Perfluorinated Polymers

Abstract

This article provides information on several perfluorinated polymers; their manufacture, properties, fabrication, and applications are discussed.Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), known as Teflon PTFE, a perfluorinated straight‐chain high molecular weight polymer, is commercially important because of its chemical inertness, heat resistance, excellent electrical insulation properties, and low friction coefficient. PTFE is used in the chemical processing industry for structures, linings, seals, and hose or tubing.Perfluorinated ethylene–propylene (FEP), a copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) and hexafluoropropylene (HFP), has a melt viscosity low enough for conventional melt processing. The extrusion grade is suitable for tubing, wire coating, and cable jacketing.Copolymers of ethylene and tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) and specifically modified ETFE are commercially valuable because of their good tensile strength, moderate stiffness, and outstanding impact strength. The general‐purpose resin is used for insulating and jacketing low voltage power wiring for mass transport system, wiring for chemical plants, and control and instrumentation wiring.Perfluoroalkoxy (PFA) fluorocarbon resin copolymers contain a fluorocarbon backbone in the main chain and randomly distributed perfluorinated ether side chains. General‐purpose grade applications include tubing, molded parts, and insulation for electrical wire and cables. Some grades of this polymer are suitable in semiconductor manufacturing, fluid handling systems, and instrumentation for precise measurements of fluid systems.Copolymers of tetrafluoroethylene–perfluorodioxole are perfluorinated amorphous polymers, known as Teflon AF, having high temperature stability, excellent chemical resistance, high transparency, and low refractive index. They are used in antireflective coatings, low dielectric coatings, pellicles in electronic chips, plastic optical fiber, and in gas separation membranes.