Acrylic films are much in demand for use in building and construction applications due to their excellent scratch resistance. They are used as laminates on window profiles and extruded sheets as well as many more building products, but coloration and superior stabilization options may be crucial for the success of your applications.

 
Plastic Additives for PMMA Decorative Foils

Due to the long lifetime expectancy of building and construction materials-, light stabilizers are the most important effect additives for lamination films. For PMMA based lamination films, excellent weathering performance is achieved using Ciba® TINUVIN® 123 technology and formulations including UV absorbers like Ciba® TINUVIN® 360 or Ciba® TINUVIN® 571.

Other important effect additives for PMMA based lamination films may include fluorescent whitening agents, antistatic agents or algicides. Ciba® TINOPAL® OB, Ciba® IRGAGUARD® A 2000, offer excellent performance in PMMA based lamination films.   

Coloration for PMMA films used as Decorative Foils  

Various shades can be produced including special effect ones with durable gloss. Since polymer systems are often especially formulated, colorant selection must be made according to compatibility with the host polymer and dispersability linked to film thickness and the colorant concentration necessary to achieve the targeted opacity.  

For PMMA based films, colorant concentration, and compatibility with the host polymer at the set processing temperature - usually long dwell time at around 200°C - and dispersability play major roles. We recommend that the formulator check the suitability of the colorants intended for use in the specific polymer system and conditions that are likely to be found in the end-use application.   

More information is available on other colors suitable for PMMA uses including outdoor applications. For coloration of PET-G films as decorative laminates please contact us.