Fluoric polymers

Fluoropolymers have excellent, almost universal chemical resistance. They can be used both at high and very low temperatures (-260 to +260°C). They also possess outstanding resistance to weathering (UV-stability).

Due to the low coefficient of friction, they are often used as sliding materials or as corresponding additives in other high-performance plastics.

Ensinger has the following fluoropolymers in its portfolio:

TECAFLON PVDF (PVDF)

Polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF) - TECAFLON PVDF - is an opaque, semi-crystalline, thermoplastic  fluoropolymer. PVDF is characterized by excellent chemical stability, without having the disadvantages of low-mechanical values and/or processing difficulties which can be experienced with other fluoroplastics.

  • low density compared to other fluoropolymers
  • good mechanical strength compared to other fluoropolymers
  • high permanent operating temperature (140°C)
  • practically no moisture absorption
  • good dimensional stability
  • high chemical resistance
  • good resistance to hydrolysis
  • weather-proof
  • radiation resistant
  • good electrical insulator
  • high abrasion resistance

TECAFLON ETFE (ETFE)

Ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) - TECAFLON ETFE - is a fluorinated copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and ethylene.  The resistance towards many aggressive chemicals and radiation is high. Due to its low dielectric conductivity, ETFE is highly suitable as an insulating material in electrical engineering applications.

  • very good chemical resistance
  • good thermal resistance
  • low coefficient of friction
  • high coefficient of thermal expansion
  • relatively low strength/rigidity
  • low dielectric constant
  • non-combustible

TECAFLON PTFE (PTFE)

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) - TECAFLON PTFE - is a semi-crystalline fluoropolymer with an unusually high chemical and thermal resistance (-200 to +260°C, temporarily up to 300°C). In addition, this thermoplastic material has excellent sliding properties, a non-stick surface and the best insulating properties. This is in contrast, however, to low mechanical strength and a high specific gravity, compared to other plastics. In order to improve the mechanical properties, PTFE can be used as a compound reinforced with additives such as glass fibre, carbon or bronze. Due to its structure, this material is formed into semi-finished products using  a compression processes and machined afterwards with cutting/machining tools.

  • extremely high chemical resistance
  • very good temperature resistance (-200-+260°C, temporarily up to 300°C)
  • very low coefficient of friction (static friction = sliding friction)
  • extremely low surface tension (practically no materials stick to PTFE -> difficult to adhere to or weld)
  • high coefficient of thermal expansion
  • relatively low strength/rigidity
  • low dielectric constant
  • non-combustible