Chemical Resistance

Chemical Resistant Solutions from Fluoropolymers

Fluoropolymers exhibit unparalleled chemical resistance due to the strong carbon-fluorine bond, which is one of the strongest bonds in organic chemistry. This bond imparts excellent stability and resistance to aggressive chemicals (solvents, oils, water, acids and bases), making fluoropolymers an ideal choice for applications that require exposure to corrosive substances.

There are a range of common examples of fluoropolymer chemical resistance applications, to name a few:

• Chemical processing equipment
  Fluoropolymers such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and perfluoroalkoxy (PFA) are commonly used in the construction of pipes, tanks, valves, and other equipment that come into contact with corrosive chemicals. They resist attack from strong acids, bases, solvents, and oxidizing agents.
• Semiconductors and electronics
  Fluoropolymers are used to protect sensitive electronics from corrosive chemicals during processing. They are also used as dielectric materials in capacitors, connectors, and cables.
• Laboratory and medical equipment
  Fluoropolymers are used in lab ware, such as beakers, flasks, and tubing, due to their chemical inertness. They are also used in medical devices that come into contact with harsh chemicals, such as catheters and surgical instruments.

Why Are Fluoropolymers Chemically Resistant?

The excellent chemical resistance exhibited by fluoropolymers can be attributed to the following:

• Fluorine-carbon bond strength
  The carbon-fluorine (C-F) bond is the strongest known single bond. This bond imparts exceptional stability and resistance to chemical reactivity. It is extremely difficult for chemicals to break the C-F bond, making fluoropolymers highly resistant to degradation.
• Inertness
  Fluoropolymers have a low surface energy and are considered inert to many chemicals. This means they do not react or interact with most substances, reducing the chances of chemical attack. This inertness allows fluoropolymers to withstand exposure to a wide range of aggressive chemicals, including strong acids, bases, and solvents.
• High thermal stability
  Fluoropolymers have excellent thermal stability, which means they can withstand high temperatures without degrading or losing their chemical resistance. They have a broad temperature range over which they can maintain their resistance, making them useful in various industrial applications.

Summary of Chemical Resistance of Fluoropolymers

An overview of the chemical resistance properties of several common fluoropolymers and their performance under specific environmental conditions can be found here.

Table 1. Chemical resistance of fluoropolymers

Fluoropolymers	Forms	Chemical Resistance
Alkarine	Acid	Polar solvent	Non polar solvent	Amine	Fuel	Oil
PTFE	Fluoropolymer Fluoropolymer films Fluoro coatings Polymer additives	A+	A+	A+	A+	A+	A+	A+
PFA		A	A	A	A	A	A	A
FEP		A	A	A	A	A	A	A
ETFE		A	A	A	B	B	A	A
PCTFE		A	A	A	B	B	A	A
Fluoroelastomer		B	B	C	A	B	A	A

*Chemical Resistance: A+ > A> B > C

Table 2. Chemical resistance of fluoropolymers in specific environments