Fluoropolymers are fluorocarbon-based polymers with multiple strong carbon-fluorine bonds. They represent a family of high-performance “super plastics” characterized by great strength, versatility, durability, outstanding electrical properties, and an unusually high resistance to chemicals and heat, with low smoke and flammability. PTFE is the best known member of this family, and one of the smoothest, toughest materials around.
Fluoropolymers are probably most recognized for their use as a coating for non-stick cookware or for insulating wire and cable, and have hundreds of other major applications that are essential to modern life. They are integral to a clean environment, to a globalized and connected world, and to the safety and security of families, workers and the public.
Fluoropolymers provide life-saving capabilities and reduce the risk of fire when used to insulate wire and cable placed in office ceilings. They protect workers from corrosive, alkaline, or acidic chemicals when used as a coating on protective garments, and are essential in the manufacture of durable fire-retardant fabrics. They protect the environment when used in solar collectors, anti-graffiti surface covers, and pollution control and alternative power applications. Fluoropolymers keep the world connected with qualities useful for data transmission cables, while also increasing electrical safety in cable connectors, cable jacketing, circuit breakers, heat-trace cable, stand-off insulators and tubing. The unique properties of fluoropolymers enable them to provide many different solutions in an increasingly complex world.
Chemours™ fluoropolymers are processible by various means, all of which depend on the intended application, end-use or properties desired. Examples include: high dielectric strength, a low coefficient of friction and resistance to extremely high temperatures. The multiple techniques for processing fluoropolymers depend on specific applications, and end-use property requirements.
