Which fluoroplastic is better, pressed or extruded?

Fluoroplastic, or PTFE, better known as Teflon, is a milky white plastic. The physical and chemical properties of fluoroplastic allow it to be used in industry, technology and everyday life. "Teflon" is a registered trademark owned by DuPont Corporation. In Russia, this material is called fluoroplastic, and the international name of the substance is “polytetrafluoroethylene” or “photopolymer”.

In April 1938, 27-year-old scientist Roy Plunkett discovered a white paraffin-like powder, while the original substance was tetrafluoroethylene, pumped under pressure into cylinders. The Teflon patent was issued to Kinetic Chemicals in 1941, and the company became a division of DuPont in 1949.

It was impossible to buy fluoroplastic in the Soviet Union; this material was considered strategically important, was used mainly in military construction and was issued with the permission of the KGB. And only after the collapse of the USSR, fluoroplastic, rods made from it and household appliances using Teflon became available to the masses.

Fluoroplastic: technology for the production of raw materials and production of finished products

Fluoroplastic: technology for the production of raw materials and production of finished products

Fluoroplastic, also known as Teflon or PTFE (PTFE) - polytetrafluoroethylene, was discovered by the American chemist R. Plunkett in 1938. The unique performance properties of the new polymer were immediately appreciated, but data on the methods for its production were classified for a long time. The material was produced only at Du Pont enterprises, mainly for the needs of the defense industry. In Russia, the polymer began to be developed and was first synthesized in 1947, at the Leningrad Research Institute of Industrial Production. How and from what is fluoroplastic produced today? Let's get acquainted with the production technology of this unusual polymer with unique properties and wide applications.

Signs of mica plate failure

The reason that the microwave is out of order is often a malfunction of the magnetron. It will not be possible to find such damage at home, but defects on the mica plate can be identified by visual inspection. To do this, you need to turn off the microwave and inspect the element. It will have to be changed if:

• the snow-white or grayish plate has darkened and become covered with brown spots;
• the surface has become dirty or covered with a layer of grease;
• shallow grooves or bumps have appeared;
• the plate is covered with cracks or has begun to crumble;
• the element burned out so that a hole or several appeared in it.

If in the first two options the plate can be cleaned and used again, then in others the element requires a complete replacement.

Fundamentally! One of the reasons for removing a mica plate is abrasion. This occurs when very large dishes are used in the microwave, the edges of which touch the mica screen. Therefore, it is important to select containers of suitable size.

Features and types of fluoroplastic

Fluoroplastic is a polymer made from hydrocarbon molecules containing fluorine atoms. Its stability and chemical inertness, comparable to the properties of precious metals, is due to the strong connection between the fluorine and carbon atoms in the monomer molecules. Each hydrocarbon unit of the polymer chain can contain from one to four fluorine atoms, which replace hydrogen. Depending on the amount of fluorine, the location of its atoms, and the presence of other halogens in the composition, the physicochemical properties of the polymer change. The characteristics of the material are also affected by the spatial arrangement of the polymer chain, the bonds between monomers and other factors.

Thus, fluoroplastics are a whole group of different types of polymer. Now more than 25 brands are used in production, and the most popular are four modifications:

These types of fluoroplastic are united by a low coefficient of friction, but they differ in operating temperature, degree of inertness to alkalis and acids, specific gravity, electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, etc. Different materials are used in different branches of production and science.

The most popular of the group is fluoroplastic-4. This is what is produced in the largest volumes and is called Teflon (under this name it was originally patented in the USA). There are now several grades of fluoroplastic-4 in production. The main difference between them is the length of the polymer chain, with an increase in which the density of the material also increases. Also, fluoroplastic is modified by adding various additives to the pure polymer - coke, molybdenum disulfite, cobalt, fiberglass, carbon fiber.

