fluoropolymers

Fluoropolymers are polymers in which hydrogen atoms in hydrocarbon chains are replaced by fluorine atoms, yielding materials with exceptional chemical resistance, low surface energy, and high thermal stability. The most familiar member is polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), known for its very low friction and nonstick properties. Other widely used fluoropolymers include polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), perfluoroalkoxy alkanes (PFA), and ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymers (ETFE).

Key properties arise from the strength of carbon–fluorine bonds and the polymers’ highly crystalline, nonpolar backbones. They resist solvents and oxidants, withstand temperatures well above many other plastics, and provide excellent electrical insulation. PTFE is typically processed by sintering rather than melting due to very high melt viscosity; FEP, PFA, and some ETFE grades can be melt-processed by extrusion or injection molding. PVDF offers a balance of chemical resistance and processability and is available in rigid and flexible forms.

Fluoropolymers are produced mainly by polymerizing fluorinated monomers such as tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) for PTFE and FEP, vinylidene fluoride (VDF) for PVDF, and combinations like TFE/hexafluoropropylene for ETFE and PFA. Applications cover corrosion-resistant components, chemical processing equipment, nonstick cookware coatings, wire insulation, hoses, gaskets, and medical or electronic devices. They are valued where stability, purity, and inertness are required, but can be costly and difficult to recycle.

Environmental and regulatory considerations have grown due to PFAS-related concerns about persistence and bioaccumulation. Processing and disposal require controls to prevent release of hazardous fluorinated byproducts. Fluoropolymers have a long history; PTFE was developed in the 1930s and commercialized in the mid-20th century, becoming essential in many industries.