Fluoroplastic PFA powder

Get to Know PFA GS04

Everflon™ PFA GS04 is a premium resin available only as a free-flowing powder. Its most unique features, controlled particle size and size distribution, provide proper flow and fusion behavior in rotational molding process. In addition, Everflon™ PFA GS04/GC is chemically modified to yield enhanced resin purity, lower extractable fluorides, and freedom from other foreign materials. Its surface smoothness is improved by minimizing spherulite size, and its chemical permeability resistance is enhanced by increasing its crystallinity. This product contains no additives and is designed for hostile chemical environments where purity in the parts-per-billion range is needed.

The properties of Everflon™ PFA GS04 in molded form are similar to other grades of Everflon™ PFA (perfluoroalkoxy) fluoroplastic resin. Many properties are similar to those of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

Rotational molding is a favored process for making large, hollow parts or for lining objects with complex inside surfaces.

Applications for Everflon™ PFA GS04 include linings molded in place using the object to be lined as the mold. Everflon™ PFA GS04 is preferred when high performance is a major requirement involving chemical, thermal, and mechanical stress.

Properly processed rotational moldings made from neat Everflon™ PFA GS04 resin provide the superior properties typical of the fluoroplastic resins: retention of physical properties after service at 260 °C (500 °F), useful properties at –196 °C (–321 °F), and chemical inertness to nearly all industrial chemicals and solvents. Dielectric properties are excellent. Molded products have moderate stiffness and high ultimate elongation.

Typical Applications

Everflon™ PFA GS04 is ideal for many end products for fluid handling in the chemical processing industries, including pump housings, vessels, columns, elbows, tees, and pipe sections with unusual shapes. In addition, any hollow structure with internal contours that permit uniform coating by powder flow is a candidate for lining, provided it can withstand high temperatures. Because of its enhanced resin purity, Everflon™ PFA GS04 is suitable for use in semiconductor manufacture and fluid handling systems for industry or life sciences.

Processing Guide

For rotational molding, Everflon™ PFA GS04 powder is placed inside a hollow metal structure that is slowly rotated biaxially and heated above the melting point of the powder. As the powder melts, it builds up on the inner surface of the structure. Powder flow and distribution are critical, because the high melt viscosity of Everflon™ PFA limits the lateral flow of melted resin. A cooling step then causes the molten resin to solidify and densify in place, creating an integral lining or a removable, hollow plastic part.

Good molding requires close attention to many details, such as choice of metals for the mold, preparation of the metal surface, rate of rotation, venting, and heating/ cooling cycles. The equipment must operate at high temperature and resist thermal shock.

Precaution

Before using Everflon™ PFA GS04, refer to the Safety Data Sheet and the latest edition of “The Guide to the Safe Handling of Fluoropolymer Resins.

Open and use containers only in well-ventilated areas using local exhaust ventilation (LEV). Vapors and fumes liberated during hot processing, or from smoking tobacco or cigarettes contaminated with Everflon™ PFA GS04, may cause flu-like symptoms (chills, fever, sore throat) that may not occur until several hours after exposure and typically pass within about 24 hr. Vapors and fumes liberated during hot processing should be exhausted completely from the work area. Contamination of tobacco with polymers should be avoided.

Mixtures with some finely divided metals, such as magnesium or aluminum, can be flammable or explosive under some conditions.

During rotational molding, a large volume of air is used to melt Everflon™ PFA GS04 resin and cool the molten resin. Vapors from molten resin should not be allowed to enter the operating area. Negative pressure should be maintained in the oven chamber, so that off-gas will be exhausted to the outside.

The same is true for the cooling chamber where exhaust blower rating should exceed that of the cooling air blower. Hot molds should be disassembled in a well-ventilated area. Vent tubes should be used on all molds to avoid pressure buildup.

Data List

Property	Test Method	Unit	Typical Value
Hardness, Shore Durometer	ASTM D2204		D60
Specific Gravity	ASTM D792		2.15
Nominal Melting Point	ASTM D3307	°C	310
Melt Flow Rate	ASTM D3307	g/10 min	6~20
Continuous Service Temperature		°C	260
Water Absorption, 24 hr	ASTM D570	%	<0.03
Weather and Chemical Resistance			Outstanding
Average Particle Size		μm	200

Handing & Package

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™ PFA GS04 are packaged in 20-kg (44-lb) drums net weight.

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