The purpose of the mica plate in the microwave

Inside each microwave (Microwave radiation, ultra-high frequency radiation - electromagnetic radiation, including the decimeter, centimeter and millimeter range of radio waves)

- the oven has a magnetron - a device that generates microwaves. In the compartment for heating food, the waves pass through a waveguide, the entrance to which is covered by a mica plate.

This plate does several things:

• protects the microwave generator (microwave radiation, ultra-high frequency radiation - electromagnetic radiation, including the decimeter, centimeter and millimeter range of radio waves)
  from the effects of high temperatures when heating dishes;
• distributes microwaves moderately throughout the cooking chamber;
• protects the magnetron from drops of grease and steam particles.

Interesting read: How to build a smokehouse at home

The main reason why mica is used specifically for microwaves is its safety and hygiene. This material can withstand high temperatures, is transparent to microwaves, but does not allow electricity to pass through. In addition, mica has a low price.

Fundamentally! The mica plate is a very important element that must be kept clean at all times. After all, drops of water, fat or food debris can deform mica. To ensure that the element lasts as long as possible, when heating dishes you need to use a special plastic lid.

Production of primary raw materials

In Russia, a three-stage method for producing fluoroplastic is used:
The powder is marked depending on the particle size (F4PN-20, F4PN-80, etc.). The letter “M” and a digital designation of the amount of additive in relation to the amount of PTFE itself are added to the marking of the modified fluoroplastic.

Nowadays, the cheapest and most mature technologies are the production of fluoroplastics F4 and F3 and their varieties (F-4D, F-30L, F-30). The synthesis of fluoroplastic-2 and fluoroplastic-1 (polyvinyl fluoride) is more expensive, as it uses somewhat outdated approaches.

How is it produced?

In order for sheet fluoroplastic (pipes, in any other form) to have all the qualities required by accepted standards, it is necessary to carefully follow the production technology of this material. To do this, first, in a special installation, all conditions are provided for the exchange of halogen atoms for fluorine, then pyrolysis begins, as a result of which tetrafluoroethylene is formed. Such a powder must be polymerized; only after this does the finished fluoroplastic acquire the properties assigned to it according to the specification.

Manufacturing of fluoroplastic products

To obtain finished products or blanks (plates, bushings, rods) from powder, use:
The extrusion method allows you to produce longer blanks (up to 5 m), while the sizes of pressed products are limited by the size of the molds.

Fluoroplastic blanks are further processed mechanically (on metal-cutting, milling, grinding equipment). In this way, various parts and elements of machines and structural mechanisms are manufactured - from structural and support elements to bearings, sealing gaskets, cuffs, insulating liners, etc.

Application

Finished products made from fluoroplastic are widely used in various industries - oil refining, chemical, pharmaceutical, food, mechanical engineering, energy and heat supply systems. This popularity of the material is due to its unique performance characteristics - heat and frost resistance, chemical inertness, dielectric properties, safety and environmental friendliness, high abrasion resistance and the ability to work without lubricants. In many cases, fluoroplastic parts replace the already familiar rubber, silicone, paronite and some engineering plastics. And although fluoroplastic elements are more expensive, they pay for themselves many times over due to their long service life.

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Paronite or silicone?

Compared to silicone, paronite is the most heat-resistant, while silicone is intended to be used at low temperatures. Silicone gaskets are used for pipelines with low pressure and relatively low temperature characteristics . They are used when arranging the internal water supply system in a room.

At temperatures above 150 degrees, silicone can only be used for a short time. If there is a deficiency or absence of oxygen entering the system, this material softens - porosity appears and the hardness decreases, as a result, the strength of the product decreases. If the design assumes the conditions listed above, it is recommended to use paronite gaskets.

Fluoroplastic. Types and application. Forms and advantages. Peculiarities

Fluoroplastic is a fluorine-containing polymer used as a structural material in mechanical engineering, medicine, electronics, food and chemical industries.

