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    PFA Vs PTFE in Instrumentation

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    PFA Vs PTFE in Instrumentation

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    PFA Vs PTFE in instrumentation

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    85 views5 pages

    PFA Vs PTFE in Instrumentation

    Uploaded by

    Arif Hakim

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    © All Rights Reserved
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    of 5

    White Paper

    PTFE and PFA


    Similarities and Differences
    White Paper

    PTFE and PFA


    Similarities and Differences

    Introduction
    The purpose of this document is to define and compare two of the most used
    fluoropolymers, PTFE and PFA, in industry globally and clarify the differences between
    them.

    Defining PTFE and PFA


    Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a synthetic fluoropolymer of tetrafluoroethylene that
    has numerous applications. The most widely known PTFE formulation is sold under the
    brand name of Teflon®. PTFE was discovered by DuPont Co. in 1938.
    Perfluoroalkoxy alkanes (PFA) is a copolymer of hexafluoropropylene and
    perfluoroethers. It was developed after the discovery of PTFE by the same producer
    (DuPont Co.). One commonly known PFA formulation is Teflon PFA.
    PFA has very similar properties to PTFE, though the biggest difference between PTFE
    and PFA is that PFA is melt-processed. This is accomplished through conventional
    injection molding as well as screw extrusion techniques.

    Area of use
    PTFE is popularly used as a non-stick coating for pans and many modern items of
    cookware. PTFE is often used in containers and pipes for handling reactive and
    corrosive chemicals. This is because it has non-reactive properties. Another practical
    application of PTFE is as a lubricant. Used in this way, PTFE helps to reduce friction
    within machinery, minimize the “wear and tear,” and improve energy consumption.
    PFA is generally used for plastic lab equipment because of its extreme resistance to
    chemical attack, optical transparency, and overall flexibility. PFA is also often used as
    tubing for handling critical or highly corrosive processes. Other applications for PFA are
    as sheet linings for chemical equipment. Because of its properties, it can facilitate the
    use of carbon steel fiber reinforced plastics (FRPs) as replacements for more expensive
    alloys and metals.
    Devices used for level measurement are frequently exposed to harsh tank
    atmospheres. Aggressive media, such as acid, can corrode probes and parts in contact
    with the product. Viscous and sticky products are other level measurement challenges.
    These can cause build-up on the wetted parts of the transmitter and increase the risk of
    affecting the measurement. Wetted parts coated in PTFE or PFA materials provide a
    good resistance to corrosive products and are an effective solution for avoiding
    contamination caused by product build-up.
    1
    PTFE and PFA - Similarities and Differences White Paper

    Water based products can cause condensation on the antenna, that might affect the
    level measurement. Due to the hydrophobic properties of PTFE and PFA, the
    measurement will remain unaffected in case droplets of water build-up on the antenna
    parts.

    Figure 1. Level Measurement Devices Coated in PTFE or PFA Material

    Differences between PTFE and PFA


    PTFE, being a fluorocarbon solid, is hydrophobic, meaning that it is less easily wetted by
    substances containing water. Also, PTFE possesses a very low coefficient of friction
    when in contact with solids.
    PFA is superior to PTFE in terms of flexibility particularly when it comes to tubing
    applications. On the other hand, PFA’s flex life (i.e., capacity to endure repetitive
    folding) is lower than PTFE.
    PTFE is slightly more resistant to heat than PFA. PFA is more affected by water
    absorption and weathering but is superior to PTFE when it comes to salt spray
    resistance.
    PFA has the same dielectric constant as PTFE as well as a very similar dissipation factor;
    yet PFA has a dielectric strength three to four times higher than PTFE.

    2
    PTFE and PFA - Similarities and Differences White Paper

    Table 1. PTFE and PFA Comparison(1)

    Property PTFE PFA


    -95 °F/500 °F 95 °F/500 °F
    Service temperature
    -71 °C/260 °C -71 °C/260 °C

    Thermal conductivity .19 W/MK .25 W/MK

    3,600 PSI 4,000 PSI


    Tensile strength
    (17,237 KP) (20,684 KP)

    Specific gravity 2.13 - 2.25 2.12 - 2.17

    Hardness 55 55

    >10% 6.9 MPa (1,000 PSI) >2% 6.9 MPa (1,000 PSI)
    Cold flow
    @25 °C (73 °F) at 1,000 hrs. @25 °C (73 °F) at 1,000 hrs.
    345 - 620 MPa 590 - 625 MPa
    Flexural modulus
    50,000 - 90,000 PSI 85,000 - 90,000 PSI

    MIT Folding endurance 1 x 106 5 x 105

    Chemical properties Inert Inert

    Electrical resistivity >1018 OHM/CM >1018 OHM/CM

    Water absorption <.01% <.03%

    Takeaway
    Both PTFE and PFA show outstanding chemical properties for resistance to corrosive
    agents, non-solubility, and non-flammability. Both are virtually identical in terms of
    their electrical properties for dielectric, dissipation, and surface resistivity.
    Even in critical melting point (service temperature) ratings, both materials have
    identical properties. In fact, they differ significantly only with regard to cold flow (PFA
    better than PTFE) and folding endurance (PTFE better than PFA). PFA has a higher creep
    resistance but PTFE can withstand a higher degree of multiple folding.

    References
     DifferenceBetween.net/Science/Chemistry-Science/Difference-Between-PFA-and-PTFE
     Glenair.com/Conduit/Pdf/c/PFA_PTFE_Properties_Comparison.pdf
     Mrsbme.com/Library/Articles/Goulds/Pumpinfo/Fluoropolymers.pdf

    1. Note that the values in this table are informational. Deviations may be present in case of consulting different suppliers.

    3
    White Paper

    For more information, see:


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    00870-0400-6114, Rev AA, May 2017

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