Although the term fluoropolymer coating may not be familiar to everyone, just about everyone has benefited from fluoropolymer technology. This technology utilizes polymers made from fluorocarbons. It has some unique characteristics that make it very useful for a broad range of products today.
The Recipe
Polymers are materials with the natural strength and flexibility due to their molecular structure (rubber is a good example), and polymers can be synthetic or manmade. When you create a polymer from fluorocarbons, you have a fluoropolymer. Fluorocarbons come from fluorine and carbon and give materials non-flammable and non-toxic characteristics.
Basic Properties of Fluoropolymers
Fluoropolymers can provide materials with many different properties. This makes them highly effective for all kinds of industrial uses.
Chemical and Corrosion Resistant
Fluoropolymers resist many types of acids, bases, and solvents. In fact, they are very difficult to dissolve in any material. Fluoropolymer coating is often utilized in these industries:
* Pulp and paper
* Oil fields and pumping
* Chemical processing
* Wastewater
Bonding
It is very simple to bond fluoropolymer materials, and they can easily be welded, laminated, etched, and heat sealed.
Lubrication
When you place a fluoropolymer coating on metals, it provides lubrication. There is very little friction created, and you have a very effective non-stick surface, which sees a lot of use with:
* Mold release coatings – this is one of the most important properties associated with fluoropolymer coatings, as they used for tire mold releases, waffle irons, griddles, and many other applications.
* Waxes
* Pipe thread tape
* Push and pull cables
* Lubrication additives
Transparency
Fluoropolymers can be used to transmit or limit light, including ultraviolet light. This property is useful in:
* Solar panels
* Sight glasses
* Protective films
* Window laminating products
Resistant to Moisture and Gasses
Highly effective for wet conditions and also resistant to gasoline vapor, fluoropolymer applications are often used in internal combustion motors. Fuel lines and gaskets are often made from fluoropolymer materials.
Electric Insulation
Fluoropolymers make excellent wire insulation and are sometimes used to create cable jacks and the conduit. Also, unlike many kinds of rubber and plastics, fluoropolymer coated items will retain flexibility in cold temperatures and are not subject to cracking.
Heat Insulation
Some fluoropolymer coating applications can withstand temperatures as cold as minus 328 degrees Fahrenheit and as hot as 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Flame resistance is another important property, and these materials are used in commercial buildings, aircrafts, public transport, and ships because they generate very little smoke once they burn.
To find out more about the many benefits of fluoropolymer coating, come to Secoa Technology. We offer many metal coating solutions for business and can provide you with high-tech specialty coating products.