Types of fluoroplastic

The name fluoroplastics unites a whole group of fluorine-containing polymers, which differ in technical parameters. Due to this, they are not interchangeable in the manufacture of special parts for complex mechanisms. For each specific purpose, it is optimal to use a certain type of fluoroplastic.

The most common fluoroplastics in production include:

Polytetrafluoroethylene also known as F-4. It is the densest of all types of fluoroplastic. Does not change properties when heated to a temperature of 260°C. It has low porosity and increased hydrophobicity. Teflon is a universal material. The scope of its use is many times wider than other fluoroplastics. It has a very high resistance to heat, which is why parts for motors are made from it. It is also used as a current insulator in electrical and radio engineering.

Polytrichlorofluoroethylene or F-3 is a durable and hard material. It is quite convenient to process. It can soften when heated and melt to a liquid state. Thanks to this, parts and blanks are cast from it by pressing a hot mass. A positive quality of F-3 is its high adhesion to metals. Due to this, it is often used as a very wear-resistant anti-corrosion coating.

Polytrichlorofluoroethylene is also known as F-2. There are modifications of it with the inclusion of cobalt or coke. In this case, the material is marked as F-2M. It does not contain plasticizers or stabilizers, but even without this it has high elasticity. It is used for the manufacture of pipes and containers for storing aggressive substances. A distinctive quality of the material is its ability to dissolve in neutral solvents. This is used to remove it, for example, in the manufacture of injection molds.

Tetrafluoroethylene copolymer or F-40 has become widespread in the manufacture of pipeline parts. Housings for pumps are cast and machined from it. The material is suitable for the production of bushings and gaskets. This fluoroplastic is also used to create coatings on parts that need to be made waterproof. There are 2 modifications of the material: F40P and F-40Sh. The first is used for the manufacture of various parts by mass pressing or casting. F-40-Sh is suitable for producing various products by extrusion, which is more convenient for modern production due to the high molding speed. Both modifications do not burn and do not transmit ultraviolet radiation. In addition, they are resistant to concentrated acids.

A common important property of all fluoroplastic materials is the lowest coefficient of dry friction. That is, parts made of this material are highly wear-resistant. The most widely used type of fluorinated polymer is Teflon, also known as F-4. It is safe for humans and, due to a number of properties, is used in the food industry. Among other things, it is used to make non-stick coatings for frying pans and baking dishes.

General technical advantages

Although materials belonging to the group of fluoroplastic may have different technical properties, the common qualities for all of them are:

Fluoroplastic is a very convenient material to work with. It can be drilled, cut, sharpened, ground, milled. Because of this, it is often used to make various parts on a lathe.

Due to its fluorine content, the material acquires high chemical stability. It tolerates contact with most acids and other aggressive compounds. Thanks to this, parts for equipment in the chemical industry and pharmacology are made from it.

All fluoroplastic materials have a significantly lower coefficient of dry friction than other polymers and substances. This makes it possible to make bushings, light bearings, and sliding parts from them. This quality is extremely valued, and it is thanks to it that fluoroplastics have become so widespread.

Fluorine-containing polymers practically do not burn. When in contact with an open flame, they simply char. Also, the material is not afraid of electrical influence.

Since fluoroplastic does not change its length when heated or cooled, the material is widely used for the manufacture of sealing parts for mechanisms operating at high temperatures. This seal does not change its volume, due to which it works equally effectively in any conditions.

Release form

Fluoroplastic goes on sale in the form of finished products, or as blanks for the production of parts. It should be noted that the shape and size of such blanks are regulated according to the approved technical regulations. In this regard, the overall dimensions of workpieces may differ from different manufacturers. What they have in common is their chemical composition. It complies with accepted standards. Therefore, products from different factories have almost the same performance qualities.

Fluoroplastic can be purchased as blanks in the form of:

Sheets and plates made of fluoroplastic can have a thickness from 1 mm to 6 cm. They are used for milling in the manufacture of various gaskets, bushings and other parts. The size of sheets from different manufacturers may vary significantly. The minimum is 100x100 mm. There are also sheets and plates from 1x1 mm.

