Materials Used - PFA, PVDF
PFA is similar to PTFE in chemical resistance and temperature capabilities with continuous operating temperature ratings approaching 500 °F (260 °C). FEP has equal chemical resistance, but continuous operating temperature ratings are lower, on the order of 400 °F (204 °C). Both PFA and FEP, unlike PTFE, can be injection molded.
PVDF stands for Polyvinylidene Fluoride and is best known under its trade name, Kynar™ manufactured by Arkema Inc. who offers an on-line source of information here. An overview of the material can also be found in Wikipedia here. Another major source of PVDF is Solvay Solexis who manufacturers it under the trade names Solef® and Hylar® and supplies information here. PVDF is similar to PTFE in that it is resistant to attack from a wide range of chemicals and is able to operate at higher temperatures than most plastics. The range of chemicals it can handle is not as broad as that of PTFE and its continuous operating temperature lower, but it can be injection molded and it is much stronger than PTFE within its operating temperature range. PVDF products can be susceptible to cracking if not properly stress-relieved. Micromold is experienced at stress-relieving in our own ovens with annealing cycles tuned over the years to optimize the strength of our products and our customers' products.
PVDF stands for Polyvinylidene Fluoride and is best known under its trade name, Kynar™ manufactured by Arkema Inc. who offers an on-line source of information here. An overview of the material can also be found in Wikipedia here. Another major source of PVDF is Solvay Solexis who manufacturers it under the trade names Solef® and Hylar® and supplies information here. PVDF is similar to PTFE in that it is resistant to attack from a wide range of chemicals and is able to operate at higher temperatures than most plastics. The range of chemicals it can handle is not as broad as that of PTFE and its continuous operating temperature lower, but it can be injection molded and it is much stronger than PTFE within its operating temperature range. PVDF products can be susceptible to cracking if not properly stress-relieved. Micromold is experienced at stress-relieving in our own ovens with annealing cycles tuned over the years to optimize the strength of our products and our customers' products.
PVFF Basket Strainer cross-sectional view
The PVDF Basket strainer shown to the left is another good example of Micromold's ability to mix and match fluoropolymers to optimize products for the end-user. This material is a good choice where the environment is harsh enough to need a fluoropolymer, but doesn't warrant PTFE.
In this case, a Kynar® PVDF weldment gives the unit more strength at lower cost than Micromold's similar PTFE basket strainer, but the cartridge, which doesn't require the strength of PVDF, is PTFE for the ultimate in chemical compatibility. As with the Y-Strainer discussed above, the FEP encapsulated o-rings and Tefzel® mesh complete the assembly of 100% fluoropolymer wetted components.
Trademark Attribution
DuPont™, Delrin®, Vespel®, Tefzel® and Teflon® are trademarks or registered trademarks of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company or its affiliates.
Dyneon™ is a trademark of the 3M Company.
DAIKIN-POLYFLON™ is a trademark of Daikin America Inc.
Fluon® is a registered trademark of AGC Chemicals America.
Kynar® is a registered trademark of Arkema Inc.
Hylar®, Solef® and Torlon® are registered trademarks of Solvay Solexis.
Celcon® is a registered trademark of Ticona Engineering Polymers.
Ryton® is a registered trademark of Chevron Phillips Chemical
Celazole® is a registered trademark of Quadrant Engineering Plastic Products