Fluoropolymers

A family of fluorocarbon plastics that are unaffected by virtually all organic solvents and reactive organic and inorganic compounds. Although fluorocarbon plastics resist temperatures that degrade most polymers and offer excellent electrical properties, they cannot operate at voltage stress levels above corona inception. Three fluoropolymers are used commonly in wire constructions: Polytrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and two conventionally extruded materials, fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) and perfluoroalkoxy (PFA). Because PTFE is difficult to extrude in long continuous lengths, it is often applied in the form of tape or as a fluid dispersion for impregnating fiberglass braids. Teflon* is the DuPont tradename for these fluoropolymer products. DuPont also supplies an ethylenetetrafluoroethylene copolymer, tradenamed Tefzel*, which can withstand an unusual amount of physical abuse (including cutting and abrasion) and has very good electrical properties, chemical inertness and long flex life. Outer diameters of extruded Teflon lead wire products can be half the size of conventional wire for similar applications. Ideal insulation for small and miniature applications. FDA approved for food contact applications.

NOTE: * Teflon and Tefzel are registered trademarks of E.I. DuPont de Nemours & Company.