Fluoroplastic in the form of a film has a thickness ranging from 10 to 100 microns. This is a semi-finished product for the manufacture of insulating braiding for conductive wires. It is also used to make thin gaskets and filter membranes. By vacuum pressing, it is possible to glue the film to various metal products with a slight relief, which provides reliable protection against corrosion.

PTFE rods are quite popular workpieces for turning work. They have a thickness from 10 to 300 mm. The length of the rods can reach up to 2 m. In most cases they have a round cross-section, but there are also square or rectangular ones. Their production is carried out using the extrusion method.

PTFE bars can have a thickness from 2 mm to 20 cm. They are available in various sizes, but usually no more than 200x300 mm. Mainly used for milling parts into various mechanisms and devices.

Fluoroplastic in the form of powder or shavings is almost never found on the open market, as it is a raw material for large manufacturers of finished products. For the average consumer who does not have an extruder with certain technical capabilities, powder and chips are useless material.

Which fluoroplastic is better

Each type of fluoroplastic has certain qualities that are perfectly suited to certain operating conditions. However, the most versatile is Teflon, also known as F-4. It has a higher density, temperature stability, and pronounced neutrality to aggressive substances. In this regard, when purchasing blanks for unspecified use, when it is difficult to predict under what conditions products made from them will be used, it is best to choose F-4.

F-4 has many modifications that differ in some technical properties. When using a material for specific conditions, it may be optimal to focus on one of the modifications:

F-4PN has higher reliability than conventional Teflon. It is used in the manufacture of parts subject to high pressure and friction.

F-4D has a lower molecular weight. The material differs from conventional F-4 in the possibility of processing by extrusion. The polymer is rarely found on the open market, since it is mainly used to make films and fibers for large-scale production.

F-4A has similar properties to regular Teflon, but is more technologically advanced. Due to this, it can be used to make precise thin parts with minimal error. During processing, thin chips are removed from the material.

Teflon is the most expensive among all fluoroplastics. The also popular F-3 and F-2 are almost 2 times cheaper. When purchasing a fluoroplastic blank, an important parameter, in addition to its chemical formula, is that the material is made from a primary polymer or is the result of recycling. The overwhelming share of fluoroplastic on the market is of Chinese origin. It is predominantly a polymer obtained as a result of recycling. According to recent studies, secondary fluoroplastic is almost 2 times inferior to primary fluoroplastic in terms of wear resistance.

When using parts made from recycled fluoroplastic, there is a high risk of their rapid failure. In many cases, despite the low cost of such material, its purchase may ultimately prove to be uneconomical. It is almost always better to use virgin polymer.

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Mica analogues for the microwave

It is best to replace the damaged mica element with a plate of the same material. Mica is freely sold in online stores. If the original cannot be found, an analogue is used, which must meet the following requirements:

• good resistance to high temperatures;
• inability to accumulate static electricity;
• ability to pass steam;
• environmental safety for humans (raw materials do not have to contain toxic elements, otherwise heated food will become dangerous).

Normally, food grade plastic is suitable for this purpose. At the moment, it is quite often used even in professional workshops.

Food grade plastic instead of mica: pros and cons

An analogue of a mica plate has a lot of advantages, but it also has disadvantages:

• does not deform when exposed to high temperatures;
• due to its increased durability, it fades less often than mica;
• stronger than mica, therefore it will last longer;
• quite high cost of material.

You should very carefully choose the material for replacing the mica plate: often in stores or workshops they give Teflon instead of food-grade plastic. It costs less, but at the same time loses in strength and durability. In addition, food grade plastic is even easier to work with.

Fundamentally! Some people recommend replacing mica screens with CD packaging or similar improvised materials. It is under no circumstances allowed to do this. Such elements are not intended for heating; therefore, under the influence of temperature, they release toxic phenol and formaldehyde.

