Ethylene
tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) is a thermoplastic copolymer derived
from the polymerization of ethylene and tetrafluoroethylene
monomers. These materials are extremely tough and
abrasion-resistant having excellent chemical resistance and
continuous operating temperatures up to 150°C (300°F). ETFE is
also an excellent electrical insulator and has good nonstick
and low-friction properties. The Everflon ETFE JP40 coatings
listed above represent a new, improved formulation of ETFE
resins. All of the ETFE coatings listed above are now suitable
for food contact end uses. Using appropriate product
combinations. coating systems are now available for use in a
wide variety of applications ranging from thin-film systems
(75- 250 µm [3-10 mill) for service involving abrasion
resistance or mild chemical service. to thick-film systems (up
to 1300 µm 150 mill) for linings where excellent chemical
protection is required.
Thick-film
Everflon™ ETFE coatings have been improved for application in
thicker films per coat and for better sag resistance when
approaching the final thickness. The application technique
involves a spray-and-bake procedure whereby multiple coats,
sprayed and baked individually, are used to achieve the desired
final fi lm thickness. The resulting finish is tough, seamless.
and without pinholes-perfect for applications in harsh chemical
environments. The relative chemical inertness of Everflon™ ETFE
also makes it ideal for applications where maintaining product
purity is critical.
Available in
powder and liquid forms, Everflon™ industrial coatings offer
nearly limitless versatility and function for a multitude of
industries. Everflon™ industrial coatings are desirable for use
across many applications, based on the following
properties:
Nonstick: Few
solid substances adhere permanently to a Everflon™
industrial coating. Tacky materials may stick temporarily,
but almost all substances release
easily.
Low
coefficient of friction: Everflon™ industrial coatings
lower the kinetic coefficient of friction to a range of
0.05 and 0.20, depending on the load, sliding speed, and
coating.
Heat
resistance: Everflon™ industrial coatings can operate
continuously at temperatures up to 260 °C (500 °F) and be
used for intermittent service up to 316 °C (600 °F), with
adequate ventilation, without affecting other
properties.
Chemical
resistance: Because the low porosity of Everflon™
industrial coatings enables greater permeation resistance,
chemical environments tend not to affect them. The only
chemicals that may have a negative effect are molten alkali
metals and highly reactive fluorinating
agents.
Non-wetting:
Everflon™ industrial coatings resist water (hydrophobic)
and oil (oleophobic). The low surface energy of the
coatings creates cohesive forces strong enough to make
water bead up and not spread across the coatings’
surfaces.
Unique
electrical properties: Everflon™ industrial coatings have a
high dielectric strength, low dissipation factor, and high
surface resistivity over a wide range of frequencies.
Adding fillers to certain coatings facilitates their use as
anti-static coatings.
Abrasion
resistance: Excellent durability and toughness help
Everflon™ industrial coatings resist scratches and
abrasion. Coatings with added fillers keep scarring to a
minimum.
Food contact
compliant: Many Everflon™ industrial coatings comply with
regional food contact regulations such as the U.S. Food and
Drug Administration (FDA 21CFR).