Basic Technical Information
What is Fluoropolymer, Fluoro resin?
Since the discovery of PCTFE in 1937, followed by the discovery of PTFE in 1938, and the commercialization of FEP and PFA in 1959 and 1972, respectively, a wide range of fluoropolymers has been developed and utilized in various industries. These include PVDF, ETFE. These fluoropolymers offer functional advantages such as nonstick properties, electrical stability, and heat resistance. They find applications across diverse sectors such as information communication, space communication, optical communication, automotive, architecture, semiconductor, electrical, and electronic fields, where they are actively and consistently employed.
Fluoropolymers are renowned for their distinct functional advantages, attributed to the high electronegativity of the fluorine (F) atom and the unique molecular structure characterized by strong bonding forces and low polarization properties of the carbon-fluorine (C-F) bond, owing to the small atomic radius of fluorine. Essentially, when hydrogen (H) atoms within the polymer are substituted with fluorine (F) atoms, it results in a highly distinctive characteristic different from conventional carbon-hydrogen (C-H) based polymers.
The table below presents the primary physical properties of major fluoropolymers. (The values provided in this table are generally recognized and may vary depending on the measurement method.)
Comparison of properties of major Fluoropolymers
Basic Technical Information
What is Fluoropolymer, Fluoro resin?
Since the discovery of PCTFE in 1937, followed by the discovery of PTFE in 1938, and the commercialization of FEP and PFA in 1959 and 1972, respectively, a wide range of fluoropolymers has been developed and utilized in various industries. These include PVDF, ETFE. These fluoropolymers offer functional advantages such as nonstick properties, electrical stability, and heat resistance. They find applications across diverse sectors such as information communication, space communication, optical communication, automotive, architecture, semiconductor, electrical, and electronic fields, where they are actively and consistently employed.
Fluoropolymers are renowned for their distinct functional advantages, attributed to the high electronegativity of the fluorine (F) atom and the unique molecular structure characterized by strong bonding forces and low polarization properties of the carbon-fluorine (C-F) bond, owing to the small atomic radius of fluorine. Essentially, when hydrogen (H) atoms within the polymer are substituted with fluorine (F) atoms, it results in a highly distinctive characteristic different from conventional carbon-hydrogen (C-H) based polymers.
The table below presents the primary physical properties of major fluoropolymers. (The values provided in this table are generally recognized and may vary depending on the measurement method.)
Comparison of properties of major Fluoropolymers
| PROPERTY | Unit | PTFE | FEP | PFA | ETFE | PVDF | ECTFE | PCTFE |
| Melting point | °C | 327 | 275 | 310 | 270 | 156~178 | 220~245 | 220 |
| Maximum continuous operating temperature | °C | 260 | 200 | 260 | 175 | 150 | 165~180 | 177~200 |
| Tensile strength | kgf/cm2 | 140~350 | 190~220 | 280~300 | 460 | 250~510 | 420 | 315~420 |
| Elongation rate | % | 200~400 | 250~330 | 300 | 100~400 | 12~430 | 200~300 | 80~250 |
| Flexural Modulus | 10³kfg/cm2 | 5.6 | 5.6~6.7 | 8.4 | 14 | 20.4~25.3 | 6.7~7.0 | 12.7~18.3 |
| Dielectric constant (~1MHz) | - | <2.1 | 2.1 | <2.1 | 2.6 | 8.4 | 2.6 | 2.24~2.8 |
Due to these distinctive characteristics, fluoropolymers are sometimes referred to as engineering plastics (ENPLA). Generally, materials capable of withstanding temperatures up to 100°C are classified as general-purpose plastics, while those capable of higher temperatures are categorized as engineering plastics. Among these, materials capable of operating under conditions exceeding 150°C are further categorized as special engineering plastics or super engineering plastics. This category includes not only fluororesins (fluoropolymers) but also materials such as PEEK resin (Polyetheretherketone), Polysulfone (PSU), Polyarylate (PAR), Polyetherimide (PEI), Polyethersulfone (PES), Polyphenylsulfone (PPS), Polyimide (PI), and others. On the other hand, UHMW-PE (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) is known for its abrasion resistance, low coefficient of friction, electrical insulation properties, and excellent dielectric properties. However, its available temperature range typically falls between -34°C and 107°C, which does not match the heat resistance capabilities of PTFE.