Fluoroplastic - characteristics, production methods

Fluoroplastic is a polymer material used in modern industry and in everyday life. Its production increases by 10% every year due to increased demand. The patented compound has another name - Teflon.

The material finds application in such areas as:

This is a practical material that can be cut, grinded, heat treated, and milled. Suitable for use in vacuum and friction conditions.

Paronite or fluoroplastic - which is better?

For natural gas, only gaskets made from paronite are installed . Despite the fact that the gas pressure is low, in this case the fire hazard plays a decisive role. If a fire occurs, paronite gaskets will give additional time to burn out, while fluoroplastic can “leak” from the normal heating of a nearby gas burner. In connection with this, the main characteristics of the choice of paronite gaskets are based on operating temperature, speed and catastrophic failure.

For plumbing work, it is more advisable to replace paronite with fluoroplastic . It perfectly withstands high temperatures, brutal environments and high pressure. The fluoroplastic gasket is the most inert material under operating conditions, for example, a heated towel rail. This will ensure the durability of the structure.

Types of polymer

Russian industry produces several types of polymer:

Fluoroplast-4 is in demand in industry due to its advantages. Products are available for sale in the form of sheets, plates, tapes, and pipes.

As for the disadvantages, compared to the wide list of advantages, there are not many of them. When heated to +300°C, it can release toxic substances. After prolonged processing, bonding is difficult, and creep may occur under high loads. The polymer can only be destroyed by chlorine trifluoride or molten alkali metals.

Chemical features

Fluoroplastic manufactured in accordance with GOST (GOST 10007-80) differs in a number of positive features compared to most materials with similar properties. As numerous works on comparative analysis show, fluoroplastic in its chemical parameters is preferable to many metals widely used in industry today. Its distinctive features:

• resistance to acids, alkalis;
• immunity to aggressive nitrogen compounds;
• ability to resist hydrochloric acid.

Manufacturing methods

The polymer is produced by several methods, depending on the polymerization method used. Fluorine and other compounds are introduced into the monomer composition. Pyrolysis is carried out, which involves heating hydrocarbons with halogens. The process breaks down long chains and creates new compounds that react with fluorine. Further synthesis is carried out using radical polymerization, copolymerization or polymerization on an initiator carrier.

The cost of the material depends on the brand and technical characteristics. Buying in bulk is cheaper.

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Combination Features

Currently, several methods have been developed for introducing filler into fluoroplastic. Quite often, each of the components is introduced into the polymer mixture separately, forming various combinations to achieve the parameters that the final object should have. This technique is called combined fillers. The features of such a composition will determine the specifics of the final product. But it is possible to produce a production process in which only one filler is added to fluoroplastic.

If it was decided to improve the original composition by using graphite, bronze, glass fiber, coke flour or metal silicides, wear increases hundreds and even thousands of times in comparison with the classic fluoroplastic recipe. In addition, thermal conductivity and the ability to resist compression increase (increases tens of times). Friction indicators are also reduced, while at the same time the hardness parameter is improved.

Fluoroplastic: application, advantages, types, photos, review, description

Fluoroplastic belongs to the group of hydrocarbons and has a polymer structure. It can contain from 1 to 4 fluorine atoms, which determines its technical and chemical characteristics. During the synthesis process, a white, easily clumping powder is formed, which is pressed and sintered under high temperatures.

Fluoroplastic was discovered in the first half of the 20th century in the USA. The method of preparation and the formula of the substance were kept strictly secret.

In the Soviet Union, the material appeared during the Second World War, and subsequently its own production of fluoroplastic was established. At first it was used exclusively for industrial purposes, and only at the end of the 20th century it began to be used for the production of consumer goods.

Today this polymer is widely used in the chemical industry, construction, mechanical engineering, medicine, and is used for the manufacture of high-tech fabrics. The most famous of all fluoroplastics is polytetrafluoroethylene, called fluoroplast-4 in Russia. In different countries it has different names - in the USA Teflon or gallon, in Europe - gostaflon, fluon and others.

