A new coextruded film provides ultraviolet and otherprotection to vertical laminates used on exterior structures.

"The film brings optimal UV protection," says MichaelGolder, worldwide manager of high pressure laminate films for EvonikIndustries. "It absorbs more than 98 percent of the UV rays."

The base layer of the film, designated Europlex^(R) HC 99716 Film, is 45 micronsof pure polymethyl methacrylate, a transparent thermoplastic also known asacrylic. The top layer is polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), a non-reactive andpure thermoplastic fluoropolymer. The PVDF was added by Evonik to provide anadditional layer of protection. "Anti-graffitti properties come from the verylow surface tension of PVDF," says Golder. "Nothing sticks to it."

One of the key features of the film is its ability tochemically adhere to melamine, a substrate that gives the laminate structuralstrength. Special reactive components were added to the base resin so that itwould adhere to melamine. No adhesives are required.

Use of high-pressure laminates as a building facade has beenrapidly growing in Europe and Asia. Totalworldwide use is estimated at 2 million sq ft. One use is to protect a woodensurface, or to simulate a wooden surface through use of a melaminic resin-impregnateddecoration paper. Golder says than an effort to market the material in North America will be launched in early 2010.

So far the focus is architectural faces. But Golder saysother applications may be coming. For example, horizontal coverings arepossible if scratch resistance of the panels can be improved. Price of the filmis approximately 34 cents per square foot ( euro 3.50 per square meter).

New Protective Film Pairs Acrylic with PVDF A