Are KEL-F® and PCTFE the same?
What is Kel-F? Kel-F® was a trade name for PCTFE (polychlorotrifluoroethylene) utilized by the 3M® Company. In 1995, 3M sold the rights to Daikin® Industries, Ltd, who produces the raw material today under the trade name Neoflon®. PCTFE with the brand Kel-F is no longer available in the marketplace.
What is Neoflon PCTFE M-400H?
Neoflon PCTFE M-400H is a fluoropolymer that has high tensile strength, dimensional stability, and retains its high-performance properties over a large temperature range (-400° to 380°F). This grade of PCTFE has superior mechanical characteristics and gas barrier properties to PFA and FEP. PCTFE is melt-processible, and can be extruded or molded into sheets, rods or tubes.
What are the Benefits & Advantages of PCTFE?
Excellent thermal and chemical stability
Low gas permeation and outgassing
Very low moisture absorption and permeation
Highly resistant to cold flow
Very rigid and tough
Excellent dimensional stability
Extremely good low temperature properties to -400°F
High chemical-resistance
Resistant to oxidation
High compressive strength
Non-flammable
Radiation-resistant
What Types of Products can be Manufactured from PCTFE?
Lip seals
Valve seats & stems
O-Rings
Gaskets
Washers
Sleeve & thrust bearings
Bushings
Liner for chemical applications
Impellers
Diaphragms & plugs
What Applications are Products Made of PCTFE Used In?
Cryogenic and chemical processing components
Seals and gaskets
Aerospace valve seats, pump parts, impellers, diaphragms and plugs
Laboratory instruments
Nuclear service / high radiation exposure
Liquid oxygen and liquid nitrogen valve linings
More About the History of PCTFE PCTFE was discovered in 1934 by Fritz Schoffer and Otto Scherer of IG Farben. The Kel-F® 81 grade of PCTFE was commercialized by the M.W. Kellogg Company in the early 1950’s, and subsequently acquired by the 3M Company in 1957. The 3M company discontinued production of Kel-F® in 1995 and sold the rights to Daikin® Industries, Ltd, who produces the resin today under the trade name Neoflon® M-400H.
What Standards is Neoflon PCTFE M-400H Manufactured to? ASTM D 1430-89 Type 1, Grade 2 ASTM D 1430-95 Type 1, Grade 3 ASTM D 1430-17 Group 1, Class 1, Grade 3 ASTM D 7211-13 (section 8.9) ASTM D 7194-12 (section 8.10) FDA compliant per 21 CFR177.1380 See Data Sheet For Complete Properties Table
What is Afton’s Experience with Neoflon PCTFE M-400H? Afton has been the largest processer of Neoflon PCTFE M-400H in the country for nearly 40 years.
What are Afton’s Manufacturing Capabilities?
Compression-molded sheets up to 6” x 6” in 1/32” thickness and up to 12” x 12” in 1/16” thickness
Compression-molded sheets up to 24” x 24” in thicknesses from 1/8” to 2-¾”
Extruded rods from 1/8” to 2” diameter and spooled extruded rods from .022” to .100” diameter.
Compression-molded rods from 2-1/4” to 2-3/4” diameter.
Custom-sized rigid tubes – specify inner and outer dimensions
Special-processed optically clear sheets in 1/32” to 1/16” thicknesses for sight glass applications
Colorant addition to extruded rods for color-coding purposes
Glass-fiber addition to extruded rods and/or compression-molded rods and tubes for strength
What if My Application Requires Traceability and Quality Documentation? Afton has implemented a strictly-controlled quality process and generates a certification that is sent with each piece of Neoflon PCTFE M-400H ordered.
For more information on PCTFE, please visit our website aftonplastics.com. Call (800)-344-7499 for price and availability today.
