Chemical Compatibility of PPG TESLIN® substrate


PPG TESLIN® substrate is composed of a very high molecular weight polyolefin phase and a filler phase, which is primarily silica. The compatibility of Teslin substrate with solvents and reagents reflects this dual composition. 
 
Inorganic acids generally have little effect on the dimensions and mechanical properties of Teslin substrate even at elevated temperatures (e.g., 122°F / 50oC). Certain organic acids can cause swelling of the polymer. Strongly oxidizing acids, e.g., concentrated nitric and fuming sulfuric acids, will attack the polymer phase and lead to embrittlement and loss of properties of Teslin substrate. Hydrofluoric acid will dissolve the silica filler leading to shrinkage of product. A portion of the filler in Teslin HD substrate grade is acid sensitive; therefore, these grades are not recommended for contact with acids. Aqueous solutions of acidic or neutral salts generally do not affect the dimensions or physical properties of Teslin substrate. 
 
Bases with a pH less than approximately 8.5 have little effect on the dimensions of Teslin substrate. Alkali bases (e.g., sodium or potassium hydroxide) with a higher pH or elevated temperatures will attack the silica filler and lead to shrinkage as the silica is removed from the sheet. Elevated temperatures may also lead to dimensional changes with weaker bases. 
 
Polar solvents, e.g., alcohols and esters, typically have little to no effect on the dimensions or physical properties of Teslin substrate. Some discoloration has been noted when highly colored impurities in such solvents are absorbed on the silica in Teslin substrate. Chlorinated organic and aromatic solvents -- generally the most aggressive organic solvents -- cause swelling of Teslin substrate and some loss of tensile properties.
 
Results of chemical exposure testing are reported below. PPG Industries presents this data for guidance in the use of Teslin substrate. Samples should be tested under actual or simulated use conditions to confirm the stability of Teslin substrate in the proposed environment.

Chemical Resistance of PPG TESLIN® SP1000 Substrate at 70°F (21oC)

  Conc., Contact Effect on
Chemical % Time, Hr. Strength Color Dimension
Nitric Acid 10 100 None None ---
Nitric Acid 70 10 Some Some ---
Phosphoric Acid 10 10 None None ---
Hydrochloric Acid 37 1000 None Slight ---
Sulfuric Acid 10 1000 None None ---
Sulfuric Acid 96 1000 None Slight ---
Ammonium Hydroxide 28 1000 None None Shrinkage
Sodium Hydroxide 40 1000 Some None Shrinkage
Methyl Ethyl Ketone 100 1000 None None ---
Toluene 100 1000 None None Slight Swelling
Glycerol 100 1000 Some None Swelling
Ethyl Acetate 100 1000 None None ---
Tetrahydrofuran 100 1000 None None ---
Xylene 100 1000 None None ---

24-Hour Solvent Resistance of TESLIN® SP1000 Substrate at 70°F (21oC)

  Effect On
Preferred Solvents Length Thickness
          Methanol None None
         2-Propanol None None
         n-Butyl Alcohol None None
         n-Propanol None None
         Acetone None None
         Ethyl Acetate None None
         Methyl Ethyl Ketone (2-Butanone) None None
         Hexane None None
         Petroleum Ether None None
         Tetrahydrofuran None None
Use Sparingly    
         n-Hexyl Alcohol None Slight
         Methylene Chloride None Slight
         Mineral Spirits Slight None
         Toluene Slight None
         Xylene Slight None
         Kerosene Slight None
Avoid If Possible    
         Glycerol Some None
         Isobutyl Acetate None Some
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Chemical Resistance Testing of Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive Labels

The chemical resistance testing was done by soaking both the PVC-based PSA label and a Teslin substrate-based PSA label in the desired solvent for one minute. The PVC-based PSA label was unable to withstand both the acetone and the X-22, but the Teslin substrate-based PSA label held firmly to the backing and the adhesive in both tests. The X-22 did have more of an effect on the print of the Teslin substrate-based PSA label, but the barcode was still readable.

Initial samples

Samples after 1 minute soak in acetone

Samples after 1 minute soak in X-22

 
 
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