Key Features and Applications Examples of Fluoropolymers
| Weather resistance/UV durability(Application: Architectural shading materials, etc.) |
| Low friction/non-adhesiveness(Application: Dry bearings and sheets, Lubricant, etc.) |
| High dielectric strength and low electrical loss.(Application: Information and communication equipment, Avionics, Radar systems, ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), etc.) |
| Chemical resistance and resistance over a wide temperature range.(Application: Semiconductor processing lines, Toxic chemical systems, Heat-resistant double-sided tape, and various other types of heat-resistant tapes, etc.) |
| Flame resistance(Application: Interior and exterior materials, insulation coating materials, etc.) |
| Low refractivity(Application: Polymer optical fiber, etc.) |
What is PTFE?
PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) is considered a flagship material among fluoropolymers due to its exceptional physical properties. It can withstand environments up to 260°C, retains its physical integrity even at temperatures as low as -65°C, remains unaffected by various chemical environments, and exhibits high insulation, low loss rate, and high surface resistance across a wide range of frequencies. Due to its excellent low dielectric loss (Low Df) characteristics, CCL in communication systems can effectively reduce signal loss and heat generation as the signal traverses the circuit. This preserves the signal integrity better, allowing for the implementation of longer circuits, utilization of slightly thinner products, simplified system design, and improved space utilization between components.
Due to these distinctive characteristics, fluoropolymers are sometimes referred to as engineering plastics (ENPLA). Generally, materials capable of withstanding temperatures up to 100°C are classified as general-purpose plastics, while those capable of higher temperatures are categorized as engineering plastics. Among these, materials capable of operating under conditions exceeding 150°C are further categorized as special engineering plastics or super engineering plastics. This category includes not only fluororesins (fluoropolymers) but also materials such as PEEK resin (Polyetheretherketone), Polysulfone (PSU), Polyarylate (PAR), Polyetherimide (PEI), Polyethersulfone (PES), Polyphenylsulfone (PPS), Polyimide (PI), and others. On the other hand, UHMW-PE (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) is known for its abrasion resistance, low coefficient of friction, electrical insulation properties, and excellent dielectric properties. However, its available temperature range typically falls between -34°C and 107°C, which does not match the heat resistance capabilities of PTFE.
Key Features and Applications Examples of Fluoropolymers
| Weather resistance/UV durability(Application: Architectural shading materials, etc.) |
| Low friction/non-adhesiveness(Application: Dry bearings and sheets, Lubricant, etc.) |
| High dielectric strength and low electrical loss.(Application: Information and communication equipment, Avionics, Radar systems, ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), etc.) |
| Chemical resistance and resistance over a wide temperature range.(Application: Semiconductor processing lines, Toxic chemical systems, Heat-resistant double-sided tape, and various other types of heat-resistant tapes, etc.) |
| Flame resistance(Application: Interior and exterior materials, insulation coating materials, etc.) |
| Low refractivity(Application: Polymer optical fiber, etc.) |
What is PTFE?
PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) is considered a flagship material among fluoropolymers due to its exceptional physical properties. It can withstand environments up to 260°C, retains its physical integrity even at temperatures as low as -65°C, remains unaffected by various chemical environments, and exhibits high insulation, low loss rate, and high surface resistance across a wide range of frequencies. Due to its excellent low dielectric loss (Low Df) characteristics, CCL in communication systems can effectively reduce signal loss and heat generation as the signal traverses the circuit. This preserves the signal integrity better, allowing for the implementation of longer circuits, utilization of slightly thinner products, simplified system design, and improved space utilization between components.
AMMK CO.,LTD
Head Office: 10, Hwangsaeul-ro 351beon-gil, Bundang-gu Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
Tel : +82-31-704-1858Fax : +82-31-704-1857
โธ Copyright AMMK CO.,LTD. All rights reserved.
AMMK CO.,LTD
Head Office : 10, Hwangsaeul-ro 351beon-gil, Bundang-gu Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
Tel : +82-31-704-1858Fax : +82-31-704-1857
โธ Copyright AMMK CO.,LTD. All rights reserved.
