Properties

A Unique Combination of Properties

Because of its chemical structure, Halar® ECTFE offers a unique combination of properties:

• chemical resistance and high thermal rating given by the extremely strong dissociation between carbon and fluorine atoms
• very good mechanical properties given by strong interchain interactions due to hydrogen bonding.

Discover all Halar® ECTFE grades

Purity of the Polymer

Halar® ECTFE is an extremely pure polymer. Static soak testing in ultra-pure water and high purity chemicals shows extremely low levels of metallic and organic extractables. Additional dynamic rinse data validates Halar® ECTFE as suitable for high purity systems in the semiconductor, biotech, and pharmaceutical industries. Furthermore, Halar® ECTFE exhibits very low fluoride ion leach out.

For this reason, Halar® ECTFE is used as a lining and coating for ultra-pure water systems in the semiconductor industry. FM 4922 approved exhaust duct systems use Halar® ECTFE coated stainless steel.

Chemical resistance

Barrier properties: Halar® ECTFE outperforms plastic and FRP duct with improved safety and corrosion resistance. The reduction or elimination of salt deposit and debris buildup that can reduce airflow is approved by Factory Mutual for use in fume and smoke exhaust systems, without sprinklers.

High Purity Applications: Static soak testing conducted on Halar® ECTFE in ultrapure water and high purity chemicals shows extremely low levels of metallic and organic extractables. Additional dynamic rinse data validates Halar® ECTFE as suitable for high purity systems in the semiconductor, biotech and pharmaceutical industries. Halar® ECTFE exhibits very low fluoride ion leach out.

Comparison to Other Fluoropolymers

The most distinctive properties of the main melt-processable fluoropolymers are depicted in the table below.

Among Fluoroplastics, Halar® ECTFE demonstrates intermediate behavior. For instance, Halar® ECTFE has wider chemical resistance and higher thermal rating compared to polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), while it features better mechanical properties with respect to ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) and perfluorinated polymers. Thus, Halar® ECTFE embodies an excellent trade-off among general properties, offering high chemical and mechanical resistance combined with easy processing.

Processing

One of the principal advantages of Halar® ECTFE fluoropolymer is the ease with which it can be processed. Halar® ECTFE fluoropolymer is a true thermoplastic that can be handled using the conventional techniques of extrusion as well as by blow, compression, injection, roto, and transfer molding. Halar® ECTFE polymer is available in a wide range of melt viscosities to suit virtually every processing technique.

Powder coating methods are also applicable. Halar® ECTFE is available in different grades that are specifically designed for electrostatic powder spray coating.

Electrostatic Powder Coating: generally, the procedure involves substrate preparation, spray coating, baking, and cooling. Several passes may be required to obtain the desired Halar® ECTFE load and build up coating thickness.