Progress and industry

Currently, the density and weight of fluoroplastic, its resistance to aggressive factors, and safety for humans have made this material absolutely indispensable for industry and everyday life. The average person rarely thinks about what most of the equipment around him is made of, but Teflon was the raw material. Thus, in electronics, the density of fluoroplastic has made it the optimal material for constructing high-quality equipment. In addition, this material has the ability to block current, which makes its field of application even wider. Teflon can be used in wiring work, in the design of capacitors and other parts of electronic systems, including those of very high complexity, as well as those that require increased durability and reliability.

If you pay attention to modern medical devices, you will notice that fluoroplastic is used very actively here too. In particular, it serves as a material for the production of implants and is widely used by dentists. PTFE is also indispensable for ophthalmologists. It is this substance that is used in the manufacturing of pacemakers and blood vessels for implantation into the human body. Fluoroplastic is completely safe for humans, which makes the possibilities for its use so wide.

Where did it come from?

Fluoroplastic is a compound that was first produced back in 1938. The author of the invention is considered to be Rem Plunkett. Currently, the words “fluoroplastic” and “Teflon” are used interchangeably. Engineers of the Soviet Union were able to create the same connection during the Second World War. At that time, a fluoroplastic tube was of great value: the material was issued for strictly limited purposes and only in small quantities. Each such procedure required confirmation from representatives of the special security service.

Nowadays, sheet fluoroplastic (as well as in other forms) is a very common material, widely used to achieve a variety of purposes. Access to it is no longer limited by anything (except, of course, the price).

Paronite or rubber?

If the choice is between these materials, pay attention to the operating temperature . Gaskets made from rubber can withstand temperatures up to 100 degrees, while paronite gaskets can withstand temperatures up to 200 degrees. The choice of material should be based on the operating conditions of the structure.

But it’s worth keeping in mind the shortcomings of rubber. Rubber gaskets are short-lived and prone to extrusion. In addition, under strong compression, the rubber gasket loses its initial geometric dimensions. In connection with this, it does not seem likely to be reused, because proper sealing will not be provided. It is recommended to use rubber for temporary installation on the system .

Thus, paronite, compared to rubber, is the most desirable option under all operating conditions .

Application of fluoroplastic in various fields

The use of fluoroplastic in various fields in the modern world occurs everywhere, from global large-scale projects where parts made of this structural plastic are used, and right up to the spraying of Teflon on dishes. Let's take a closer look at where fluoroplastic is used.

Fluoroplastic in automotive and mechanical engineering

Fluoroplastic in the automotive and mechanical engineering industries is actively used for the production of various spare parts for cars and mechanical engineering mechanisms, using fluoroplastic blanks in the form of sheets, plates, slabs, rods, circles, and pipes. Gaskets, seals, oil seals, cuffs, and sliding supports are made from fluoroplastic in various ways. The softness and fluidity of fluoroplastic-4 and its modifications increases the service life of parts and components of mechanisms subject to friction. Fluoroplastic 4 (f-4) is an excellent anti-friction material, it is not without reason that it is called “solid lubricant”; has a very low coefficient of friction - 0.04; when interacting between metal and fluoroplastic parts, the friction coefficient is comparable to the friction in bearings in the presence of lubricant. To increase the wear resistance of parts, composites are created from fluoroplastic with the addition of graphite and bronze, and the polymer is reinforced with glass fiber. Fluoroplastic is suitable for work at high pressure, low temperatures and high vacuum.

Fluoroplastic for electronics and radio engineering

Fluoroplastic is used for electronics and radio engineering, since the polymer has exceptional insulating properties. Fluoroplast-4 is an excellent dielectric (surface electrical resistance 1017 Ohms), in the electronics industry it is ideal for insulating wires, especially high-voltage wires, connectors, high-voltage cables and electrical machines. Its use is relevant for the production of sealing parts for piston compressors (for example, piston rings) and for the production of dry bearings operating at low temperatures.

