Cathay™ PFA Film
Everflon Cathay™ PFA Film
A melt-processable PFA fluoropolymer film engineered for high-temperature service, aggressive chemical environments, demanding electrical insulation and precision industrial processing.
Everflon Cathay™ PFA Film combines exceptional chemical resistance, low permeability, excellent dielectric performance, high-temperature capability, optical clarity, low-friction release properties and melt-processability. It is designed for demanding applications in electronics, electrical insulation, wire and cable, chemical processing, circuit board laminates, composite mold release, chemical pumps, tank linings and other high-performance industrial systems.
Why Everflon Cathay™ PFA Film
Everflon Cathay™ PFA Film combines the chemical inertness,dielectric performance and thermal capability expected from premium fluoropolymers with the added advantages of transparency and melt-processability.
THERMAL PERFORMANCE
Continuous service from approximately −254°C to 260°C (−425°F to 500°F), providing exceptional performance across both cryogenic and high-temperature environments.
CHEMICAL RESISTANCE
PFA offers excellent resistance to aggressive chemicals and solvents, supporting demanding chemical-processing, lining, pump, sealing and fluid-contact applications.
LOW PERMEABILITY
Low permeability to liquids, gases, moisture and organic vapors helps support critical barrier, containment and protection requirements in demanding industrial systems.
DIELECTRIC PERFORMANCE
Excellent dielectric properties across a broad range of frequencies and temperatures make PFA film well suited for electrical insulation, wire and cable, circuit board laminates and high-performance electronics.
OPTICAL CLARITY
PFA combines many of the high-performance characteristics associated with PTFE with excellent light transmission and transparency for inspection, protection and appearance-critical applications.
MELT-PROCESSABLE
Unlike non-melt-processable fluoropolymers, PFA film can support heat sealing, thermoforming, welding and thermal bonding, opening additional options for fabrication and system integration.
PFA fluoropolymer film is selected where a combination of high continuous-use temperature, chemical resistance, low permeability, electrical insulation, dielectric stability, optical clarity, low-friction release behavior and melt-processability is required. These characteristics make PFA film a strong candidate for electronics, wire and cable, chemical processing, composite mold release, circuit board laminates, pumps, tank linings, gaskets and other demanding industrial applications.
Everflon Cathay™ PFA Film · S Grade
Cathay™ PFA Film S Grade is engineered for applications where dielectric performance, electrical insulation, low signal distortion and optical clarity matter. It is particularly well suited for PCB laminates, flexible printed circuits, flat cable, wire and cable insulation, and see-through protective applications.
Virgin premium-grade Everflon™ PFA resin
MFI range stated for S Grade resin
For signal integrity and insulation performance
Designed to take advantage of PFA's low dielectric constant and low dissipation over a broad range of temperatures and frequencies, helping reduce signal distortion and attenuation.
High electrical resistivity helps minimize current leakage and supports reliable insulation in demanding wire, cable and electronic applications.
A strong candidate for PCB laminates, flexible printed circuits, flat cable, high-temperature insulation and wire & cable systems where dielectric performance is a primary requirement.
S Grade is also the preferred choice for protective, decorative and see-through applications where visual appearance and optical clarity are important.
Everflon Cathay™ PFA Film S Grade is designed for electrical and electronic applications requiring low dielectric loss, low signal distortion, high insulation performance and excellent clarity. Typical application areas include PCB laminates, flexible printed circuits, flat cable, wire and cable insulation, high-temperature electrical insulation, transparent protection and appearance-critical components.
Everflon Cathay™ PFA Film · W Grade
Cathay™ PFA Film W Grade is a mechanical-grade, value-focused PFA film developed for applications where premium appearance is not the primary requirement. It is especially well suited for hot-melt adhesive, welding tape and thermal-bonding applications.
Designed for functional industrial use
Hot-melt adhesive and welding-tape applications
Potential savings stated for W Grade
W Grade is positioned for hot-melt adhesive, welding tape and thermal-bonding applications where process function matters more than premium visual appearance.
