00:00:43 What's it to you?

00:00:48 It's a remarkable new polyester film called Mylar.

00:00:53 This sheet is as thin as a human hair.

00:00:57 Can you tear it?

00:01:01 It's almost impossible.

00:01:04 Can you bend it?

00:01:06 Yes.

00:01:08 Does it dry out, get brittle, chip, peel or crack?

00:01:12 No.

00:01:14 Is it a new kind of cellophane?

00:01:17 No.

00:01:19 Is it similar to other transparent films on the market?

00:01:24 No, it's completely different.

00:01:26 Completely different.

00:01:28 But what does this have to do with you?

00:01:31 Maybe in your business you've never used a transparent film.

00:01:34 Even so, Mylar's combination of properties has shown you so completely different

00:01:40 that no matter what your business is,

00:01:42 you may find that it can improve the design and performance of your products

00:01:47 or lower their costs or give you an idea for a completely new one.

00:01:51 But to begin with, how tough is it?

00:01:54 Well, let's look at its tensile strength.

00:02:01 An acrobat gives the net on a trampoline a pretty rugged beating.

00:02:06 Here we've replaced the canvas net with a sheet of Mylar.

00:02:11 Only one tenth the stick and it's as strong as ever.

00:02:24 What about its resistance to tearing?

00:02:27 We can see for ourselves.

00:02:36 And its impact strength can stop a six-pound bowling ball at full speed.

00:02:43 High tensile strength, high tear resistance and high impact strength.

00:02:49 In short, Mylar's physical properties make it the strongest

00:02:54 of all plastic film under a wide variety of conditions.

00:02:58 How does this strength hold up at high temperature?

00:03:02 Well, let's keep a blast of hot steam on it and see.

00:03:06 Well, let's keep a blast of hot steam on it and see.

00:03:12 Now let's try the ball again.

00:03:18 All right, let's try it at freezing temperatures.

00:03:22 We freeze the Mylar with carbon dioxide from an extinguisher.

00:03:29 And now, let her roll.

00:03:33 It still holds up.

00:03:37 Yes, we'll find that Mylar retains its useful properties

00:03:40 from minus 80 degrees to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

00:03:46 Here's one way of showing Mylar's chemical stability.

00:03:50 A strong solution of nitric and sulfuric acids.

00:03:54 And now, some plastic and metal trinkets.

00:03:59 And now, let's leave them for a moment.

00:04:05 Mylar has exceptional resistance to most chemical reagents,

00:04:09 solvents, and commonly used electrical varnishes.

00:04:13 Even after a whole week.

00:04:16 See what we mean?

00:04:21 Well, let's try it again.

00:04:24 Let's leave it for a moment.

00:04:27 A strong solution of nitric and sulfuric acids.

00:04:31 And now, let's leave it for a moment.

00:04:34 Let's leave it for a moment.

00:04:37 Let's leave it for a moment.

00:04:40 Let's leave it for a moment.

00:04:43 Oils and greases fail to penetrate this film

00:04:47 after months of exposure.

00:04:53 What about acids?

00:04:58 And certainly, heating up our trinkets.

00:05:02 What about the Mylar?

00:05:03 As a matter of fact, this similar experiment

00:05:06 has been standing several hours.

00:05:09 And the Mylar isn't affected.

00:05:13 Yes, Mylar is resistant to most solvents, alkalis, and acids.

00:05:21 Physical, chemical, thermal, electrical.

00:05:29 Here's a spark of about 15,000 volts.

00:05:33 We'll try to break it with this sheet of ordinary insulating material.

00:05:43 And now, let's try a sheet of Mylar.

00:05:46 One-fifth this thick.

00:05:52 We can break the spark not once,

00:05:55 but many times.

00:05:57 And with a thinner sheet of film.

00:06:01 But many times.

00:06:03 And with a thinner sheet of film.