Fluoroplastic f 4 is indispensable for the chemical, nuclear and space industries

Fluoroplast-4 is an indispensable material for the chemical, nuclear and space industries due to its properties: it has high resistance to aggressive environments, can contact for a long time with acids and alkalis, even concentrated ones, oils, wastewater, salts, kerosene, oil and various types fuel. Fluoroplast-4 is resistant to radiation, mold, fog and sun. Due to these characteristics, fluoroplastic-4 plates (sheets) are widely used in the chemical industry for the manufacture and lining of pumps, storage and transportation tanks; to protect various surfaces from corrosion; for storing alcohol, mixtures based on it and especially pure substances that should not be contaminated. Experience in the use of this polymer shows that pipelines, reactors and apparatus protected by fluoroplastic have successfully operated for 25-30 years or more in harsh conditions of chemical production and radiation.

Fluoroplastic for the food industry

Fluoroplastic for the food industry - this polymer has become indispensable in this area; it is non-toxic and harmless to humans. In the food industry and everyday life, fluoroplastic is used to make cookware with non-stick coating, cream syringes, attachments for rolling out dough, filters and seals for equipment, and razor blades. It is applied in a thin layer by spraying on the surface, providing heat resistance, non-wetting and extending the service life of products.

Application of fluoroplastic in medicine

Fluoroplast-4 is hygienic, has no harmful effects on the human body and is widely used in medicine as containers for storing blood and medications, as a material for the manufacture of artificial blood vessels and valves. Biocompatible implants are made from fluoroplastic-based composites for plastic surgery of the ear, nasal septum, dentistry and ophthalmology.

Modern lubricants with crushed fluoroplastic polymer

Fluoroplastic in crushed form is used in lubricant formulations. Thanks to the development of nanotechnology in Russia, various additives, oils and lubricants have appeared with the addition of fluoroplastic, which in powder form adheres to the surface, fills all microcracks and defects, significantly increasing protection against friction and wear of friction parts, including at high temperatures up to +260° WITH. But you need to understand that many unreliable sources indicate that f-4 fluoroplastic made in Russia or China can withstand short-term loads at +300°C and even +400°C. In fact, based on our practice, at such critical temperatures this polymer begins to deform and collapse.

Application of fluoroplastic in construction

In the construction of modern bridges, overpasses, overpasses and galleries, the most important parts of sliding support structures are made from sheet fluoroplastic; fluoroplastic parts (Teflon gaskets) are widely used in the construction of buildings in areas with increased seismic activity; they allow the elements of the foundation and frame of buildings to move freely during earthquakes.

Fluoroplastic in the textile industry

The textile industry also uses fluoroplastic for its needs. Modern high-tech fabrics for tailoring are covered with the thinnest film of fluoroplastic raw materials to give them water-repellent, vapor-permeable, and windproof properties. Modified fluoroplastic is used to impregnate leather products to make them hydrophobic.

This is interesting

For the first time, the Gore brothers combined the textile industry and fluoroplastic. In 1969, Wilbert and Robert Gore produced the first membrane fabric based on porous thin fluoroplastic film for the space program. We patented this miracle fabric called Gore-Tex (Gortex). Later, other similar materials appeared, which are currently actively used in the production of workwear and footwear.

Basic differences in cushioning material:

• What kind of rubber is used: natural or synthetic;
• What is the thickness of the material (from 0.4 to 6 mm);
• At what force, at what temperature is the fluidity effect achieved;
• The material contains or does not contain carcinogenic substances (asbestos).

Naturally, paronite and its modifications made using natural rubber are more reliable and durable than material made from artificial rubber. But the cost of such paronite is much higher, which is reflected in the cost of the system or mechanism.

