PFA Material Characterization

Bobby Brown

Post 2024-10-25

What is PFA Material?
Chemical and Physical Properties of PFA
PFA Chemical resistance chart

What is PFA Material?

PFA (Perfluoroalkoxy Alkane) is a high-performance fluoropolymer in the same family as PTFE and FEP. Known for its chemical resistance, high-temperature tolerance, and excellent insulation, PFA is created by copolymerizing perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether with tetrafluoroethylene. It combines the stability of PTFE with the processability of FEP, making it ideal for chemical, semiconductor, electronics, and medical applications.

Chemical and Physical Properties of PFA

Structure and Acid-Base Resistance

The molecular structure of PFA (Perfluoroalkoxy Alkane) provides excellent stability in harsh chemical environments, resisting nearly all acids, bases, and organic solvents. This makes PFA an ideal choice for corrosion-resistant equipment in the chemical industry, such as pipes, valves, linings, and reactor casings. Additionally, PFA maintains its performance over a broad temperature range from -200°C to 260°C, demonstrating outstanding thermal stability.

Mechanical and Thermal Properties

PFA exhibits good mechanical strength and retains stability even at high temperatures. Key physical characteristics of PFA include:

Density: Approximately 2.12 - 2.17 g/cm³.
Temperature Range: Operates reliably from -200°C to 260°C and has a high melting point of around 305°C.
Corrosion Resistance: Withstands strong acids, bases, oxidizers, reducers, and most organic solvents, with only slight corrosion in fluorides and highly concentrated alkali solutions.
Insulation: Features very low dielectric loss and a resistivity of up to 10^18 ohm·cm, making it ideal for high-frequency applications.
Self-Lubrication: Possesses a low coefficient of friction, making it suitable for applications requiring low wear and no additional lubrication.
Non-Stick Surface: Its low surface energy prevents the adhesion of substances, ensuring easy cleaning and maintenance.
Weather Resistance: Excellent resistance to UV radiation and atmospheric aging, allowing it to remain stable in outdoor environments over time.

PFA Chemical resistance chart

How to use this chart

» Meaning of symbol:
OK: Recommended. △: Must confirm if usable by testing in advanced. X: Not recommended.
» This chart only provides the result of a single chemical to material, if a client uses more than one kind of chemical at the same time, please choose material by experience.
» This chart is for reference only which is not applicable to all working environments. Please refer to design equipment according to practical experience.

Category	Name	PFA
Organic acids	Acetic acid	OK (100%)
	Acetic acid, glacial	OK (< 121°C)
	Acetic anhydride	OK (< 93°C)
	Citric acid	OK (50% @ Room Temp) △ (50% @ Boiling Point)
Organic compound	Acetaldehyde	OK (< 93°C)
	Acetone	OK (< 93°C)
	Methyl alcohol	OK (< 93°C)
	Aniline	N/A
	Benzaldehyde	OK (< 93°C)
	Benzene	OK (< 93°C)
	Benzyl alcohol	N/A
	Benzyl chloride	N/A
	Corn oil	OK (< 93°C)
	Ethanol	OK (< 93°C)
	Ethylene glycol	OK (< 149°C)
	Fatty acid	OK
	Formaldehyde	OK (< 93°C)
	Formic acid	OK (50% @ Room Temp) △ (50% @ Boiling Point)
	Hexane	OK (< 93°C)
	Lactic acid	OK (10%)
	Methanol	OK (< 93°C)
	Paraffin oil	OK (< 93°C)
	Petroleum	OK (< 93°C)
	Phenol	N/A
	Propane, liq	OK (< 149°C)
	Propanol	OK (< 93°C)
	Stearic acid	OK
	Tannic acid	OK (< 93°C)
	Tartaric acid	OK (< 65°C)
	Toluene	OK (< 93°C)
	Urea	OK (< 177°C)
Inorganic compound	Ammonia	OK (< 149°C)
	Ammonium chloride	OK (< 93°C)
	Ammonium hydroxide	OK (< 93°C)
	Ammonium nitrate	OK (< 93°C)
	Ammonium sulfate	OK
	Barium chloride	OK (< 93°C)
	Barium hydroxide	OK (< 93°C)
	Calcium chloride	OK (< 93°C)
	Calcium hydroxide	OK (< 93°C)
	Hydrochloric acid	OK (< 10%)
	Nitric acid	OK (< 20%)
	Phosphoric acid	OK (< 50%)
	Sodium carbonate	OK (< 93°C)
	Sodium hydroxide	OK (< 40%)
	Sulfuric acid	OK (< 30%)
	Sulfur dioxide	OK (< 93°C)
	Zinc chloride	OK (< 93°C)
	Zinc sulfate	OK (< 93°C)