00:06:21 Yes, Mylar's unexcelled combination of properties

00:06:25 makes it ideal for electrical insulation.

00:06:28 It has high dielectric strength and insulation resistance,

00:06:32 lower power factor,

00:06:34 and high volume and surface resistivity.

00:06:38 These properties retain their efficiency

00:06:41 at high and low temperatures,

00:06:44 extremes of humidity,

00:06:46 and in the presence of corrosive vapors and solvents.

00:06:53 Physical, chemical, thermal, electrical.

00:06:57 The significant fact about Mylar

00:06:59 is that it has not just one of these properties,

00:07:02 but that it possesses a unique balance of them all.

00:07:07 How is this done?

00:07:09 Does Mylar have a special coating

00:07:12 or ingredient that in time might wear out or lose its value?

00:07:18 For the answer,

00:07:20 let's look at an artist's conception of a Mylar molecule.

00:07:25 In the manufacture of Mylar,

00:07:27 the arrangement of molecules is changed from a helter-skelter pattern,

00:07:31 such as this,

00:07:33 to a more orderly arrangement

00:07:35 in which the long, strong chains are firmly fitted together,

00:07:39 giving the film unusual properties.

00:07:43 Yes, Mylar's properties are right in its molecules.

00:07:48 Here are its two basic raw materials,

00:07:52 phenethalic acid and ethylene glycol.

00:07:58 In actual production, of course,

00:08:00 the processing is quite complicated.

00:08:12 It's important to note that no plasticizer is used in the processing.

00:08:18 This means that the final product will not dry out

00:08:22 and become brittle with age.

00:08:25 It comes off the end of the line as a clear, transparent plastic film.

00:08:31 Production controls throughout the entire manufacturing process

00:08:35 ensure exceptional and consistent quality.

00:08:41 Mylar's strength enables it to be manufactured

00:08:44 from semi-rigid gauges down to one-fourth thousandth of an inch,

00:08:49 or one-fourth as thin as the cellophane on a pack of cigarettes.

00:08:59 Let's have some more facts about this polyester film.

00:09:03 Because of its remarkable versatility,

00:09:06 it can be used to obtain effects that are both beautiful and practical.

00:09:12 It prints beautifully.

00:09:18 It can be metallized.

00:09:25 It can be laminated or bonded

00:09:29 to wood,

00:09:32 metal,

00:09:36 cloth,

00:09:39 paper,

00:09:43 leather,

00:09:46 plastics,

00:09:48 and a variety of other materials.

00:09:51 It can be coated.

00:09:53 It can be fabricated, stamped, cut, or spiral wound.

00:09:58 Or it can be formed under heat and pressure into a variety of designs.

00:10:04 Mylar's versatility and its balance of properties

00:10:09 suggests possibilities limited only by our imaginations.

00:10:14 Let's look at just a few.

00:10:16 Some are still ideas.

00:10:18 Some are under development.

00:10:20 Some are already in use.

00:10:23 Let's take its physical and chemical properties.

00:10:27 These qualities give us walls that keep their original colors,

00:10:31 protected by this new washable film.

00:10:40 In fabrics, glamorous mylar metallic yarns are stronger,

00:10:46 non-tarnishable,

00:10:48 withstand washing, dry cleaning, and pressing.

00:10:53 Draperies can take on exciting new effect.

00:10:59 Shoes and accessories with metallic laminations

00:11:03 open up new ideas in fashion design.

00:11:08 New low-cost furniture in quality designs

00:11:12 may be made possible by printing wood grains

00:11:15 or other textures on the film

00:11:17 and laminating it to ordinary wood.

00:11:23 The next step may be vinyl coverings

00:11:25 protected by mylar for greater toughness

00:11:28 and long-lasting beauty.

00:11:32 Physical, chemical.

00:11:35 Let's add a third property, thermal,

00:11:38 and see how it helps extend the usefulness of our film.

