FN grade were found, and the space-exposure data read for Kapton are for other grades or films.
- Density values differ between Qnity's two sources for each grade (1.53 against 1.50 for 120FN616, 1.67 against 1.70 for 150FN019 and 1.57 against 1.60 for 250FN029).
- Loss of elongation under UV, oxygen and water in air; the summary shows it only in figures.
verdict: Kapton FN is a heat-sealable version of Kapton HN film with a FEP layer that adds sealing and a moisture barrier. Its space record is thin in the sources read, so treat it as a ground-tested insulating film unless the grade is qualified for flight.
References
Every number above carries a reference number. Click one to see the source and where in it the value comes from.
| # | Source | Type | Year | Used for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kapton FN polyimide film (Qnity Electronics product page, grade and series property tables) | datasheet | 2026 | 6 values | |
| Kapton polyimide film specifications bulletin (Qnity; Kapton HN, FN and HPP-ST; Tables 1 to 6) | datasheet | 2026 | 7 values | |
| Kapton summary of properties (Qnity; Types HN, FN and HPP-ST; Tables 4, 8, 11 and 16) | datasheet | 2026 | 34 values | |
| Article Information Sheet: DuPont Kapton FPC; HN; HPP-ST; PST; VN; V; GS (0.3 - 2 mil) | datasheet | 2016 | 9 values | |
| Space Station WP-2 Application of LDEF MLI Results | report | 1994 | 1 value | |
| Wikipedia, Kapton (manufacturers and monomers) | web | 1 value | ||
| Wikipedia, Polyimide (polymer class, thermal stability, use in spacecraft MLI) | web | 0 values | ||
| Wikipedia, Fluorinated ethylene propylene (copolymer definition) | web | 0 values |
Updated