Fluoropolymer / Teflon™ Coatings Service

Industrial Fluoropolymer Coatings (Teflon™ coatings)

Fluoropolymer coatings (often called Teflon™ coatings) are similar to fluorocarbons in that they are not susceptible to the van der Waals force as hydrocarbons. As a result, they have exceptional non-stick and friction reducing properties. In addition, they are stable due to the multiple carbon-fluorine bonds they add to a chemical compound.

Fluoropolymers can be characterized as thermosets, which are polymers that are irreversibly hardened by curing from a soft solid or viscous liquid prepolymer or resin. They can also take the form of a thermoplastic, which is a plastic polymer that becomes pliable or moldable when heated to a certain temperature and solidifies upon cooling. Fluoropolymers can be homopolymers or copolymers.

Non Stick Coating Services

PFA (Teflon™ coatings, Xylan, Neoflon)

PFA (Perfluoro alkoxy alkanes) is a very unique fluoropolymer that fits a diverse range of applications. PFA is used for coatings on tanks, valves, and vessels in the chemical processing industry. PFA’s resistance to acids at high temperatures exceeds most other fluoropolymers. It is also an excellent product for food processing and industrial bakeware due to its nonstick characteristics. Many formulations are FDA compliant and are outstanding when it comes to both abrasion and release requirements. This thermally-stable product can handle working temperatures up to 260 C/500 F.

Key features:

Wide temperature range (-190°C- +260°C)
Cryogenically stable
High electrical resistance
High impact resistance
Chemical resistance at elevated temperatures
Non-stick/release properties
High thickness builds of up to 40 mils/1mm are achievable
Tougher than PTFE and FEP
FDA compliant formulations available

Want to know more about PFA?

PFA, MFA (perfluoroalkoxy polymer) is a fluoropolymer. Compared to PTFE, PFA has better anti-stick properties and higher chemical resistance, but less scratch resistance. PFA allows the polymer to be melt-processed. PFA can produce materials that are more translucent creep resistance, and thermally stable than PTFE.

Key Features of PFA Teflon™ coatings

Ease of application: thicker application allows for less labor
Substrate: aluminum, stainless steel, and carbon steel
Achieve thick film build: up to 40 mil maximum dry film thickness (DFT)
Available in liquid and powder form
Liquid coating is water-based for easy cleaning
Majority of PFA Teflon™ topcoats are FDA approved

Performance Properties of PFA Teflon™ Coatings

Superior release
Excellent thermal stability
Excellent chemical resistance
Good abrasion resistance

Applications for PFA include:

Corrosion-resistant linings of vessels in the chemical-processing industry
Gas scrubbers, reactors, containment vessels, and piping
In coal-fired power plants, Lining for heat exchangers in coal-fired power plants
Inert material for sampling equipment in chemical and environmental studies that must avoid chemical contamination of metallic ions at trace levels
Piping and fittings for aggressive chemicals

Trade names include: Fluon PFA, Teflon™ coating, Hyflon, Neoflon, Hostaflon-PFA and Chemfluor.

Want even more details about Xylan? We’ve got you covered.

PTFE (Teflon™ coatings, Xylan, Polyflon)

PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) is a fluoropolymer for numerous applications. PTFE is hydrophobic. Neither water or water-containing substances wet PTFE. It has one of the highest coefficients of friction of any fluoropolymer coating. This durable thin film coating has superior nonstick properties. PTFE is specified where a smooth, and corrosion resistant, low friction coating is necessary. A popular application is as an FDA approved nonstick food grade coating. PTFE treated cookware provides easy cleaning of equipment and eliminates traditional oil sprays. Food simply slides off. PTFE is also used extensively in industrial equipment. It will prevent corrosion and maintain lubricity which considerably extends the life of the components. This thermally stable product can handle working temperatures up to 260 C/500 F.

Key features:

Wide temperature range (-190°C- +260°C)
Cryogenically stable
Non-wetting
High electrical resistance
Anti-galling
Chemical resistance at elevated temperatures
Non-stick/release properties
Thin film applications up to 30 microns or 1 mil
FDA compliant formulations available

More information about PTFE

PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) is a synthetic fluoropolymer of tetrafluoroethylene. PTFE is hydrophobic (cannot be wet) and has one of the lowest coefficients of friction of any solid. PTFE coatings offer the highest heat resistance of 500ºF and excellent release. This coating melts at 627ºF. PTFE is an excellent choice for nonstick surfaces requiring high temperature resistance.

