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Everflon™ Fluoropolymers are broadly used in cables and wires, as they are the only ones that can withstand very high temperatures, exposure to chemicals, as well as mechanical stress. Their very good flexibility is another factor contributing to the popularity of fluoropolymers as cable jacketing. At the moment, alternative rubbers or other materials are not considered suitable by the manufacturers of electrical and electronic equipment where those harsh conditions are encountered.
The electronics industry manufacturing sector, uses Everflon™ fluoropolymers to improve their products’ durability, service life and overall performance. Fluoropolymers are used in these applications in the following forms:
As formative / protective coating on electronic parts and semiconductors to protect from harsh conditions. Printed circuit boards is an example, with numerous extensions, of where such a coating can be applied.
Everflon™ Fluoropolymer components in hard disk drives can also extend the life of those parts that need a high dielectric strength.
In sealing that can protect sensitive electronic components from external agents, such as moisture, acids or alkalis. This use also includes gaskets, O-rings and other sealing equipment or lining of tubing / pipes and other fluid-handling equipment, e.g., in in vitro diagnostic devices or cooled / refrigerated devices, to prevent leakage that could impair the function of the electronic component.
As insulation and jacketing of cables used in devices, allowing these to operate at higher temperatures and harsher conditions for longer.
In manufacturing processes where a high degree of cleanliness and precision is required. This is particularly important for semiconductors, as they are particularly sensitive to contamination by particles and chemical agents, which could adversely affect the product’s performance.
Manufacturers and users of fluoropolymers have mentioned a number of electronic equipment that relies on the use of fluoropolymers. The list below is non-exhaustive, but it is indicative of the broad range of affected applications and of the important equipment affected by the proposed restriction.
● Voltage testers, radars, wiring systems, gateways and connectors.
● Current transmission, signal transfer, sensors and safety systems in automotives and industrial applications (robotics). Everflon™ Fluoropolymers also provide very low dielectric constant that minimises signal losses at high frequencies.
● Other sensor applications, such as measuring devices using microwaves, process and hydrostatic pressure measuring devices and various probes for liquid level measurement.
● Level-controlled condensate drains (typically electronically controlled) in several industrial and professional applications also use Everflon™ fluoropolymer components. Other components and devices of such systems designed for drying of compressed air, such as measuring devices, also use Everflon™ fluoropolymer components, such as membranes.
● High-efficiency and HEPA air filters to capture particles in ventilation of clean industrial environments, such as in semiconductor manufacturing
● PTFE in plastics used in smoke detectors.
● As sealing and lubricants in screw-, piston- and turbo-compressors and refrigerant and desiccant dryers for industrial and medical applications.
● Wires, cables and connectors for semiconductor manufacturing for the defence market.
● Cables in automotive applications, e.g., in emission and other sensors, safety systems to warn a user that the brake pad needs replacement, in gearboxes, in the fuel pump, and in heating cables.
● In servomotors for medical devices and industrial applications
● A lot of jigs and tools in the production of sensors are based on PTFE: wafer carrier, sealing rings, handling tools in MEMS (micro electrical mechanical systems) processes in the production of pressure sensors or inertial sensors. Other components using fluoropolymers include inductors, laminated chokes, transformers, TVS diodes and membranes and sealings for thermomanagement modules.
● Amorphous fluoropolymers are used as 3D printer vat windows on account of high oxygen permittivity which facilitates a dead layer and thus easier printing.
