Application of aramid film to electrical and electronic uses in Japan

The p-aromatic polyamide (aramid) films have recently been developed in Japan and have attracted attention as a promising new material because of their combination of an outstandingly high Young's modulus and their excellent heat resistance. Because they are a new addition to the family of electrical insulating materials, their background, chemical structure, and film-forming method, along with their characteristics, including general, mechanical, electrical, thermal, and chemical properties, have been outlined. A new application as a cassette tape for a DAT has been described. The article has attempted to contrast the new aramid films with the older polyimide and PET films. In particular, the author's study of the hydrophilic nature of aramids in contrast with polyimide films has been reviewed. The success in miniaturizing cassette tape for the DAT indicates that these films may be applicable to other electrical/electronic uses. Surely other uses will be found for a material with such outstanding properties as aramid film.