Developmental History of Fluoropolymers

The development of fluoropolymers began with the invention of PTFE in 1938, continued to 1992 when a soluble perfluoropolymer (Teflon AF) was introduced, and to 2002 when fluoroplastics polymerized in supercritical carbon dioxide were introduced. Table 1.3 summarizes the timeline for the development of fluoropolymers that have brought about major changes in properties and/or fabrication processes. 

The discovery of PTFE was a major leap forward in material science. Yet the new polymer could not be fabricated by melt-processing. The next two forms of PTFE, fine powder and dispersion, were also not melt-processible. The pursuit of a more easily processible polymer led to FEP, which could be melted in an extruder. Compared with PTFE, the major disadvantage of FEP is its reduced thermal stability and lower maximum continuous-use temperature (200°C) (Table 1.3). PFA, which was introduced in 1973, offers both melt-processing and the same upper continuous-use temperature as PTFE (260°C). 

Fluoropolymer Year Commercialized Monomers Trade-off+ Trade-off - 

PCTFE 1953 CTFE Melt-processible/Non melt-processible Maximum continuous-use temperature 180°C 

PVF 1961 VF Thin flhn/weatherable Maximum continuous-use temperature 107°C 

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