PFA

PFA (polyfluoroalkoxy)

PFA (polyfluoroalkoxy) is a fully fluorinated, semi-crystalline copolymer of TFE and a minor amount of a PAVE (perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether), such as PMVE (perfluoromethylvinyl ether), PEVE (perfluoroethylvinyl ether), or PPVE (perfluoropropylvinyl ether).

PFA Properties

PFA offers the highest temperature rating and broadest chemical resistance of any melt-processible fluoropolymer, making it ideal for extreme chemical and thermal environments. PFA is similar to FEP in many ways but in general has better mechanical properties at higher temperatures.

PFA is one of the few plastics that is suitable for use in high-temperature and low-temperature applications. Products made from PFA can operate at continuous service temperatures from -260 °C (-436 °F) to 260°C (500°F), similar to the range for PTFE.

  • Excellent universal resistance to chemicals and solvents

  • Superior creep resistance at upper service temperature

  • Excellent stress crack resistance

  • Low coefficient of friction

  • More than 10 times the flex-life of FEP

  • Excellent flexibility

  • Smoother surface that PTFE or FEP

  • Low gas permeability

  • Available in high-purity grades with extremely low levels of extractable trace elements, fluoride ions and other anions

  • Available in grades with increased permeation resistance

  • Available in anti-static industrial grades

  • Exceptional flame resistance, rated UL 94 V-0

  • Resists ignition, has a limiting oxygen index (LOI) of greater than 95

  • Some grades may be used in food contact applications in compliance with FDA 21 CFR 177.1550

  • Excellent low-temperature toughness

  • Extremely high weathering resistance and UV stability

  • Exceptionally low dielectric constant and dissipation factor, like those of PTFE, but with dielectric strength more than four times higher than that of PTFE

PFA Applications

  • PFA is used for many applications that are similar to those in which PTFE and FEP are used, but PFA is particularly preferred for applications that require extended service in hostile environments with high chemical, thermal and mechanical stresses:

    • Semiconductor processing equipment (due to superb chemical resistance and high purity/low extractables), where purity in the parts-per-billion range is needed

    • Chemical processing industry (CPI) components

    • Bulk chemical distribution

    • Fluid-handling components

    • Laboratory components