Key Properties of Halar® E-CTFE Fluoropolymer Resins
Barrier Properties:
Barrier properties of Halar ECTFE are excellent – 10 to 100 times better than those of PTFE or FEP to oxygen, carbon dioxide, chlorine gas or hydrochloric acid. Chemical Resistance: Halar ECTFE resists a wide variety of corrosive chemicals and organic solvents, including strong acids, chlorine and aqueous caustics.
Electrical Properties:
The dielectric constant of Halar fluoropolymer is low (2.6 for solid insulation) and stable across a broad temperature and frequency range. The dielectric strength is 80 kV/mm (2000V/mil) in 1 mil (.025 mm) thickness.
Flammability:
Halar ECTFE has received a UL 94 V-O rating in thicknesses as low as 7 mils (0.18 mm), making it superior to ETFE which receives a V-O rating in thickness only as low as 62.5 mils (1.59 mm). The oxygen index (ASTM D-2863) of ECTFE is a minimum of 52.0
Flame Spread & Smoke Generation:
Halar fluoropolymer, because of its low flame spread and low smoke generation characteristics, has received UL 910 (NFPA 262) listing up to 200 pair communication plenum cable and also meets automotive industry requirements of FM VSS 302.
Machinability:
Similar to Nylon 6.
Mechanical Properties:
Halar ECTFE fluoropolymer possesses excellent mechanical properties over a wide range of temperatures from cryogenic to 150°C (300°F). It has nylon-like durability and provides excellent impact resistance at ambient and sub ambient temperatures. Halar ECTFE has good tensile Flexural, and wear-related properties.
Processability:
Halar ECTFE is a thermoplastic resin which can be processed by virtually any technique applicable to polyethylene. These techniques include but are not limited to extrusion, injection molding, blow molding, roto molding, rotationally lining, and applying by electrostatic coating techniques.
Purity:
Static soak testing in Ultra-Pure Water (UPW) and High Purity Chemicals show extremely low levels of metallic and organic extractables. Additional dynamic rinse data also validates Halar ECTFE as a material suitable for high purity systems in the semiconductor, biotech, and pharmaceutical industries.
Surface Smoothness:
Halar fluoropolymer is distinguished from all other fluoropolymers by its exceptional surface smoothness. Extruded, molded and powder coated surfaces of Halar fluoropolymer exhibit extraordinary smoothness as measured by SEM and AFM analytical methods.
A very important benefit of this surface property was demonstrated in Biofilm Testing. The formation of bioorganic films and bacterial colonies was significantly reduced on process surfaces of Halar fluoropolymer versus electro polished stainless steel and PVDF. (Contact Ausimont for the report entitled “Evaluation of ECTFE for Surface Properties and Biofilm Formation in Ultrapure Water Service”)
Thermal Properties:
Halar fluoropolymer is UL certified for use in non-load bearing applications requiring continuous service at a temperature to 150°C (300°F).
Weldability:
Halar fluoropolymer is weldable with ordinary thermoplastic welding equipment at 300-315°C (5725-600°F).
Water Absorption:
Less than 0.1%.
