Are you on the lookout for the perfect tubing material to assist in experiments involving highly corrosive materials in your laboratory? If you are tired of relying on cheap plastic tubes that deteriorate quickly and bring impurities to your work, perhaps PFA tubing is what you need. Perfluoroalkoxy is a type of fluoropolymer that is very similar in nature to polytetrafluoroethylene, otherwise known as PTFE. This includes the much sought after low coefficient of friction and non-reactivity that help in countless procedures. The major difference that sets PFA apart, however, is the ability to utilize melt-processing through the common injection molding and screw extrusion techniques.
In terms of mechanical properties, PFA is comparable to fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP). Both rank at a higher level than PTFE in regards to flexibility, which makes them a better choice for tubing application and use. Unfortunately, they have a lower flex life than PTFE and will fail to endure repetitive folding. PFA tubing is great at resisting heat, has great salt spray resistance, but is ranked lower than FEP in terms of being affected by water absorption and weathering.
The most impressive quality of Perfluoroalkoxy is its electrical properties, however. It features the same amount of dialectical consistency as PTFE, practically the same dissipation factor, but manages to achieve a dielectric strength four times greater than other options. Thanks to these impressive features, you are likely to find that PFA tubing is a great substitution for any of the faulty or unsatisfactory materials presently plaguing your workplace.
The best applications for PFA Tubing will utilize its unique and rugged properties to great effect. With a good deal of flexibility, exceptional resistance to attack from chemicals, and nearly complete transparency, this material is routinely used in experiments, tests, and related processes that involve critical or highly corrosive fluids or gasses.
PFA has also been found to be markedly useful in sheet linings for chemical equipment. The use of a PFA liner makes it possible to replace more expensive metal and alloys materials, such as Inconel or Hastelloy, with lined carbon steel or lined fibre-reinforced plastic. Not only does this make for greater efficiency, but you will also find that it helps to keep the overall cost of running procedures relatively lower than with alternatives.
If you’re still having trouble finding the right tubing material, don’t hesitate to try PFA in your next project. The benefits it brings will be immediately noticeable, and will save you on a vast amount of money in the long run. The most important thing to do is insure that you are working with the right tools, and with PFA tubing you are sure to get exactly what you need.
