Fluoropolymers (PTFE, PVDF): Characteristics
Why PTFE shrugs off hot acid at 260 C
What this tab covers The physical and chemical properties that set its grade, price and uses, with the commercial grades and the standards that define them.Fluoropolymers are bought for chemical inertness, temperature range, low friction, non-stick surfaces, electrical insulation and purity. Grade qualification for chip fabs, aircraft and batteries takes years, which protects incumbents.
Properties that matter commercially
| Property | Value / specification | Why it matters | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Continuous service temperature | PTFE and PFA about 260 C; PVDF about 150 C (indicative) | Sets use in hot chemical and electrical service | typical datasheet values (indicative) |
| Chemical resistance | PTFE inert to almost all chemicals except molten alkali metals and elemental fluorine (indicative) | Linings, seals and lab ware | typical (indicative) |
| Coefficient of friction | PTFE about 0.05-0.10 (indicative) | Bearings, non-stick and seals | typical (indicative) |
| Dielectric constant | PTFE about 2.1 (indicative) | High-frequency and 5G cable and boards | typical (indicative) |
| Extractable metals and fluoride | ppb-level for semiconductor PFA (indicative) | Chip yields | typical (indicative) |
Commercial grades
- granular PTFE (moulding)
- fine powder PTFE (paste extrusion, ePTFE)
- PTFE dispersion (coatings)
- PTFE micropowder (additive)
- PVDF battery binder
- PVDF coating and membrane grades
- FEP and PFA (cable, semiconductor)
- ETFE (film, cable)
- FKM and FFKM elastomers
- perfluorosulphonic acid ionomers (Nafion type)