Top 8 Applications & Innovations with Norgard® Specialty Films
As we ring in the New Year, we’re excited to unroll new possibilities, projects and products with both passion and promise. In 2024, our resolution involves better serving various markets with a broad product portfolio for specific bonding, protection and insulation needs. Whether our customers need high-strength bonding, permanent fixation, masking, cushioning, gasketing, thermal control, isolation, coil winding, harness wrapping or more, our unique products are here to serve the most challenging demands. These products fall under the Norseal®, Norbond® and Norgard product portfolios.
With the exciting addition of the Norgard product family, we’re taking on 2024 and diving into the era of innovation. These unique film products expand our capabilities and offerings in the electronics, life sciences, alternative energy, aerospace and other markets.
Here are the top 8 insights into the pivotal role of Norgard Specialty Films, key applications and new innovations worth exploring!
In this article
- 1. Photovoltaic and Solar Applications
- 2. Aerospace and Composite Molding
- 3. Filter Membranes
- 4. Protection of Signage
- 5. Life Science Materials
- 6. Enabling Clean & Efficient Storage and Transport of Energy
- 7. Supporting the Future of Farming
- 8. Reliable and Long-Lasting Electronics
- A Perfect Fit to the Bonding, Protection and Insulation Solutions Portfolio
With the evolving solar industry, Norgard Specialty Films provide the necessary moisture barrier and protection needed in solar panels. These films maximize efficiencies by enhancing light transmission and reducing glare. They have excellent transparency and resistance to corrosion, UV radiation and extreme temperatures. Due to electrical, surface, weather and thermal insulation properties, these products are suited for providing electrical insulation and protection for the solar cells and associated components. Thin film solar cells can also transport charge carriers generated through sunlight absorption and convert it into electricity.
In aerospace applications, Norgard films offer game-changing solutions due to their ability to be customized, superior strength, conformability and use temperature of up to 400° F. FEP-RF and ETFE-RF Release films have exceptional chemical resistance in the most aggressive environments, making them ideal for composite aerospace molding applications.
Norgard Zitex® exhibits outstanding chemical compatibility and thermal stability, with the ability to withstand any type of corrosive fluid. Inherently hydrophobic, Zitex prevents the passage of liquid solutions below their initiation pressures while allowing for the free passage of gasses. Due to these characteristics, Zitex products are ideal hydrophobic venting material that provides pressure equalization in liquid packaging containers. During chemical transport they prevent the trapping of vapors within the drum so that it does not burst during transport, ensuring safety and reliability.
Signage isn’t going away anytime soon. It is more than just a cost-effective marketing solution to promote brand and product awareness, it also provides information and direction that can ensure we arrive when and where we need. However, the longevity of signage depends on durability and the ability to survive against challenging environmental conditions. Norgard products, such as ETFE, work behind the scenes to alleviate and protect signage from extreme temperatures, chemical exposure and the effects of long-term outdoor aging.
Due to low-temperature flexibility and chemical inertness, Norgard Specialty Films are the product of choice for utilization in medical and life science fluid bags. These bags are often used in genetic studies and biotechnology to collect, prepare and store tissue samples. Norgard products are optically transparent and have low haze. They have excellent thermal and chemical resistance, anti-stick properties and are thermoformable and heat sealable. Their low temperature flexibility makes them well-suited for applications such as within cryogenic sample bags.
As the search for clean sources of energy amplifies, innovations in material applications that support sustainable and responsible energy production cannot be ignored. Norgard products are worth exploring when it comes to both hydrogen production and distribution. They can provide hydrophobic barrier solutions inside hydrogen fuel cells and electrolyzers when used as gaskets, seals and separators. Engineered to provide a range of properties such as high gas and moisture barrier, chemical resistance, thermal stability and optical clarity, these products can be tailored for specific performance needs. In the most challenging environments, these products can enhance the performance of electrolyzers and fuel cells and maximizing performance and longevity of the cell stacks.
Indoor farming supports the next evolution of food production. With innovations in the greenhouse industries, sustainable growing is here to stay. It will transform agriculture as we know it by maximizing crop yields and contributing to a reduction of the carbon footprint associated with food production. We’re exploring the many ways in which Norgard Specialty Films can be utilized to ensure excellent performance in architectural roofing designs and greenhouses. Lightweight film products, such as our ETFE, offer more durability than alternative solutions like polyesters. Additionally, they can be engineered to include specific filters within the films to provide ideal lighting and UV for specific plants to grow, improving crop productivity.
Our Norgard Specialty Films serve as a great dielectric insulator within electronic applications. They are ideal for wire insulation, circuit board insulation and circuit board lamination to ensure both longevity and durability of various electronic appliances. Our E5 and E7 products provide lower dielectric constant values minimizing transmission losses in coaxial cables.
Without a doubt, the Norgard Specialty Film product line is a perfect fit for our family of products due to their release capability, protection capabilities with solar, sign and greenhouse applications, and insulation capabilities in areas such as electronics or wire and cable.
In a future where innovation meets reliability, you can rely on our products and team of experts to meet your specific needs and conquer your toughest application challenges. Not to mention — our advanced testing capabilities, regional support and global resources are available when ordinary isn’t enough. Customized solutions can ensure a seamless fit to your specific needs.