The grade retains the physical, mechanical and thermal performance characteristics associated with PFA film, supporting demanding industrial fabrication environments.
With a stated continuous service temperature of 260°C (500°F), PFA W Grade can support heat-intensive processing and high-temperature service conditions.
For applications that do not require high aesthetic standards, W Grade offers an economical route to PFA film performance, with stated savings of up to 25%.
Everflon Cathay™ PFA Film W Grade is a mechanical-grade PFA fluoropolymer film for hot-melt adhesive, welding tape, heat bonding and industrial fabrication. It is intended for applications that prioritize mechanical and thermal performance over premium appearance, while retaining the core performance profile of PFA film.
Everflon Cathay™ PFA Film · Applications
From electronics and wire & cable to aggressive chemical processing, composite molding and high-temperature sealing, Everflon Cathay™ PFA Film is engineered for applications where thermal stability, chemical resistance, dielectric performance, low permeability and processability must work together.
Excellent chemical resistance and low permeability make PFA film a strong candidate for aggressive chemical environments, corrosion protection and process-fluid contact applications.
High dielectric performance, thermal stability and low signal loss support demanding wire, cable and high-temperature electrical insulation systems.
Stable dielectric properties and strong insulation performance support electronic assemblies, electrical barriers and demanding high-frequency applications.
Low dielectric loss, high resistivity and melt-processability make PFA film suitable for PCB laminates, flexible circuits and related electronic structures.
Low-friction, non-stick behavior and high-temperature capability support release applications in composite molding and cure processes.
Chemical inertness, flexibility and barrier performance support chemical-pump components, tank linings and protective surfaces exposed to aggressive fluids.
Heat resistance, low friction and chemical resistance support protective roll-cover applications in industrial processing and handling systems.
Chemical resistance, thermal stability and low permeability help support sealing, isolation and pressure-management components used in demanding process equipment.
Everflon Cathay™ PFA Film can be evaluated for chemical processing equipment, wire and cable insulation, electronics, circuit board laminates, flexible printed circuits, composite mold release, chemical pumps, tank linings, shrink roll covers, rupture discs and gaskets. Its combination of high-temperature capability, chemical resistance, dielectric performance, low permeability, optical clarity and melt-processability makes it suitable for demanding industrial environments in the United States and international markets.
Everflon Cathay™ PFA Film · Technical Properties
Representative physical, mechanical, electrical, thermal and optical properties of Everflon Cathay™ PFA Film. Final material selection should consider film grade, thickness, processing history, test conditions and the actual operating environment.
Typical continuous-use temperature
Typical value for 25 µm film
Typical value
Typical value
Values shown below are representative values from the referenced Cathay™ PFA Film product page.
| Category | Property | Test Method | Unit | Typical Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General | Specific Gravity | ASTM D792 | — | 2.15 |
| Yield (25 µm film) | — | m²/kg | 18 | |
| Flammability | UL 94 | — | V-0 | |
| Water Absorption | — | % | <0.01 | |
| Mechanical | Tensile Strength at Break | ASTM D882 | MPa | 26 |
| Elongation at Break | ASTM D882 | % | 300 | |
| Tensile Modulus | ASTM D882 | MPa | 480 | |
| Initial Tear Strength, 25 µm | ASTM D1004 | — | 2.2–2.7 | |
| Propagating Tear Strength, 25 µm | ASTM D1922 | — | 1.4–1.5 | |
| Durability | Fold Endurance (M.I.T.) | ASTM D2176 | cycles | 500,000 |
| Electrical | Dielectric Strength, 25 µm | ASTM D149 | kV/mm | 185 |
| Dielectric Constant, 1 kHz | ASTM D150 | — | 2.1 | |
| Dissipation Factor, 1 kHz | ASTM D150 | — | 0.0005 | |
| Thermal | Melt Point | ASTM D3418 | °C | 310 |
| Continuous Service Temperature | — | °C | 260 | |
| Specific Heat | — | J/(kg·K) | 1172 | |
| Coefficient of Thermal Conductivity | — | W/(m·K) | 0.195 | |
| Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion | ASTM D696 | mm/(mm·°C) | 9.9 × 10−5 | |
| Limiting Oxygen Index | ASTM D2863 | % | 95 | |
| Optical | Refractive Index | ASTM D542 | — | 1.35 |
| Solar Transmission | ASTM E424 | % | 96 |
Stated continuous service range
Stated melt-temperature range
Heat sealing, thermoforming, welding and thermal bonding
Everflon Cathay™ PFA Film combines high continuous-use temperature, low water absorption, excellent dielectric behavior, strong tensile and elongation performance, low flammability and high optical transmission. These properties are important for PFA film used in electrical insulation, wire and cable, PCB laminates, flexible circuits, chemical processing, composite mold release, tank linings and high-temperature industrial applications.