00:11:42 Ideally, recording tape should have dimensional stability

00:11:47 despite variations in humidity and temperature.

00:11:52 Today, mylar is being widely used

00:11:56 because it's the only known base film

00:11:59 that meets this ideal.

00:12:01 And because mylar is so much thinner and stronger,

00:12:04 you can get 50% more tape on a standard reel.

00:12:11 Here's a loop of tape that runs through a container of dry ice.

00:12:15 Let's listen to it.

00:12:17 Dry ice to steam.

00:12:19 That's about the range of temperature

00:12:22 handled by mylar.

00:12:25 From dry ice to steam.

00:12:28 That's about the range of temperature

00:12:31 handled by mylar.

00:12:34 From dry ice to steam.

00:12:37 That's about the range of temperature

00:12:39 handled by mylar.

00:12:42 From dry ice to steam.

00:12:45 That's about the range of temperature.

00:12:48 Our film's physical, chemical, and thermal properties

00:12:52 enable its electrical properties

00:12:54 to be maintained under a wide variety of conditions.

00:12:58 These same properties make it possible to decrease the size

00:13:02 and increase the efficiency of capacitors,

00:13:07 coils,

00:13:10 transformers,

00:13:12 and motors.

00:13:15 Mylar gives more insulation,

00:13:18 more resistance to heat,

00:13:21 and longer life.

00:13:24 Spiral-wound mylar on low-voltage wires

00:13:27 offers excellent primary insulation.

00:13:31 In wires and cables,

00:13:33 they provide a lightweight, compact, and dependable moisture barrier

00:13:37 under all weather conditions.

00:13:39 Here's still another advantage.

00:13:41 Let's suppose a mylar-insulated motor

00:13:44 has been caught in a hurricane or flood

00:13:47 and contaminated by silt and water.

00:13:52 The mylar insulation has very little moisture absorption

00:13:58 and will not absorb contaminants.

00:14:01 So, we can simply hose it off.

00:14:18 In fact, at 100 degrees Fahrenheit

00:14:21 and 100% relative humidity,

00:14:24 mylar will pick up less than one-half of 1% moisture,

00:14:28 a negligible amount.

00:14:30 Unlike ordinary insulated systems,

00:14:32 mylar-insulated systems can be washed out easily,

00:14:35 leaving the windings nearly as good as new.

00:14:38 Now we'll give it a blast of air to remove the surface water.

00:14:42 And then, turn on the motor.

00:14:51 While we're talking about moisture,

00:15:13 here's a revolutionary material for the building industry.

00:15:16 For structures where controlled temperatures and humidity are important,

00:15:20 strips of four-laminated mylar

00:15:26 form an almost impenetrable barrier to moisture.

00:15:31 Pipes carrying coal fluids tend to condense moisture

00:15:36 inside the insulation,

00:15:38 cutting down the insulating efficiency.

00:15:42 An outer covering of mylar

00:15:45 provides a barrier to both moisture vapor and corrosive gases.

00:15:51 Factory-fabricated sections are easier to install,

00:15:55 are scuff-proof,

00:15:58 and easy to clean.

00:16:04 Pressure-sensitive and industrial tapes of all kinds

00:16:08 take advantage of all of these properties.

00:16:14 And they last indefinitely without discoloring,

00:16:19 drying out, cracking, chipping, or peeling.

00:16:27 And color tapes are perfect for line identification too.

00:16:38 And the superior strength of the new film

00:16:41 can be put to use in tapes for strapping or bundling goods

00:16:44 from pallet-sized loads to small retail units.

00:16:52 Another useful characteristic is gas or organic vapor impermeability.

00:16:57 Tests in laboratories show mylar has exceptional resistance

00:17:00 to odors of aromatic chemicals.

00:17:03 But since these tests were made by nasal perception or smelling,

00:17:09 it's about impossible to prove in a picture.

00:17:11 But I think this will give us the idea.

00:17:25 One of the most interesting of all applications of this new film

00:17:29 is in packaging.

