Polypropylenkondensaattorit

Polypropylenkondensaattorit, often abbreviated as PP-kondensaattorit or filmikondensaattorit, are a type of capacitor that uses a thin film of polypropylene as the dielectric material. This plastic film is metallized on one or both sides with a vacuum-deposited metal layer, forming the electrodes. The metallized film is then wound or stacked to create the capacitor element. Polypropylene's desirable properties, such as low dielectric loss, excellent insulation resistance, and good temperature stability, make these capacitors suitable for a variety of applications.

These capacitors are known for their self-healing property. If a small breakdown occurs in the dielectric, the metallization around the faulty spot can evaporate due to the heat generated, effectively isolating the damaged area and preventing catastrophic failure. This characteristic contributes to their reliability. Polypropylenkondensaattorit are commonly used in AC applications, particularly where high frequency, high voltage, or high current handling is required. Examples include power factor correction circuits, motor start/run capacitors, filtering in switching power supplies, and audio coupling circuits. Their low dissipation factor makes them efficient in energy storage and transfer. Compared to electrolytic capacitors, they offer a wider operating temperature range and longer lifespan.