Fluoropolymers

Fluoropolymers are a family of high-performance plastics. The best known member of this family is called PTFE. PTFE is one of the smoothest materials around, and very tough! You can find it in most kitchens as a coating on pots, pans and many other utensils! Fluoropolymers are also used to improve the performance and safety of racing cars and aircraft. They help protect big buildings from fire. They can also be found in the coatings of the cabling for telephones and computers.

Fluoropolymers are polymers containing atoms of fluorine. The family includes two types of fluorinated thermoplastics:

Type one fluoropolymers are fully fluorinated, which means that all hydrogen atoms are replaced by fluorine atoms). Examples of these include PFA/MFA and FEP. Type two fluoropolymers are only partially fluorinated. Examples of these include PVDF, ETFE, and ECTFE.

Benefits of fluoropolymers

Fluoropolymers have many unique qualities, including great strength, versatility, durability, and an unusually high resistance to chemicals (solvents, acids and bases) and heat. These qualities make fluoropolymers very versatile. They are used in:
  • High-performance automotive and aircraft bearings and seals, to improve the performance and safety of aircraft and automobiles
  • Flame retardants, to reduce fire risk in high-rise buildings and reduce industrial and automotive pollution
  • Coatings on many kitchen products, such as pots, pans, knives, spatulas etc. thanks to their high thermal stability and non-stick properties
  • The linings of piping and chemical tanks, and in packing for lithium-ion batteries, thanks to their ability to handle harsh environments
  • Cable coating in the telecommunications and computer industries, because of their high electrical resistance and good dielectric properties
  • Implantable parts and catheters for bio-medical applications, because of their resistance to chemicals
It is estimated that the world market for fluoropolymers is between 80,000 and 90,000 tons per year. Although fluoropolymers represent just 0.1% of all plastics, their outstanding performance characteristics have made them a valuable catalyst in improving the quality of our lives.

Performance profile
Public protection