Uses and Advantages of Fluoropolymer

What is fluoropolymer?

The dictionary defines ‘fluoropolymer’ as a fluorocarbon-based polymer that has multiple, strong carbon-fluorine bonds and is characterized by a high resistance to solvents, acids, and bases.  Fluoropolymers have a non-stick and friction-reducing properties about them.  They are often used to line the interior of large metal and non-metal containers

What are some common fluoropolymers?

-    PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene)
-    PFA (perfluoroalkoxy polymer resin)
-    FEP (fluorinated ethylene-propylene)
-    ETFE (polyethylenetetrafluoroethylene)

How was it invented?

Fluoropolymers were discovered accidentally.  In 1938, Dr. Roy J. Plunkett was performing experiments in order to produce Teflon and serendipitously originated fluoropolymer.

How is fluoropolymer used?

Fluoropolymer tubing is used in a variety of industries and for multiple purposes.

Due to its tenacious nature, fluoropolymer tubing is used for fluid flow, electrical insulation, medical devices, laboratory experimentation, food and beverage processing, etc.

Fluoropolymer tubing is used in regards to household appliances, steam heating, fiber optics, radar devices, and satellites in space.

Why is it so widely used?

Fluoropolymer tubing offers a variety of advantages when used.  It is important to realize differences between tubing in order to select the correct product for a specific purpose.

-    Different types of fluoropolymer tubing can maintain at very extreme temperatures.  

-    PTFE, PFA, MFA, and FEP are great choices regarding signal transmission equipment and cables.

-    PTFE, PFA, MFA, and FEP are immune to attack by most industrial solvents, acids, bases, and other chemicals.

-    Perfluoropolymers, such as PTFE, FEP, and PFA, have a non-stick quality to them.  

-    Fluoropolymers have a low coefficient of friction, which makes them a prime candidate to be used as insulation.

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About the author

Fluorotherm.com started as a specialty manufacturer of fluoropolymer products in 1992. With a strong background in fluoropolymers (gained through workers, insight, and ties to DuPont), Fluorotherm continues to progress to offer a wider range of products, serve a broader range of applications, and make an impact in diverse markets.

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