ACLAR®–Fluoropolymer Films
An Embedding/Cell Growing Film
ACLAR® is made from fluorinated-chlorinated resins. There are four basic film types–the homopolymer ACLAR® Rx Series, the copolymers ACLAR® 22A and 33C and the new ACLAR® Cx. (Honeywell/Allied Signal). The chemical make-up of all ACLAR® products provide an exceptional moisture barrier. ACLAR® is crystal clear, biochemically inert, highly resistant to most chemicals and sterilizable by heat or radiation. ACLAR® is used widely in pharmaceutical, medical, sensitive electronics and military packaging.
ACLAR® 33C is a copolymer film consisting primarily of chlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE). It offers an outstanding moisture barrier, excellent chemical resistance and minimal dimensional change (<2%), making it the best choice for use in microscopy.
Features:
- Crystal clear, high UV transparency–
ideal for use in UV curing of embedding resin in microscopy. - Chemically stable and biochemical\y inert–
the product of choice for growing cell cultures. - Low dielectric constant, high electric strength and dissipation factor–
offers excellent cell attachment even through lengthy processing procedures. - Low surface energy–and separates easily from epoxy.
- Exhibits no detectable autofluorescence–
ideal for fluorescent microscopy. - A non-flammable, non-aging co-polymer–
which is suited for sterilization by heat or UV. - Crystalline melting point is 206°C (403°F)–
stable in the SEM. - Flexible and soft–
can be sectioned without damage to the ultramicrotome knives.
ACLAR® film is now available in 2 mil (51µm) and 7.8 mil (199µm) thickness, and it is offered in a 8” x 10” sheet form, with package quantities of 10 or 25.
| 50425-10 | ACLAR® Film, 8”x 10”, 7.8 Mil | 10 | $48.00 |  |
| 50425-25 | ACLAR® Film, 8”x 10”, 7.8 Mil | 25 | $98.00 | |
| 50426-10 | ACLAR® Film, 8”x 10”, 2 Mil | 10 | $30.00 | |
| 50426-25 | ACLAR® Film, 8”x 10”, 2 Mil | 25 | $55.00 | |
ACLAR® Physical Data Sheet
(These are only typical values and are not to be interpreted as product specifications):
|
Typical Value |
|||
| Properties@ 73°F ~50% RH | English | Metric | Test Method |
| Gravity Specific | 2.12 | ASTM D1505 | |
| Yield 2.0 mil | 6568 in2/lb. | 9.30m2/kg | |
| Yield 7.8 mil | 1,677 in2/lb. | 2.38m2/kg | |
| Haze | <4.5% | ASTM D1003 | |
| Crystalline Melting Point | 403°F | 206°C | ASTM D4591 |
| Dimensional Stability,
10 min @ 300°F -MD -TD |
<2% <2% |
ASTM D1204 | |
| Tensile Strength -MD -TD |
3000-4600 psi 3000-4000 psi |
21-32 MPa 21-38 MPa |
ASTM D882 |
| Elongation (MD/TD) | 50-125% | ASTM D882 | |
| Modulus, Secant (MD/TD) | 185,000-200,000 psi | 1276-1379 MPa | ASTM D882 |
| Tear Strength, Graves (MD/TD) | 425-525 g/mil | ASTM D1004 | |
| Water Vapor Transmission Rate @ 100°F/ 100% RH |
0.003 gm/100 in2/day | 0.047 gm/m2/day | ASTM F1249 |
| Thermal Conductivity | 4.7 x 10-4 cal-cm/cm2sec °C | ||
| Flammability | Nonflammable | ||
| Oxygen Index | 100 | ASTD D2683 | |
ACLAR® Chemical Data Sheet
| Chemicals | Average Weight Increase | Visible Effect on Sample |
| Acetone | 0.5% | None |
| Butyl Alcohol | - | None |
| Carbon Tetrachloride | 1.6% | Slightly flexible |
| 1,2-Dichloroethane | 0.03% | None |
| Ethyl Acetate | 6.0% | Very flexible |
| Ethyl Alcohol | None | None |
| Ethyl Ether | 5.2% | Very flexible |
| Ethylene Oxide | 4.0% | Very flexible |
| Formic Acid | None | None |
| Gasoline | None | None |
| All Acids (HCl, H2SO4..) | None | None |
| Methanol | None | None |
| Propylene Oxide | - | None |
| Toluene | 1.1 | Slightly flexible |
| Osmium Tetroxide | None | None |
| Plastisolve | - | None |
Kingsley R.E, Cole N. L.: Preparation of cultured mammalian cells for transmission
and scanning electron microscopy using ACLAR® film. Journal of Electron
Microscopy Technique, 10, 77-85 (1988)
Mauve G.M., Brenham J.C., Beattie, M.S.: Ultrastructure of HRP-labeled neurons: a comparison of two sensitive techniques. Brain Research Bulletin, 10, 551 (1983)
Masurovsky E.B., Bunge R.P.: Aclar Film in Biological Electron Microscopy. Journal of Electron Microscopy Technique, 12, 172-173 (1989)
Masurovsky E.B., Bunge R.P.: Fluoroplastic coverslips for long-term nerve tissue culture. Stain Technology, 43, 3, 161–165 (1968)
