ETFE 4003

Get to know Everflon™ ETFE 4003.

Everflon™ ETFE 4003 is a premium fluoroplastic resin available in translucent, 2.5-mm (0.1-in) pellets. Compared with other grades of Everflon™ ETFE, its most unique features are relatively low flow rate, greatly enhanced flex life, and resistance to environmental stress.

Everflon™ ETFE 4003 and the other Everflon™ fluoroplastics are melt processible, modified copolymers of ethylene and tetrafluoroethylene. They are high performance resins that can be processed at relatively high rates, compared with fluorocarbon resins. They are mechanically tough and offer an excellent balance of properties.

Everflon™ ETFE 4003 is preferred for applications where other thermoplastics are lacking in mechanical toughness; broad thermal capability; ability to meet unusual thermal, mechanical, and chemical environmental extremes; or limited by fabricating problems. Examples are components and linings for the chemical industry and molded parts with metal inserts of thick sections for use at high temperatures.

Properly processed products made from neat Everflon™ ETFE 4003 are inert to most solvents and chemicals, hydrolytically stable, and weather-resistant. Recommended upper service temperature is 150 °C (302 °F); useful properties are retained at cryogenic ranges. The level and stability of dielectric properties are excellent, and the flame rating is V-0 by the UL94 method. They are resistant to environmental stress cracking and have outstanding impact strength, cut-through, and abrasion resistance. High-energy radiation resistance meets IEEE 383, and the resin is approved for nuclear power plant use.

Typical Applications

Everflon™ ETFE 4003 is ideal for many end products, including chemical service items, such as lined valves and fittings, pump housings and impellers, column packings, and other abrasionresistant linings; high temperature electrical components and insulation; fasteners, corrugated tubing, and duct work and film.

Processing Guide

Everflon™ ETFE 4003 can be processed by conventional, melt-extrusion techniques and injection, compression, transfer, and blow molding processes. Compared with other grades of Everflon™ ETFE, it can be processed with greater ease and speed because of its high flow rate. Also, the melt viscosity of Everflon™ ETFE is reduced with increasing shear rate; thus, permitting the use of pressure extrusions through narrow dies without requiring appreciable drawdown. Reciprocating screw injection molding machines are preferred. Corrosion-resistant metals are recommended for contact with molten resin. Extruder barrels should be long, relative to diameter, to provide residence time for heating the resin to approximately 340 °C (640 °F).

Precaution

Equipment used to process at melt temperatures should be provided with local exhaust ventilation (LEV) to completely remove all fumes and vapors from the processing area. In addition, care should be exercised to avoid the contamination of cigarettes and other forms of smoking tobacco when using fluoroplastic resins. Before processing any fluoroplastics, read the Material Safety Data Sheet.

Data List

Property	Test Method	Unit	Typical Value
GENERAL
Specific Gravity	ASTM D792		1.7
I mpact Strength, 23 °C (73 °F)	ASTM D256/J/m (ft·lb/in)		No Break
MECHANICAL
Flexural Modulus	ASTM D790	MPa (psi)	1,200(170,000)
Hardness Durometer	ASTM D2240		D72
ELECTRICAL
Dielectric Strength, Short Time, 0.25 mm	ASTM D149	kV/mm (V/mil)	>70
Dielectric Constant, 1 MHz (10⁶Hz)	ASTM D150		2.5
Dissipation Factor, 1 MHz (10⁶Hz)	ASTM D150		<0.0072
Volume Resistivity	ASTM D257	ohm·cm	10¹⁷
OTHER
Water Absorption, 24 hr	ASTM D570	%	<0.03
Weather and Chemical Resistance			Outstanding
Limiting Oxygen Index	ASTM D2863	%	>30%
Continuous Service Temperature		°C (°F)	150 (302)
Flammability Classification	UL 94		V-0

Handing & Package

The properties of Everflon™ ETFE esins are not affected by storage time. Ambient storage conditions should be designed to avoid airborne contamination and the formation of water condensation on the resin when it is removed from containers. Everflon™ ETFE fluoroplastic resins are packaged in 20-kg (44-lb) plastic bags.

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