1 - Fluoropolymers: brief history, fundamental chemistry, processing, structure, properties, and applications

Abstract

Polymers are becoming more popular as a substitute for various metals and ceramics in engineering and specialty applications around the world. Fluoropolymer and its derivatives are in higher demand. Fluoropolymers are a type of plastic that has a strong carbon–fluoride bond and is made up of carbon and fluorine atoms. The chemical and thermal characteristics of fluoropolymers are well known. Chemically, these polymers are stable, inert, and unreactive. Fluoropolymers are typically employed in applications that need high temperatures. Due to their non-melting properties, fluoropolymers like polytetrafluoroethylene are difficult to process. As a result, specialized processes including sintering and press methods are commonly employed. Thermoplastic fluorine-based polymers and elastomers are now widely utilized for creating films, sheets, O-rings, rubber gaskets, and other specialty goods, thanks to recent technological breakthroughs. Weathering, chemical, thermal, and electrical properties can all be improved by adding a fluorine atom to the main chain of a polymer. The current chapter examines the underlying chemistry of fluoropolymers and their derivatives, as well as their possible applications in engineering. More focus should be placed on structural identity and its derived attributes about fluorine content, as well as a technical summary of fluoropolymer processing behavior.