Fluoropolymers safety

Filled or compounded resins contain pigments, surfactants, and other additives to modify the plastic properties. These additives are likely to present risks and hazards in the fluoropolymer compound. For example, aqueous dispersions of fluoropolymers contain surfactants that may produce adverse physiological symptoms. The hazards of using these additives should be considered by themselves and in conjunction with fluoropolymers. Safety information provided by manufac-... 

Fluoropolymers represent a rather specialized group of polymeric materials. Their chemistry is derived from the compounds used in the refrigeration industry, which has been in existence for more than 60 years. In the 1930s, efforts were made to develop nontoxic, inert, low boiling liquid refrigerants mainly for reasons of safety. The developed refrigerants based on compounds of carbon, fluorine, and chlorine, commonly known as freons, quickly became a commercial success. Eventually, they also became widely used as aerosol propellants. 

In this entry, the classification, preparation, properties, fabrication, safety considerations, and economics of fluoropolymers are discussed. Monomer synthesis and properties have also been discussed. Increasing the fluorine content of a polymer increases chemical and solvent resistance, flame resistance, and photostability, improves electrical properties, such as dielectric constant, lowers coefficient of friction, raises melting point, increases thermal stability, and weakens mechanical properties. 

Fluoropol Tners are used in critical applications where failure may have serious safety, environmental, and/or financial consequences. Modeling is an important tool in determining the root cause of the failure and its correction. The modeling of fluoropolymer components, like other polymer materials, continues to evolve in sophistication. This chapter introduces current and developing methodologies for mechanical analysis. These methodologies promise increasingly accurate predictions and analysis of fluoropolymer materials. 

All aspects of the fluoropolymers including monomer synthesis, polymerization, properties, applications, part fabrication techniques, safety in handling, and recycling are discussed. Homopolymers and copolymers of vinylidene fluoride, all melt processible, have been covered in Volume Two because of the close... 

Part Three describes the properties, characteristics, and applications of fluoropolymers. The reader involved in the processing of fluoropolymers is advised to carefully study the safety issues and disposal methods of fluoropolymers. In this book, Ch. 17, Safety,... 

Fluoropolymers require fairly high processing temperatures due to their high melting point and/or high melt viscosity. The issues related to safety in the use of... 

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