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
» 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) |