00:17:31 Now for the first time, items like textiles,

00:17:36 large packages,

00:17:42 toys,

00:17:46 things that have always presented problems for transparent packaging

00:17:51 can be handled with this new film.

00:17:54 Here almost every mylar property is put to use.

00:17:59 Chief among these are the film's dimensional stability,

00:18:04 durability, moisture vapor proofness,

00:18:08 and its transparency.

00:18:14 Here's a package of sheets that have been wrapped in this new film for six months.

00:18:19 During all that time, it was subjected to a wide range of temperatures.

00:18:23 But now, let's put it through some of the treatment

00:18:26 it may receive before reaching the customer.

00:18:30 We'll crush it,

00:18:35 and punch it,

00:18:40 and drop it.

00:18:47 Not a crack or break anywhere.

00:18:50 And the packaging is just as flexible as ever.

00:18:54 What else about packaging?

00:18:58 Can it be sealed? Yes.

00:19:01 Can it be handled on automatic equipment? Yes.

00:19:06 Can it be printed?

00:19:11 Yes.

00:19:14 Just to give you an idea, let's look at a few packaging applications.

00:19:20 Window cartons, all kinds of textiles from baby garments to sweaters,

00:19:27 woman's gloves and hose, blouses,

00:19:32 dress shirts to pajamas and towels.

00:19:39 Stationery, an almost infinite variety of new and interesting packaging applications.

00:19:47 What's it to you? A good question.

00:19:50 We've only touched on its possibilities in the home and industry,

00:19:53 manufacturing and distribution.

00:19:56 But the wide range of properties of Mylar

00:19:59 allows us to explore a whole world of ideas we never dreamed existed.

00:20:08 It gives us a whole new approach to decals and all kinds of longer lasting signs.

00:20:15 It brings a new line of thinking to the metallized yarn industry.

00:20:19 And it can give us new corrosion resistant ropes.

00:20:24 Just think of all the ways you can use its dielectrical strength

00:20:28 in wire splicing and identification.

00:20:32 It opens a whole new field of washable acoustical time.

00:20:38 And it's great as an inner lining for shipping drums,

00:20:42 for chemicals, lard, detergents, petroleum products and so forth.

00:20:48 Or in multi-wall shipping bags for all kinds of industrial and consumer goods.

00:21:05 Just think of its possibilities for the air filter industry,

00:21:08 using Mylar in the form of shredded film.

00:21:12 Or imagine putting it to work in the publishing industry,

00:21:16 making book bindings stronger and more durable.

00:21:21 Or what about its use as facing sheets for stencil and carbon papers?

00:21:28 How about putting its greater strength and durability to work in children's records?

00:21:37 And two, there are possibilities in it for packaging of foodstuffs.

00:21:45 The bottling industry, cap liners and sealers.

00:21:54 This film next to the skin in surgical dressings is non-toxic, non-adherent.

00:22:07 It has many possibilities for the pharmaceutical industry,

00:22:11 as packaging for articles to be sterilized.

00:22:18 Oh, and here's an idea too for oils, greases or dairy products.

00:22:25 Mylar-lined disposable containers.

00:22:30 Mylar yarn adds glamour to practical wear.

00:22:35 Yes, you can put it to work at everything from packing pickles to patching windows.

00:22:47 In the automobile industry, Mylar may give us rich new designs in places never before practical.

00:22:56 Its stamina and greater resistance to abrasion

00:23:02 are already being used to protect parts exposed to dirt, wear and tear.

00:23:09 More and more the properties of this new polyester film

00:23:14 are bringing new ideas to industry and the home, to manufacturing and distribution.

00:23:21 And with them are coming new and better things for us all.

00:23:27 What's it to you? As we said, a good question.

00:23:32 With Mylar, you can pick your own answer.

00:23:36 An answer for some product you're making today or some product you may be planning for tomorrow.