Abstract: Specific composite materials described herein are based on the discovery that certain selections of materials and manufacturing conditions and processes provide unexpectedly improved self-supporting thin-film composite materials. It has been discovered that certain combinations of backing materials, shrink film materials, and manufacturing conditions provide improved composites having highly controllable, readily repeatable, and stable arc shaped cross-web curled structures. In general, the composite materials described herein comprise a dimensionally alterable film such as a polyester shrink film having a first surface and a second surface, and a polyester backing material having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the second surface of the backing material is laminated to the first surface of the dimensionally alterable film.