Preamble
The fully fluorinated polymer PTFE is the most widely used fluoropolymer and based on its unique properties is established as an indispensable construction material in modern industries.The main extraordinary properties of PTFE are resistance to most chemicals, a broad service temperature range, the excellent electrical properties, resistance to embrittlement, ageing resistance and very high purity.This introduction provides a survey about the history and production of PTFE and the different polymerisation processes and describes the properties of suspension-PTFE, modified suspension PTFE, PTFE compounds and fine powder PTFE. Furthermore, the processing procedure will be explained and possible applications will be demonstrated.This technical brochure is edited by the pro-K Fluoropolymergroup and has been written by Mr. Andreas Neupauer, Dyneon GmbH & Co. KG and was updated in January 2020.
The brochure presents the state of knowledge as of February 2020.
Content
1. History
2. Production of PTFE
3. General Properties of PTFE
3.1PTFE
3.2Modified PTFE
3.3Compounds based on virgin PTFE und modified PTFE
3.3.1Definition
3.3.2Possible modifications and properties profile
3.3.3Examples for applications of PTFE-Compounds
3.3.4Processing of PTFE-Compounds
4. Processing of suspension-PTFE (S-PTFE)
4.1Basics and general moulding processes
4.1.1Moulding
4.1.2.Sintering
4.1.3Cooling
4.2Automatic moulding
4.3Isostatic moulding
4.4Ram-extrusion
5. Processing of emulsion-PTFE (E-PTFE)
5.1Basics
5.2Preparation of the extrusion mixture
5.3Moulding of the preform
5.4Extrusion
5.5Manufacturing of films, tape and sealing rods
5.5.1Extrusion of profiles
5.5.2Calandering
5.5.3Drying of films
5.5.4Stretching of films
5.5.5Manufacturing of stretched and non-stretched sealing rods
5.6 Manufacturing of tubes
5.6.1Lubricants of the tube extrusion
5.6.2Tube extrusion - Paste extruder
5.6.3Drying and sintering of tubes
5.6.4Possible applications for PTFE-tubes
5.7Manufacturing of thick walled tubes5.7.1Preparation of samples and lubricant
5.7.2Liner extruder
5.7.3Liner extrusion process
5.7.4Drying and sintering
5.8Manufacturing of cable insolation
5.8.1Preparation of the extrusion mixture
5.8.2Cable extruder
5.8.3Cable extrusion process
5.8.4Drying and sintering
6. PTFE Applications
7. Safety guideline for handling PTFE