Performance Characteristics of Drake PCTFE
Drake PCTFE offers a unique combination of properties for applications that must perform reliably under extremely challenging conditions.
The high performance polymer’s attributes include chemical resistance, low outgassing, gas impermeability, low flammability, radiation resistance and property retention over operating temperatures from -255 °C (-427 oF) to +150 °C (302 oF). Drake PCTFE can also withstand short-term temperature spikes to 200 °C (392 oF).
Exceptional cryogenic sealing performance in LOX, LH2, LN2 and LNG and aerospace components, chemical and radiation resistance, plus high LOI and V-0 flammability.
Reliability from Cryogenic to Elevated Temperatures
Chemically termed polychlorotrifluoroethylene, PCTFE is recognized for its compatibility with oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, and natural gas, as well as its ability to retain mechanical properties in cryogenic conditions, where these gases are converted to their liquid forms. It is also highly impermeable to gases and liquids, with near-zero detectable moisture absorption. These attributes have led to numerous applications for PCTFE in piping, valves, seals and equipment for processing, storage, transport and fuel systems of LOX (liquid oxygen), LH2 (liquid hydrogen), LN2 (liquid nitrogen), and LNG (liquified natural gas).
At the upper limits of its thermal operating range, PCTFE resists deformation under load and maintains its rigidity. These factors support the choice of PCTFE for structural components that must maintain their dimensional stability and structural strength in aerospace components and equipment that traverse wide temperature variations.
Inherent Chemical and Flammability Resistance
In addition to its ability to withstand LOX, LH2, LN2 and LNG, the fluorine and chlorine components of its polymer structure make PCTFE highly resistant to other aggressive chemicals including acids, alkalis and many solvents. The polymer also exhibits inherently low flammability: PCTFE meets UL 94 V-0 flame test standards and has an exceptionally high Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI) in the 90-95% range. Its performance based on its LOI and V-0 test compliance make it a frequent choice for aerospace and transportation applications.
PCTFE Background
PCTFE has a long history of application successes, starting with the commercialization of the resin by the M.W. Kellogg Company under the Kel-F PCTFE brand in 1950. The Kel-F brand and product line was subsequently acquired by 3M.
While 3M still retains the brand name, the company discontinued manufacturing Kel-F PCTFE in 1996. However, several resin producers continue to supply PCTFE resin for a range of challenging applications, and the material is still often referred to as Kel-F PCTFE. Current producers and brands of PCTFE with performance attributes comparable to Kel-F PCTFE include NeoflonTM PCTFE produced by Daikin, Voltalef® PCTFE from Arkema, and Honeywell’s Aclon® PCTFE.
Typical Applications for Drake PCTFE
Drake PCTFE’s unique combination of properties make it a candidate for components in equipment that must operate reliably in extreme environments. Applications include:
- Cryogenic seals and gaskets for liquid oxygen, liquid hydrogen, liquid nitrogen and liquefied natural gas processing, storage and transport systems
- Aerospace seals, gaskets, valve seats and components exposed to extreme temperatures
- Applications requiring a high LOI and compliance with UL 94V0 flammability testing
- Chemically resistant laboratory equipment components
- High radiation exposure components in nuclear service and medicine
Drake PCTFE Machinable Shapes
Drake offers PCTFE rod in diameters from 10 to 80 mm (0.394 – 3.15 in.). Standard length is 400mm (15.75 in.). Plate and tube are available on request.
Drake PCTFE Machined Parts
Drake has versatile state-of-the-art capabilities for machining precision parts from our broad line of machinable shapes in polymers for cryogenic applications. In addition to PCTFE, these shapes products include Torlon® PAI, Vespel® PI, PEEK and Drake’s CryoDyn® cryogenic PEEK, all available to Drake customers worldwide.
Drake PCTFE Certifications and Traceability
Drake Plastics provides no-charge certifications and lot traceability on each shipment of all shapes and machined parts. Drake PCTFE material is provided with Certifications to ASTM D1430-22 Group 01 Class 1 Grade 3, and AMS 3650.
Drake also provides test reports related to the following specialized standards for a testing fee:
- Autogenous Ignition test with Gaseous Oxygen according to NF EN ISO 11114-3 standard
- Mechanical Impact test in Liquid Oxygen according to EN 1797 standard
- Cryogenic Vessels – Gas/Material Compatibility according to DIN EN 1797 and ISO 21010 standards
Contact Drake Plastics for details.
