Capacitor silver zinc aluminum film

What is a metallized film capacitor?

Metallized film capacitors today are primarily based on aluminum and zinc. Aluminum is particularly suitable for robust designs and high Ohm metallizations due to its environmental stability. Aluminum layers can, for example, be metallized as low as 200 Ohm/sq. on polypropylene film.

What is a film capacitor?

Film capacitors are versatile components that can be designed into power electronics for industries ranging from consumer and renewables to automotive, aerospace and military. These capacitors come with very specific advantages including non-polarity, a high insulation resistance, low dielectric losses and self-healing capability.

What are the different types of metallization used in capacitor films?

What are different types of metallization used in capacitor films? Metallized capacitor films have a thin coating of metal (commonly aluminium and zinc) deposited on them by vacuum deposition process. Several types and patterns are available to choose for metallization, depending on application and usage environment.

Why is zinc used in AC capacitors?

Zinc removes the limitation in aluminium metallization in AC capacitors made from PP film, working at high voltages and currents. It has low clearing energy requirement, and resistivity can be controlled more closely during manufacture. It is best suited for low frequency AC applications.

Why is aluminium a good material for a capacitor?

Aluminium is particularly suited for robust capacitor designs, as it is very little affected by atmosphere as compared to zinc. Aluminium metallization layer, when stored in air, gets oxidized on surface, forming extremely thin Al 2 O 3, which protects the inner volume of metal layer.

What are power capacitors made of?

Fan and motor capacitors, most power frequency devices and power capacitors were made with aluminium metallized films in early days. These are all nowadays made from zinc (or zinc alloy) metallized polypropylene films for greater stability over time and in all weather conditions.