For engineering evaluation, consider film thickness, temperature exposure, electrical requirements, chemical contact, mechanical loading and fabrication method together with the applicable product specification.
The values shown are typical values, not guaranteed specification limits. Actual properties may vary with grade, film thickness, processing history, test conditions and end-use environment. Use the latest Everflon technical documentation for design qualification, validation and final material approval.
Everflon Cathay™ PFA Film · Grade Selection Guide
Choose the PFA film grade by first defining the application, electrical requirements, fabrication method, appearance expectations and operating conditions. Cathay™ S Grade is optimized around electrical and optical performance, while W Grade is positioned around welding, bonding and value.
Start with S Grade when low dielectric loss, electrical insulation, signal integrity and transparent appearance are central to the application.
Low dielectric constant
Low dissipation factor
High surface and volume resistivity
Excellent optical clarity
PCB laminates and flexible circuits
Flat cable and wire & cable insulation
Start with W Grade when the application is functional, appearance is secondary, and hot-melt bonding, welding tape or thermal bonding is a primary processing requirement.
Mechanical-grade PFA film
Hot-melt adhesive applications
Welding tape
Thermal bonding
Full PFA physical / mechanical / thermal performance
Up to 25% stated savings
A practical starting point for engineering, sourcing and application review.
| Selection Factor | S Grade | W Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Positioning | Electrical + optical performance | Welding + mechanical value |
| Electrical / Dielectric Priority | Preferred | Application dependent |
| Optical / Appearance Priority | Preferred | Not the primary focus |
| Hot-Melt Adhesive / Welding Tape | Possible by application review | Preferred |
| PCB / Flexible Circuit / Cable | Strong fit | Application dependent |
| Mechanical / Functional Use | Yes | Primary positioning |
| Value Engineering | Performance-led | Up to 25% stated savings |
Final grade selection should consider film thickness, service temperature, electrical requirements, chemical exposure, fabrication method, appearance requirements, dimensional needs and expected annual volume.
Choose Everflon Cathay™ PFA Film S Grade when low dielectric loss, electrical insulation, signal integrity, PCB laminates, flexible printed circuits,flat cable, wire and cable insulation or optical clarity are the primary requirements. Choose W Grade when hot-melt adhesive, welding tape, thermal bonding, mechanical-grade PFA film or cost-focused fabrication is the main priority.
Final PFA film selection should always be confirmed against the actual operating temperature, chemical environment, electrical performance, thickness, dimensions and fabrication conditions of the end-use application.
Everflon Cathay™ PFA Film · Frequently Asked Questions
Practical answers for engineers, buyers, product developers and manufacturing teams evaluating PFA film for high-temperature, chemical-resistant, electrical, bonding and release applications.
PFA film is a melt-processable fluoropolymer film based on perfluoroalkoxy resin. It combines high-temperature capability, excellent chemical resistance, low permeability, strong dielectric performance, low-friction surface behavior and optical clarity.
The referenced Cathay™ PFA Film product page states a continuous service range of approximately −254°C to 260°C (−425°F to 500°F). Actual application limits should still be verified against film thickness, mechanical loading, chemical exposure, process conditions and the duration of temperature exposure.
