MFA are specialty grades of perfluoropolymer resulting from the polymerization of TFE and perfluoromethylvinyl ether (PFPME). Hyflon® perfluoropolymers follow the specifications of ASTM D3307 “Standard Specification for Perfluoroalkoxy-Fluorocarbon Resin Molding and Extrusion Materials, extrusion, injection molding, fluoropolymer”.
Hyflon® perfluoropolymer can withstand the most extensive end-use temperature range of between -200°C and +260°C of any melt-processible fluoropolymer, with only nominal changes to their mechanical and electrical properties within this range. Specialty grades of Hyflon® perfluoropolymers can be used to up to 300°C. Be aware that maximum service temperature can be affected by system stresses and the chemical environment.
Hyflon® MFA can withstand service temperatures of between -200°C and 225°C, with only minor changes in mechanical and electrical properties within this range. Be aware that maximum service temperature can be affected by both system stresses and the chemical environment.
Hyflon® perfluoropolymers offer the greatest chemical resistance among fluoropolymers at any pH level. Their mechanical properties change nominally when exposed to most organic or inorganic chemicals, with the exception of alkali metals and certain amalgams.
Generally, the chemical resistance of Hyflon® perfluoropolymers remains unaffected by temperature. Our technical experts can help you evaluate the suitability of Hyflon® perfluoropolymers for your particular chemical application. Please contact your Solvay representative for additional information.
Hyflon® perfluoropolymers are available as pellets, powders and water-based dispersions, making them suitable for a variety of processing techniques:
- Pellets for compression, transfer, injection, extrusion, etc.
- Powders for electrostatic powder coating, rotolining, rotomolding, etc.
- Aqueous dispersions for impregnation, dipping, spin-coating, spray-coating, brushing, etc.
Chemical composition and maximum service temperature are the main differences between Hyflon® perfluoropolymers grades. They offer the same level of chemical resistance and are considered the best of all commercial fluoropolymers.
| Grade | Form | Composition | Max. Service Temp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyflon® P | Pellets, powders | TFE and PFPVE | 300°C |
| Hyflon® M | Pellets, powders | TFE, PFPVE and PFMVE | 250°C |
| Hyflon® MFA | Pellets | TFE and PFPVE | 225°C |
| Hyflon® MFA P | Powders | TFE, PFPVE and PFMVE | 250°C |
| Hyflon® XPH or D | Aqueous dispersion | TFE and PFPVE | 260°C |
| Hyflon® MFA XPH or D | Aqueous dispersion | TFE and PFPVE | 225°C |
Pellets and powder grades are manufactured by microemulsion polymerization. Aqueous dispersions are manufactured by emulsion polymerization.
Grades with the same composition and same polymerization process can have different molecular weights and a different flow behavior when molten, as noted by the materials melt flow index (MFI).
Please contact your Solvay representative for assistance in selecting the Hyflon® perfluoropolymers grade that best meets the requirements of your application.
No, Hyflon® perfluoropolymers are fully-fluorinated polymers, making them insoluble in solvents.
Yes, Hyflon® perfluoropolymers water-based dispersions are available. They are suitable for a variety of processes, such as impregnation, dipping, spraying, and spin-coating. Please contact your Solvay representative for more information.
Hyflon® MFA is a copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) and perfluoromethylvynilether (PFMVE), while FEP is a copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) and hexafluoropropylene (HFP).
Hyflon® MFA offers key performance advantages over FEP:
- Mechanical, thermal, electrical and optical properties
- Chemical resistance and permeability
- Flex-life and creep
- Surface properties
- Thermo-degradation
- Processing
Please contact your Solvay representative for assistance in selecting the Hyflon® perfluoropolymers grade that best meets the requirements of your application.
Generally, Hyflon® perfluoropolymers (fully-fluorinated polymers) exhibit better mechanical properties, permeation resistance, surface smoothness and processing than PVDF, ETFE, ECTFE (partially-fluorinated polymers).