Key Features of PTFE Teflon™ Coatings

Substrate: aluminum, carbon steel and stainless steel
Thin and thick film build options
Strictly water-based line for easy clean up

Performance Properties of PFA Teflon™ Coatings

Superior thermal stability
Superior coefficient of friction
Excellent release
Good chemical resistance

Applications for PTFE include:

Coating on catheters
Graft material in surgical procedures
Lining for containers and pipework that contain reactive and corrosive chemicals
Lubricant for machinery
Non-stick coating for cookware

Trade names include: Fluon PTFE, Teflon™, Algoflon Hyflon, Polymist, Polyflon, Syncolon.

Want even more details about PTFE? We’ve got you covered.

FEP (Teflon™ coatings, Xylan, Neoflon)

FEP (Fluorinated ethylene propylene) This coating melts and flows out during the curing process. The result is a non-porous film which maintains excellent nonstick properties and a low coefficient of friction. It also helps provide excellent chemical resistance and a high dielectric strength. This coating has been used as an FDA compliant coating in the food processing industry. We are starting to see more manufacturing applications like wafer processing and mold release where FEP performs very well. It is a softer coating that does not hold up in abrasive environments. It also has a lower working temperature of 204 C/400 F.

Key features:

Wide temperature range (-200 to 200 Deg C).
Chemically inert to almost all chemicals and solvents.
Retains its properties even after prolonged exposures to harsh chemical environments.
Non-stick quality unsurpassed by any fluoropolymer.
High transparency with good transmittance of UV rays and visible rays up to 98%.
Long term weatherability. Excellent resistance to ozone, sunlight and weather.
Lowest refractive index of all fluoropolymers which provides low light reflection. Practically invisible in water.
Nontoxic. FDA approved
Non porous.
Inert to body tissue.
Typically applied in a 30 micron (1.0 mil) to 60 micron (2.0mil) range
Low dielectric constant and high dielectric strength.

Looking for more about FEP?

FEP (fluorinated ethylene propylene copolymer): FEP is a copolymer of hexafluoropropylene and tetrafluoroethylene. It is similar to polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) resins, except that is melt-processable using conventional injection molding and screw extrusion techniques. It is flexible, resistant to chemical attack, and optically transparent. Maximum use temperature is 400ºF. FEP nonstick coatings melt and flow during baking to provide nonporous films, which makes them a natural choice for applications that require chemical resistance, release, and abrasion resistance.

Key Features of FEP Teflon™ Coatings

Powder and water-based
Typically a primer and topcoat system
Typical film thickness is 1.0 – 10 mils
Maximum in use temperature of 400ºF
Nonporous film

Performance Properties of FEP Teflon™ Coatings

Excellent nonstick
Good chemical resistance
Low coefficient of friction
High/low temperature stability

Applications for FEP include:

A film to protect molds during the curing process
Aerospace industry
Chemical processing
Microscopic sample holders to minimize the optical blur when light passes through
Pipes, round bars, containment vessels, and tanks to contain aggressive chemicals
Plastic labware and tubing that involves critical or highly corrosive processes
Release film to prevent curing polymers from bonding to metal tooling
Technical gear
Wiring and coaxial cables

Trade names include: FEP Teflon™ coating, Neoflon, Hyflon and Dyneon.

Want even more details about Xylan? We’ve got you covered.

ECTFE (Halar)

Ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene (ECTFE) branded as Halar by Solvay, ECTFE excels in corrosion, chemical and fire resistance. Similar to ETFE and PTFE, ECTFE is used as a protective lining for both oil and gas as well as plumbing industries. It is also used extensively in semiconductor coatings and architectural membranes. ECTFE can be applied in a heavy film build of up to 2000 microns or 80 mils. It has a slightly lower operating temperature of up to 160 C/320 F vs other fluoropolymers.

Key features:

Strong chemical resistance
Strong thermal properties
Excellent corrosion resistance
Optimum permeation resistance
Outstanding flame resistance
Very good surface characteristics
Elongation of up to 325%
High purity
A smooth surface that reduces or eliminates the buildup of salt deposits and debris that can reduce airflow

Need more info about ECTFE?

ECTFE (ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene): ECTFE is primarily used to provide chemical resistance in heavy duty corrosion applications. A copolymer of ethylene and chlorofluoroethylene, ECTFE is partially fluorinated, semi-crystalline that can be processed in the melt.

Applications of ECTFE include:

Acid handling
Aerospace
Bleaching towers in pulp and paper
Electrolysis collectors or drying towers in the chlorine industry
Flue gas treatment, e.g., the SNOX and WSA process
Halogen-related industries, e.g., bromine, chlorine and fluorine
Mining applications, e.g., high pressure heap leach
Pharmaceutical
Semiconductors
Sulfuric acid production and storage
Transport vessels for hazardous goods, e.g., class 8

Trade names include: Halar.

Want even more details about Halar / ECTFE? We’ve got you covered.

