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

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

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.

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

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

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

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:

  • Aerospace
  • Chemical processing
  • Defense industries
  • Films
  • Insulator for premium wire
  • Lithium-ion batteries
  • Medical
  • Metal roofing
  • Piping products
  • Plating
  • Semiconductors
  • Sheet metal
  • Tubing

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:

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

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

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.

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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