PCTFE PropertiesAmaury Arnaud
PCTFE, or polychlorotrifluoroethylene, is a thermoplastic that can be processed at temperature, resulting from the addition of a chlorine atom, which gives it its low melt index. This fluorinated plastic is moulded by hot injection and compression moulding or by extrusion and is characterised by its high tensile strength. This non-flammable material can withstand heat up to 150°C. Its mechanical properties also enable it to withstand cryogenic temperatures down to – 240°C.
Dimensional stability over an extended temperature range is also one of the properties of PCTFE. With a low coefficient of thermal expansion and high compressive strength, this material has the particularity of preserving its shape and elasticity at all temperatures.
It also has a high oxygen limit index, which gives it its chemical resistance. Thanks to its high fluorine content, this robust component does not degrade in the presence of various chemicals and corrosive substances. Its moisture absorption capacity is less than 0.01%, i.e. practically zero. PCTFE also does not absorb visible light, which makes it highly resistant to UV light. It also has very low gas permeability.
As a highly resistant fluoropolymer, PCTFE is widely used in various sectors such as the oil and gas industry, the machinery industry and aerospace. Due to its chemical stability, it can be used as a moisture and water vapour barrier or as a cryogenic component.