Perfluoralkoxy PFA

Perfluoralkoxy is a fully fluorinated polymer having the following formula  

PFA lacks the physical strength of PTFE at elevated temperatures but has somewhat better physical and mechanical properties than PEP above SOOT (149°C) and can be used up to SOOT (260°C). Like PTFE, PFA is subject to permeation by certain gases and will absorb selected chemicals. Refer to Table 2.23 for the absorption of certain liquids by PFA. Perfluoralkoxy also performs well at cryogenic temperatures. 

PFA is inert to strong mineral acids, organic bases, inorganic oxidizers, aromatics, some aliphatic hydrocarbons, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, ethers, esters, chlorocarbons, fluorocarbons, and mixtures of these. 

Perfluoralkoxy will be attacked by certain halogenated complexes containing fluorine. This includes chlorine trifluoride, bromine trifluoride, iodine pentafluoride, and fluorine. It is also subject to attack by such metals as sodium or potassium, particularly in their molten states. Refer to Table 2.24 for the compatibility of PFA with selected corrodents. Reference [1] provides a more detained listing. PFA has excellent weatherability and is not subject to UV degradation. 

The chemicals listed are in the pure state or in a saturated solution unless otherwise indicated. Compatibility is shown to the maximum allowable temperature for which data is available. Incompatibility is shown by an X. A blank space indicates that data is unavailable. 

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