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Fluoropolymer Plastic Materials

Fluoropolymer Plastic Materials

A fluoropolymer is a polymer based on fluorocarbon and has strong carbon-fluoride bonds. Fluoropolymers are all around us and used in many different engineering projects every day. As per the research, global market for fluoropolymers is thought to be between 80,000 and 90,000 tons per year. Volume-wise, the fluoropolymer market is anticipated to reach 478.2 thousand tonnes by 2025. There are some types of fluoropolymers are as follow.

1. Teflon® - PTFE- Virgin Grade

Teflon® is One of the most famous fluoropolymers (Teflon by DuPont). Teflon® - PTFE Virgin Grade Rods & Sheets - exhibit astonishing chemical resistance and ultra high-purity. Self-lubricating and with a low friction coefficient, Teflon PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) is ideally suited for the manufacture of high-temperature seals, insulators and bearings used in semiconductor, aerospace & chemical processing industries.

2. FEP

FEP is a relatively soft thermoplastic with lower tensile strength, wear resistance, and creep resistance than many other engineering plastics. However, it is chemically inert and has a low dielectric constant over a wide frequency range. FEP possesses a very high degree of stress crack resistance, a low coefficient of friction, exceptional dielectric properties, heat resistance, retention of properties after service at 400°F (204°C) with useful properties at -454°F (-270°C), and meets FDA 21CFR.177.1550. FEP has high transparency (with good transmittance of UltraViolet and visible wavelengths.) FEP offers the lowest refractive index of all thermoplastics with low light reflection (the same as water.)

3. PFA

PerFluoroAlkoxy (PFA) offers similar properties to FEP, but is considered more of a premium resin. PFA is preferred when extended service is required in hostile environments involving chemical, thermal, and mechanical stress. PFA offers high melt strength, stability at high processing temperatures, excellent crack and stress resistance, a low coefficient of friction, and more than 10 times the Flex life of FEP. It has high resistance to creep and retention of properties after service at 500°F (260°C), with useful properties at - 320°F (95°C). PFA also meets FDA 21CFR.177.1550.

4. Kel-F® - PCTFE

Kel-F® - PCTFE (PolyChloroTriFluoroEthylene) is a fluorocarbon-based polymer and is commonly abbreviated PCTFE. PCTFE offers the unique combination of physical and mechanical properties, nonflammability, chemical resistance, near zero moisture absorption, and excellent electrical properties. These characteristics cannot be found in any other thermoplastic fluoropolymer with a useful temperature range of -400°F to +400°F. PCTFE also has extremely low outgassing, making it well suited for use in aerospace and flight applications.

5. Halar ® - ECTFE

Halar ECTFE is a partially fluorinated semi-crystalline polymer offering a unique combination of mechanical properties, thermal and chemical resistance with an outstanding ease of processability. Halar ECTFE, a copolymer of ethylene and chlorotrifluoroethylene, can bring advantages to the end user when compared to other fluoropolymers. It is a very versatile polymer, available in all forms to meet processing needs. Halar offers excellent resistance to abrasion, harsh chemicals, and permeation.

6. Fluorosint® 207

Fluorosint® 207's unmatched dimensional stability, excellent creep resistance and white color uniquely position this material to serve FDA regulated applications. It is non-permeable in steam and complies with the FDA's regulation 21 CFR 175.300. Its relative wear rate is 1/20 the rate of PTFE below 300°F (150°C) making it an excellent choice for aggressive service bearings and bushings.

7. Fluorosint® 500

Fluorosint® 500 has nine times greater resistance to deformation under load than unfilled PTFE. Its coefficient of linear thermal expansion approaches the expansion rate of aluminum, and is 1/5 that of PTFE — often eliminating fit and clearance problems. It is 1/3 harder than PTFE, has better wear characteristics and maintains low frictional properties. Fluorosint® 500 is also non-abrasive to most mating materials.

8. Symalit ® PVDF 1000 - FM4910

Symalit® PVDF and PVDF Flex materials allow the use of FM4910 listed materials in the construction of semiconductor equipment, where protections against property damage and production interruption is critical. FM4910 listed materials from Symalit offer significant reduction in fire risks and virtually eliminate costly suppression systems.

9. Rulon ® LR (Maroon)

Rulon® LR is a maroon colored bearing material best known for its versatile design properties. It is compatible with most hardened steel substrates. Mild steel is acceptable; harder running surfaces are better. Rulon® has a practically universal chemical inertness. Of the chemicals encountered in commercial practice, only molten sodium and fluorine, at elevated temperatures and pressures, show any signs of attack.

10. Rulon ® J (Gold)

Rulon® J is an all-polymeric reinforced, dull gold colored PTFE compound that operates exceptionally well against soft mating surfaces such as 316 stainless steel, aluminum, mild steel, brass and other plastics. The unique "shaft friendly" material is also low in friction and wear and is self lubricating. Rulon® J has one of the lowest coefficients of friction of most reinforced PTFE materials. This makes it ideally suited for start/stop applications where stick-slip must be eliminated. The tribological properties of this material also make it suitable for both bearing and wear component applications.

11. Tefzel ® - ETFE

Tefzel ® ETFE provides both corrosion resistance and mechanical strength over a wide temperature range. The fluoroplastic family offers plastics with high chemical resistance, low and high temperature capability, resistance to weathering, low friction, electrical and thermal insulation. High purity, Excellent chemical resistance, good permeability resistance & excellent abrasion resistance over a temperature range of -300°F to +300°F (-185°C to +150°C).