ETFE (Tefzel, Fluon and Neoflon)

Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), which is branded as Tefzel, Fluon and Neoflon, is an extremely durable high strength version of the other fluoropolymers. Chemical inertness, abrasion resistance, stiffness and mechanical strength are hallmarks of ETFE. Highly light transmissive, ETFE transmits more light than glass. It is nonstick and considered self cleaning. These features, coupled with ETFE elongation strength of 100%-350%, make it an excellent architectural product. Nuclear Industry turns to ETFE because of its longevity and high energy resistance. ETFE can be applied as a thick film coating with film builds up to 2540 microns or 100 mils.

Key features:

Excellent chemical and heat resistance
Good release properties
First class cryogenic stability
Low coefficient of friction (0.23 coefficient of friction)
Excellent electrical insulating properties
Few substances will adhere to ETFE– tacky substances that do are easily removed
Both oleophobic and hydrophobic – not readily wetted
High dielectric strength (2000 V/mil) and low dissipation factor
High film thickness of up to 2540 microns or 100 mils
Virtually unaffected by UV or weather

More about ETFE

ETFE (polyethylenetetrafluorethylene): ETFE is a fluorine-based plastic coating. It offers exceptional corrosion resistance and strength over a wide temperature range. It has a better mechanical toughness than PTFE and exhibits a resistance to high-energy radiation. ETFE has a maximum continuous service temperature of 300ºF and melts at 491ºF – 536ºF. This nonporous coating has high dielectric strength and good release properties. ETFE coatings offer both water-based and powder forms, high film build capabilities, and industry-leading chemical resistance.

Key Features of ETFE Teflon™ Coatings

Powder primer allows for a complete powder system and improved application efficiency
Liquid and powder topcoats are compatible and interchangeable
Many FDA compliant offerings for food application
Substrate options: Aluminum, stainless steel, carbon steel
In-use operating temperature: 300ºF

Performance Properties of ETFE Teflon™ Coatings

Excellent abrasion resistance
Excellent chemical resistance
Very good dielectric strength

Applications for ETFE include:

Aerospace and aviation industries for wire coatings
Covering for electrical and fiber-optic wiring
Nuclear industry for tie or cable wraps
Pipes, tanks and vessels needing corrosion protection
Pneumatic panels on large structures, such as football stadiums
Small cross-section wires using the wire-wrap technique

Trade names include: FluonETFE, Tefzel, Texlon and Neoflon.

PVDF (Kynar, Hylar, TECAFLON and Dykor)

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) is a chemical resistant barrier coating that consists of fluoropolymer resins and ceramic pigments. Branded as Kynar, Hylar, TECAFLON and Dykor, PVDF provides excellent chemical, corrosion and UV resistance. It also has a high dielectric strength and the ability to self extinguish. It makes for an excellent architectural coating and due to its chemical resistance, it performs well in industrial corrosive applications. It has a maximum operating temperature of 150 C/300 F.

Key features:

Heat resistance
High abrasion resistance
Low permeability to most gases and liquids
Weather resistant
Low weight
Mechanical strength
Radiation resistance
Good electrical insulator

Looking for more about PVDF?

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) is a highly non-reactive thermoplastic fluoropolymer produced by the polymerization of vinylidene difluoride. PVDF is used in applications requiring the highest purity, and resistance to solvents, acids and hydrocarbons. It can be injected, molded or welded. PVDF can also be used in repeated contact with food products, as it is FDA-compliant and absolutely non-toxic.

Applications for PVDF include:

Trade names include: Kynar, Solef, and Hylar.

Our Manufacturers

When you need the job done right, you rely on the best names in the business. That’s why Desert Coating Solutions uses top-grade industrial coatings by:

Whitford®

DuPont®

Solvay®

Everlube®

Chemours™

APPLICATIONS

The variety of industrial fluoropolymer coatings is extensive. For any particular use, there are several fluoropolymer coatings that perform well. Here are a few use cases:

ABRASION

Our industrial coatings protect against abrasive wear caused by hard materials, metals, sand, grit and dust moving along the surface of mechanical components.

LUBRICITY

Used for surface modification, lubricity coatings provide varying levels of lubrication to surfaces in order to reduce wear, improve frictionless movement, enhance radiopacity, and protect against abrasion.

NON-STICK COATINGS

Non-stick coatings aren’t just for cookware. Non-stick coatings provide surface modifications to alter and improve the way your surface “wets” and handles heat.

FDA COMPLIANCE

Food and Drug Administration-compliant coatings are used in the food and beverage industry to meet the highest safety standards for food storage and offer long-lasting performance.

HIGH TEMPERATURE

These types of industrial coatings are used to increase the max use temp of a surface for protection and improved performance.

EXPERTISE

Desert Coating’s technical specialists ensure you receive the right Teflon™ coating for a your application, whether it be PTFE®, FEP®, PFA®, ETFE®, Teflon-S™, or others.

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