Everything You Need to Know about PFA
What is PFA?
Perfluoroalkoxy – or PFA – is a fluoropolymer similar to that of PTFE, with the key difference being its improved melt processability. This means that it flows more easily when melted, so can be processed in a broader range of methods used in traditional plastic processing. Injection moulding, extrusion, powder coating and more are all options as a result of this fluoropolymer’s lower melt viscosity.
Properties
PFA’s essential properties are similar to that of other fluoropolymers, exhibiting:
- Thermal stability: Can withstand high temperatures without degradation.
- Chemical resistance: Effective protection against harsh chemicals, solvents, acids and bases.
- Low friction: Non-stick surface.
- Electrical insulation: Resists the flow of electricity, helping to contain it, maximise efficiency, and obstructing interference.
The key differentiating factors between PFA and other fluoropolymers are its:
- High purity: A highly pure material with low levels of metal ions and impurities.
- Processability: Can be used easily moulded into various shapes and sizes and applied to intricate components through a number of processes. This property allows for efficient and cost-effective manufacturing processes.
Industrial applications
PFA’s is a used in many of the same applications as PTFE, but is especially useful when subject to chemical, thermic, and mechanical stress:
- Laboratory processing
- Power plants
- Environmental technology (solar panels, wind turbines)
Applying PFA
PFA is the most flexible of the fluoropolymers in terms of available application methods. With injection moulding and spray coating both viable options, Perfluoroalkoxy can also be applied in greatly varying degrees of thickness.
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