Yes. PFA is known for excellent resistance to a wide range of chemicals and solvents, which is why it is considered for chemical-processing equipment, pump components, tank linings, fluid-contact systems and corrosion-protection applications. Final suitability should be checked against the specific chemical, concentration, temperature, pressure and exposure time.
Yes. PFA film offers low dielectric constant, low dissipation factor, high electrical resistivity and strong dielectric strength. It can therefore be evaluated for electrical insulation, PCB laminates, flexible printed circuits, flat cable, wire and cable and other high-performance electronic applications.
S Grade is positioned around electrical, dielectric and optical performance and is the preferred starting point for applications such as PCB laminates, flexible circuits, flat cable, wire and cable insulation and transparent protection. W Grade is a mechanical-grade, value-focused PFA film intended primarily for hot-melt adhesive, welding tape, thermal bonding and functional fabrication applications where premium appearance is not the main requirement.
Yes. Because PFA is melt-processable, the film can support heat sealing, thermoforming, welding and thermal bonding under appropriate process conditions. W Grade is the primary Cathay™ grade to evaluate when welding tape or hot-melt bonding is the main application.
Yes. Low dielectric constant, low dissipation factor, high resistivity and high-temperature capability make PFA film a candidate for PCB laminates, flexible printed circuits and related electronic structures. S Grade is the preferred starting point when dielectric performance and signal integrity are important.
Yes. PFA offers low-friction, non-stick surface behavior together with high-temperature capability, making it suitable for evaluation as a release film in composite molding and cure processes. The final film thickness and process conditions should be selected for the specific tool, resin system and cure cycle.
Typical application areas listed for Cathay™ PFA Film include chemical processing, wire and cable, electronics, circuit board laminates, composite mold release, chemical pumps, tank linings, shrink roll covers, rupture discs and gaskets.
Yes. PFA film provides excellent transparency and light transmission while retaining high-temperature, chemical-resistant and dielectric properties. This can be useful in applications where visual inspection, appearance or see-through protection is important.
The referenced typical-properties table lists a dielectric constant of 2.1 at 1 kHz, a dissipation factor of 0.0005 at 1 kHz and a dielectric strength of 185 kV/mm for 25 µm film. These are representative values, not guaranteed specification limits.
Project-specific dimensions and converting requirements should be reviewed case by case. When requesting a quotation or technical review, provide the target film thickness, width or finished dimensions, operating temperature, fabrication method, electrical or chemical requirements and expected annual volume.
Everflon Cathay™ PFA Film · Technical Consultation
The fastest way to evaluate a PFA film is to start with the real operating conditions. Share the temperature, thickness, dimensions, electrical requirements, chemical environment and fabrication method, and the candidate grade and specification can be reviewed more efficiently.
Everflon Cathay™ PFA Film can be evaluated for electrical insulation, electronics, PCB laminates, flexible circuits, wire and cable, chemical processing, composite mold release, chemical pumps, tank linings, heat sealing, welding and high-temperature industrial applications. For technical review or quotation, provide the end-use conditions and expected annual volume.
Review whether S Grade or W Grade is the better starting point.
Review thickness, width, roll format and converting requirements.
Align thermal, electrical, chemical and processing requirements.
These project details help engineering and sales teams evaluate the most appropriate PFA film option and respond with fewer follow-up questions.
Continuous temperature, peak temperature and exposure duration.
Target nominal thickness or acceptable thickness range.
Required web width, roll format or finished dimensions.
Insulation, dielectric strength, dielectric loss or frequency conditions.
Chemical type, concentration, temperature and contact time.
Heat sealing, welding, thermoforming, lamination, bonding or converting.
Electronics, wire & cable, chemical processing, composites or another end use.
Prototype, qualification, pilot production or estimated annual demand.
Availability of project-specific thicknesses, widths, roll formats, colors, perforation or other converting options should be confirmed for the individual project.
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