In comparison to PVDF, ETFE, and ECTFE, Hyflon® perfluoropolymers provide better chemical resistance, thermal resistance, electrical insulation, fire resistance and anti-stick properties.
Please contact your Solvay representative for assistance in selecting the Hyflon® perfluoropolymers grade that best meets the requirements of your application.
The performances of Hyflon® perfluoropolymers are similar to those of PTFE; however, PTFE is not melt-processable.
This is an important distinction, as melt-processable polymers inherently have higher production rates, hence the reduced production cost.
Strong similarities exist between Hyflon® perfluoropolymer and competitive perfluoropolymer products; however, Hyflon® P100 Series products offer the highest thermal resistance of all commercial perfluoropolymers. Solvay is the sole producer of Hyflon® MFA products. Hyflon MFA F series, MFA 1041, MFA 6521
Hyflon® perfluoropolymers materials are not affected by moisture or oxidation; therefore, no treatment is needed prior to usage. Because Hyflon® perfluoropolymers products are inherently resistant to natural aging, no UV stabilizers are needed. Both accelerated and multiple-year outdoor weathering studies confirm the outstanding stability of these materials when exposed to solar radiation and weathering.
Hyflon® perfluoropolymers are self-extinguishing materials and offer superior fire resistance according to various independent tests, such as UL-94, thereby limiting oxygen index (LOI) and auto-ignition temperature. Nonetheless, we suggest that the end user follows the handling and storage listed in the Safety and Technical Data Sheets for each considered grade.
Yes, stress-strain curves, and elevated temperature data are available for the most commonly used grades. For other specific property data, please contact your Solvay Specialty Polymers representative.
Yes, flow-simulation data has been generated for the most commonly-used grades, including PVT data for warpage analysis. For additional information, please contact your Solvay representative.
Yes, special Ni-based alloys must be used in construction materials for any parts in contact with Hyflon® perfluoropolymers in their molten states. Equipment and tools in direct contact with Hyflon® perfluoropolymers in their molten states must be able to withstand and maintain temperatures that reach and/or exceed 400°C. Also, as stated in the Safety Data Sheets, proper ventilation is necessary while processing Hyflon® PFA and MFA. Processing recommendations are included in the processing guides for both Hyflon® perfluoropolymers respectively.
As with all polymeric materials exposed to high temperatures, good safety practice requires the use of adequate ventilation when processing Hyflon® perfluoropolymers in order to prevent exposure to irritating or toxic fumes and gases that may be generated in the event of excessive heating. As a general safety reference, when processing Hyflon® perfluoropolymers products, please consult the “Guide to the Safe Handling of Fluoropolymer Resins”, published by Plastics Europe (Brussels, Belgium) or by the Society of the Plastics Industry (Washington, DC). Furthermore, please refer to the Safety Data Sheets.
Drying the resins is not necessary as these resins do not absorb water. Because low to no moisture absorption inhibits the dissipation of frictional static charges, the resin container should be covered at all times so as to prevent the deposition of contaminants on the pellets or powder. When transferring the resin from a cooler environment, the closed drum liner should not be opened until the resin has reached the temperature of the processing environment. This prevents the condensation of atmospheric moisture on the pellets or powder.
Yes, Hyflon® perfluoropolymers products meet the relevant requirements of these European Directives relative to the content of cadmium or cadmium compounds, lead, mercury and hexavalent chromium polybrominated biphenyls (PBB), or polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDE).
No, Hyflon® perfluoropolymers products contain none of the 163 SVHC. For details and/or supporting documentation, please contact your Solvay representative.
Please contact your Solvay representative for this documentation.
Yes, masterbatches based upon Hyflon® perfluoropolymers are readily available from major masterbatch suppliers such as Colorant Chromatics, Clariant, Polyone, DainichiSeika and RTP, among others. Should you require resin that matches a specific color rather than a color concentrate, please contact your Solvay representative.
Yes, please contact your Solvay Specialty Polymers representative.
No, however our technical experts remain at your disposal to assist you in finding a producer suited to your application requirements. Please contact your Solvay representative.