CTFE/KEL-F PLASTIC MATERIAL & MACHINING
CHEMICALLY RESISTANT MATERIAL WITH NEAR ZERO MOISTURE ABSORPTION
CTFE (Chlorotrifluoroethylene as the repeated monomer) is a homopolymer and type of high performance plastic material that belongs to the fluoropolymers family. Most know it for its unique properties consisting of dimensional stability, rigidness with strong chemical resistance, and near-zero moisture absorption. CTFE can operate in temperatures ranging from -240°C to 193°C (-400° to 380°F), making it ideal for aerospace, research, food, and pharma applications.
KEL-F is a trademarked name from 3M for the copolymer of CTFE and VDF (vinylidene fluoride). Combining these two monomers alters its inherent properties, and most use it for more specific purposes. Both materials share similar properties, but uses change based on product's purposes.
However, CTFE and KEL-F material availability can affect lead times greatly. Please inquire early in the development phase so the Controlled Fluidics team can establish material availability and its impact on your project timeline.
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Key Facts About CTFE
- Dimensionally stable and rigid
- Near zero moisture absorption
- Excellent chemical resistance
- Wide range of operating temperatures
- Great thermal stability
- Low friction coefficient
- Good dielectric and insulation properties
- Non-stick properties
Key Facts About KEL-F
- Exhibits almost identical properties as CTFE concerning thermal stability and friction coefficient
- Slightly higher chemical resistance
- More often used in valves, pumps, and other components in the chemical processing industry
CTFE and KEL-F are both a dimensionally stable and rigid polymers known for its near zero moisture absorption, excellent chemical resistance, and an extremely wide range of operating temperatures. Due to this, many engineers in the aerospace, research, and other demanding industries heavy in chemical processing use these materials for their various components.
Regarding their chemical resistance, both greatly resist several types of chemicals, including strong acids and bases. If a component needs high resistance to corrosive chemicals, these materials would make a great choice as they withstand exposure without a great risk for degradation.
Moreover, CTFE and KEL-F offer other properties that make it a noteworthy choice. Its low friction coefficient, dielectric properties, and low moisture absorption often check off a few boxes. For products that need wear resistance alongside moisture resistance, both materials suit those purposes for a long-lasting component.
KEL-F specifically is a proprietary blend of fluoropolymers CTFE and VDF from 3M. Manufacturers may have similar blends of the two materials, however this wholly depends on the supplier as to what those blends are and their associated names.
Plastic Machining with CTFE/KEL-F Plastic transcript
KAY FACTS & MORE ABOUT CTFE/KEL-F
Key Facts About CTFE
- Dimensionally stable and rigid
- Near zero moisture absorption
- Excellent chemical resistance
- Wide range of operating temperatures
- Great thermal stability
- Low friction coefficient
- Good dielectric and insulation properties
- Non-stick properties
Key Facts About KEL-F
- Exhibits almost identical properties as CTFE concerning thermal stability and friction coefficient
- Slightly higher chemical resistance
- More often used in valves, pumps, and other components in the chemical processing industry
CTFE and KEL-F are both a dimensionally stable and rigid polymers known for its near zero moisture absorption, excellent chemical resistance, and an extremely wide range of operating temperatures. Due to this, many engineers in the aerospace, research, and other demanding industries heavy in chemical processing use these materials for their various components.
Regarding their chemical resistance, both greatly resist several types of chemicals, including strong acids and bases. If a component needs high resistance to corrosive chemicals, these materials would make a great choice as they withstand exposure without a great risk for degradation.
Moreover, CTFE and KEL-F offer other properties that make it a noteworthy choice. Its low friction coefficient, dielectric properties, and low moisture absorption often check off a few boxes. For products that need wear resistance alongside moisture resistance, both materials suit those purposes for a long-lasting component.
KEL-F specifically is a proprietary blend of fluoropolymers CTFE and VDF from 3M. Manufacturers may have similar blends of the two materials, however this wholly depends on the supplier as to what those blends are and their associated names.
CTFE/KEL-F PLASTIC VIDEOS
Plastic Machining with CTFE/KEL-F Plastic transcript