Arctube ML 380 Polyamide-Imide High-Resistance Lining
Arctube ML 380 is a polyamide-imide (PAM) internal lining for monobloc aerosol cans carrying fills that defeat epoxy-phenolic, such as water-based formulations with dimethyl ether. It cures at the top of the conventional bake window and is not a low-cure product.
Grade Arctube ML 380 | Range Tube, Aerosol and Aluminium Bottle Coatings | Technology Solvent-borne polyamide-imide (PAM)
Technical Data Sheet
Arctube ML 380
Issue 2026.09
1. Product description
A polyamide-imide (PAM) internal lining for monobloc aerosol cans carrying fills that defeat epoxy-phenolic: water-based formulations with dimethyl ether, hair mousses and styling foams, water-based air fresheners and insecticides, and technical sprays with aggressive solvents. Dimethyl ether is partly miscible with water, up to about 35 per cent by weight, and carries it to any defect in the film, where the aluminium corrodes under pressure. PAM resists these fills better than the other linings, but it cures at the top of the conventional bake window and is not a low-cure product. Specified where it is not needed it adds cost and oven load; left out where it is needed, the result is pitting and leakage.
2. Features
- Polyamide-imide film for water-based dimethyl ether and aggressive solvent fills
- One or two coats: 8 to 12 g/m2 as a single coat, 10 to 20 g/m2 total over two coats
- Each coat cured at about 240 to 260 degrees C metal temperature
- Not offered for food or beverage contact
3. Recommended uses
Internal lining of monobloc aerosol cans for water-based formulations with dimethyl ether, hair mousses and styling foams, water-based air fresheners and insecticides, and technical sprays with aggressive solvents, and of aluminium bottles for technical and household fills that need the same resistance.
Substrates. Monobloc aluminium aerosol cans, and aluminium bottles for technical and household fills that need the same resistance. Not offered for food or beverage contact.
4. Typical properties
| Property | Typical value | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Solvent-borne polyamide-imide (PAM) | Formulation |
| Carrier | Organic solvent blend | Not applicable |
| Non-volatile content | 20 to 35 per cent by weight | ISO 3251, at the heating time and temperature stated for the grade on the Certificate of Analysis |
| Supply viscosity | 30 to 60 s, 4 mm flow cup at 23 degrees C, or the 3 mm cup for thinner grades | ISO 2431 |
| Dry film weight | 8 to 12 g/m2 as a single coat, or 10 to 20 g/m2 total over two coats of 5 to 12 g/m2 each; reported as mg per can for the customer's size | Gravimetric, can weighed before and after stripping the cured film, supplier protocol |
| Cure state | 50 to more than 100 methyl ethyl ketone double rubs without breakthrough, according to grade | ASTM D5402 |
| Adhesion | Cross-cut classification 0 to 1 on flat aluminium panels; no coating removal by tape on the formed container | ISO 2409 on panels; customer or supplier protocol on containers |
| Flexibility | No cracking or loss of adhesion on the conical mandrel on coated aluminium panel | ISO 6860 |
| Porosity of the internal film | Current reading within the acceptance limit agreed for the container size at qualification, read on finished, necked cans; limits are not transferable between container sizes, electrolytes or test voltages | Current conduction with an electrolyte fill (enamel rater), customer or industry protocol |
| Pack test with the actual fill | No blistering, delamination, corrosion or change in the product after storage, commonly at 40 to 50 degrees C for 1 to 6 months | Customer protocol, cans valved and pressurised with the actual propellant |
Typical values, not a specification. Values for each batch are given on its Certificate of Analysis.
5. Application
| Parameter | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Application method | Lance spray into the rotating can, one or two coats |
| Surface preparation | Can washed or degreased to remove the extrusion lubricant before lining |
| Viscosity adjustment | Adjusted at the line within 30 to 60 s (ISO 2431 flow cup, 23 degrees C) to suit the spray equipment, using only the thinner Arctic specifies for the grade |
| Dry film weight | 8 to 12 g/m2 for a single coat; 10 to 20 g/m2 total over two coats, no coat above 12 g/m2; quoted as mg per can |
| Cure schedule | Each coat typically 6 to 12 min at about 240 to 260 degrees C metal temperature, set against the customer's oven with a traced temperature logger |
| Next step | External basecoat such as Arctube BC 160, dry offset print and overvarnish; the can is necked after the last bake |
| Qualification | Storage of filled, valved and pressurised cans at elevated temperature, then teardown, after a trial on the customer's line |
Process. Sprayed by lance into the rotating can in one or two coats, typically 8 to 20 g/m2 total dry film, each coat cured typically 6 to 12 min at about 240 to 260 degrees C metal temperature, set against the customer’s oven. Qualification is by storage of filled, valved and pressurised cans at elevated temperature, then teardown, after a trial on the customer’s line.
6. Storage and handling
Store in the original, tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, covered area, protected from frost, direct sunlight and heat, and keep containers closed between uses to limit solvent loss. Shelf life is stated on the label and Certificate of Analysis; handling guidance is given in the Safety Data Sheet, issued on request. Handle and use the product in line with its Safety Data Sheet.
7. Safety and regulatory information
Read the Safety Data Sheet before use. Safety Data Sheets and regulatory declarations are issued by our technical centre against the product and batch supplied, so they are sent on request rather than published. Request a Safety Data Sheet or declaration.
This Technical Data Sheet is published for on-screen reference. The information is given in good faith from laboratory and application experience and describes typical values; it is not a specification and does not replace a trial on your own substrate and line. Arctic Materials may revise this sheet without notice. Issue 2026.09.
Technical Data Sheets on this site are for on-screen viewing. For a controlled copy, write to tech@arcticmaterials.com.
Other grades in this range
Need a Safety Data Sheet, a regulatory declaration or a grade specified to your line? Contact our technical centre.