05
2021
-
03
What materials are protective films made of?
Protective films come in a variety of materials, each with distinct performance characteristics. For example, PVC‑based protective films are soft to the touch and easy to apply; however, they tend to be relatively thick and have poor light transmittance.
Protective films come in a variety of materials, each with distinct performance characteristics. For example, PVC‑based protective films are soft to the touch and easy to apply; however, they tend to be relatively thick, have poor light transmission, and can make the screen appear hazy. After removal, they often leave adhesive residue on the surface. Additionally, this material is prone to yellowing and greasing as temperatures fluctuate, resulting in a shorter service life.
Meanwhile, the improved PVC‑based screen protector addresses the previous issues of bulkiness and poor light transmission. However, it still fails to prevent yellowing and oil buildup, and PVC lacks scratch resistance; after a period of use, noticeable scratches appear on the film, degrading both the display quality and the phone’s overall aesthetic appeal.
PET‑material protective films are a common type of screen protector on the market; smartphones and tablets typically use three‑layer PET films. They are characterized by their relatively rigid texture and excellent scratch resistance, and unlike PVC materials, they do not yellow or become greasy with prolonged use. However, most PET films rely on electrostatic adhesion, making them prone to bubbling and peeling. Even if they do come loose, they can often be reused after being rinsed in clean water.
AR‑coated screen protectors are widely recognized as one of the best types of screen protectors available. Made from a synthetic material that undergoes special treatment, these protectors feature anti‑glare properties, high light transmittance, and no adverse impact on display quality. Their soft, flexible texture provides excellent resistance to friction and scratches; even with prolonged use, they remain free of scuffs and do not damage the screen. After removal, they leave no residue, and they can be cleaned and reused multiple times.
OPP‑based protective films look quite similar to PET films; they are relatively hard and offer some flame retardancy, but their adhesion is poor, so they are rarely used in the market. OCA‑based protective films appear indistinguishable from other materials, and they outperform others in both optical clarity and hardness, which is why OCA has become the popular choice for smartphone screen protectors today.