Previously, an indispensable component of paronite was asbestos thread. But competent services have found that asbestos has a negative impact on the environment and human health.

Therefore, modern cushioning materials do not contain this component.

Non-specialists believe that the thicker the gasket, the better. In fact, this is not true.

Paronite and its analogues/modifications are made in such a way that, with a certain force, the composition of the material becomes fluid and fills all the bulges, roughnesses, and cavities. Thus, preventing the brutal environment from flowing out of the closed system.

It follows that thick paronite, clamped without the necessary force, will not acquire the required fluidity, will not fill the free space, and the connection will be leaky.

Brands and technical characteristics of fluoroplastic

Today there are several brands of fluoroplastic, which differ in molecular sizes and their number. Let's look at the most popular brands and their technical characteristics:

The main technical characteristics of the listed fluoroplastic materials are presented in the table.

In Russia, fluoroplastics have been produced in large quantities at chemical plants for many years. The scope of application of polymers is extremely wide and is determined by their technical characteristics. The material has a number of exceptional properties, thanks to which it is in demand in a variety of industries, and the need for it has only increased in recent years, and accordingly, the share of its production in the country’s chemical industry has also increased.

What to add and when?

If the final product must have the qualities of fluoroplastic, while at the same time being stronger and more durable, then graphite is introduced into the mixture during the production process. If it is necessary to improve thermal conductivity, stability and hardness, bronze should be added to fluorine polymers. This makes it possible to increase the durability of the final product by approximately five hundred times. To increase strength and hardness while reducing friction, it is necessary to add molybdenum disulfide to fluorine polymers.

The addition of glass fiber gives good results: wear resistance increases, the dimensions of the object will remain stable regardless of the level of humidity, the object becomes resistant to shrinkage and temperature influences. Cold fluidity is reduced.

Material advantages

The popularity of fluoroplastic is explained by its unique properties. The material has a number of advantages, thanks to which it is successfully used both in mechanical engineering and in medicine. Its main advantages are:

Among other things, the material is easy to process; it can be drilled, grinded and milled without difficulty. Let us consider in more detail the scope of application of this polymer.

Paronite or cardboard?

For installation in the motor system, it is better to use paronite . It is not corroded by synthetics, while cardboard is corroded by water if it is not tightened tightly. In addition, paronite can always be tightened, and cardboard only needs to be replaced.

Compared to cardboard, paronite is the most desirable option. Gaskets made from cardboard are not used in gas systems and water supply systems due to their “low” technical characteristics.

Fluoroplastic: types

Currently, fluoroplastic is a term applied to a group of materials that are somewhat different from each other. Each variety is characteristic of a country where it is mainly produced and used, and has a specific name. For example, Teflon has become widespread in America - this is the so-called fourth fluoroplastic, but the Japanese version is polyphonic.

The Italian industry is built using algophone, the English industry uses fluon, and the French industry uses soreflon. In Germany, the material most actively used in industrial processes is called Gostaflon TR. There is also a third fluoroplastic, which is presented under different names in different countries: in Japan it is known as Daiflon, and in France as Voltalef. American industry uses Kel F. There is also a second fluoroplastic, fluoroplastic-40 and a copolymer based on the combination of vinylidene fluoride and tetrafluoroethylene. On sale it is usually designated as fluoroplastic-42.

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Weak sides

Like any other material, fluoroplastic has some features that limit its use and create difficulties in working with it. In particular, it is known that Teflon has relatively low wear resistance. If a compound is heated to a temperature of 300 degrees Celsius or higher, it releases volatile components that negatively affect living organisms. Also, fluoroplastic is characterized by increased cold fluidity and density, which is why it belongs to the category of heavy polymers.

Fluoroplastic was invented relatively recently, but, despite its shortcomings, it has become an absolutely indispensable raw material for most industries. It is impossible to imagine the development of civilization to the current level without the use of Teflon. A number of industries simply do not have an alternative material to fluoroplastic.