How to Balance Light Transmission and Scratch Resistance of Scratch Proof Film

Balancing Transparency and Scratch Resistance in Scratch-Proof Films

Balancing transparency and scratch resistance involves careful material selection and engineering. Here's how to achieve this equilibrium:

1. Material Composition as the Core Factor

High-transparency materials like PET (polyethylene terephthalate) or TPC (thermoplastic copolyester) form the base of most films. These materials offer light transmittance exceeding 90% while providing moderate scratch resistance.

To enhance durability without compromising clarity:

Manufacturers apply hard-coat layers (e.g., silicon dioxide nanoparticles) to the film surface
Example: A 0.125mm PET film with a 3H-hardness coating can maintain 92% transparency while resisting daily scratches from dust or fingernails.

2. Thickness and Coating Thresholds

Thinner films (e.g., <0.2mm) inherently preserve better transparency but may sacrifice scratch resistance. However, advanced coatings can offset this.

A tempered glass film (0.2-0.3mm thick) with an anti-reflective coating achieves both 91% light transmittance and 9H hardness (resisting steel objects), making it ideal for smartphone screens.
The key is optimizing the ratio: a 0.25mm film with a 5μm hard coat balances optical clarity and abrasion resistance better than a 0.5mm film with an uneven coating.

3. Surface Texture and Nano-Engineering

Micro-roughness on the film surface (e.g., matte finishes) can reduce glare but may slightly lower transparency.

Nano-engineered coatings create ultra-smooth surfaces that minimize light scattering while enhancing hardness:

Films using nanoscale ceramic particles in the hard coat can achieve 95% transparency and 7H hardness, outperforming traditional acrylic coatings in both metrics.