ETFE / Tefzel® Compression Molding

ETFE (ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene) is a rugged thermoplastic with an outstanding balance of desirable properties.  No other plastic approaches the chemical and electrical properties of fluoropolymers while providing mechanical ruggedness and economical processing.

ASTM D3159 is the material specification that covers ETFE.

ETFE / Tefzel® Properties

1. •Superior mechanical toughness
   

2. •Impact resistant
   

3. •Good resistance to most chemicals but is attacked by chlorinated solvents and strong oxidizing agents
   

4. •Hydrolytically stable, tensile strength and elongation is essentially unaffected by long exposures to boiling water
   

5. •Water absorption of less than 0.03%
   

6. •No-load maximum continuous use temperature of 302 °F (150 °C)
   

7. •Upper service temperature in excess of 392 °F (230 °C) for certain specific applications
   

8. •Excellent abrasion resistance from -300 °F (-184 °C) to 300°F (149 °C)
   

9. •High purity
   

10. •Little outgassing at recommended maximum use temperature
    

11. •Unpigmented resins are rated UL94 V-0 down to 0.062” thick
    

12. •Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI) of 30
    

13. •Much better radiation resistance than PTFE but is not immune to gamma radiation, especially at higher temperatures and in the presence of oxygen
    

14. •Excellent resistance to outdoor weathering with few detrimental effects from long-term exposure
    

15. •Is an excellent low-loss dielectric, with a uniformity of electrical properties not usually found in other thermoplastics
    

ETFE / Tefzel® Applications

ETFE is often specified for applications where other materials lack mechanical toughness, broad thermal capabilities or the ability to withstand severe environmental conditions.

ETFE is used to line components used in the chemical processing industry (CPI).

Because of its high-energy radiation resistance and ability to withstand elevated temperatures, ETFE is used in the nuclear industry.

Unlike for many other polymers, adding glass reinforcement to ETFE improves its frictional and wear properties.  Because ETFE also has outstanding creep resistance, the glass-reinforced resin is favored for bearing applications in abusive environments.  Some grades can less abrasive on mating surfaces than most glass-reinforced polymers.  Glass-filled ETFE has a low wear factor that is only 1/10th that of reinforced nylon.

Compression-molded ETFE / Tefzel® Parts

1. •Fittings
   

2. •Stirring rods
   

3. •Spigots
   

4. •Tubing
   

5. •Valves
   

6. •Labware
   

7. •Containers
   

8. •Dishes
   

9. •Bearings
   

10. •Electrical components
    

11. •Sleeving
    

12. •Coil forms
    

13. •Sockets
    

14. •Connectors
    

15. •Switches
    

16. •Battery components
    

17. •Valve components
    

18. •Seal glands
    

19. •Rings
    

20. •Pipe plugs
    

21. •Mechanical parts
    

22. •Fasteners
    

ETFE Compression Molding Resins

Tefzel® ETFE from DuPont™

1. •Tefzel® ETFE 200
   

2. •Tefzel® ETFE 207
   

3. •Tefzel® ETFE 280
   

4. •Tefzel® ETFE HT-2160
   

5. •Tefzel® ETFE HT-2170
   

6. •Tefzel® ETFE HT-2181
   

7. •Tefzel® ETFE HT-2183
   

8. •Tefzel® ETFE HT-2185
   

9. •Tefzel® ETFE HT-2188
   

10. •Tefzel® ETFE HT-2202
    

11. •Tefzel® ETFE HT-2202HS
    

NEOFLON™ ETFE from Daikin America

1. •NEOFLON™ EP-541 ETFE
   

2. •NEOFLON™ EP-546 ETFE
   

3.