High-strength PCTFE for Demanding Engineering Applications
Fluorinoid® FL325 PCTFE
Fluorinoid® FL325 is a polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE) material offering a combination of high mechanical strength, hardness and dimensional performance.
PCTFE has a different chemical structure to PTFE. The presence of a chlorine group instead of a fluorine group reduces crystallisation and increases intermolecular forces, resulting in a harder and stronger polymer than PTFE.
Fluorinoid® FL325 is suitable for applications where the mechanical properties and hardness of PCTFE provide advantages over other fluoropolymer materials.
Key Properties of FL325 PCTFE
- High mechanical strength
- High hardness
- Low-temperature performance
- Continuous temperature range from -260°C to 150°C
- Good dimensional and mechanical properties
- Suitable for valves, gaskets and O-rings
- Suitable for selected electrical insulation applications
- Available for compression moulded and extruded sections
Typical Physical Properties
The following values are typical physical properties for Fluorinoid® FL325 PCTFE.
| Property | Unit | Typical value |
|---|---|---|
| Specific Gravity | — | 2.08–2.18 |
| Tensile Strength | MPa | >31 |
| Elongation – Compression Moulded | % | >20 |
| Elongation – Extruded Sections | % | >90 |
| Compressive Strength (@ 0.2% Offset) – Processed Material | MPa | >23 |
| Heat Deflection Temperature | °C | ≥120 |
| Shore D Hardness | — | 75–90 |
| Zero Strength Time – Compression Moulded | seconds | >200 |
| Zero Strength Time – Extruded Sections | seconds | >100 |
| Continuous Temperature Range | °C | -260 to 150 |
What is PCTFE?
PCTFE, or polychlorotrifluoroethylene, is a fluoropolymer with a chemical structure that differs from PTFE.
The presence of a chlorine group instead of a fluorine group reduces crystallisation and increases intermolecular forces. This results in a polymer that is harder and stronger than PTFE.
The combination of these mechanical properties and its wide continuous temperature range makes PCTFE suitable for applications where hardness and strength are particularly important.
PCTFE compared with PTFE
PCTFE and PTFE are both fluoropolymers, but their different chemical structures give them different material characteristics.
PCTFE provides better mechanical properties than PTFE, particularly in terms of hardness.
PCTFE has a Shore D hardness of 75–90 and a tensile strength greater than 31 MPa.
PCTFE has lower thermal properties than PFA and PTFE, but remains widely used because of its better mechanical properties, particularly its hardness.
Mechanical Strength and Hardness
One of the key characteristics of FL325 is its mechanical performance.
The material has a typical tensile strength of greater than 31 MPa, while its Shore D hardness is 75–90.
Typical compressive strength is greater than 23 MPa at 0.2% offset for processed material.
These properties make PCTFE particularly useful where a fluoropolymer component needs greater hardness and mechanical strength.
Temperature Performance
Fluorinoid® FL325 has a continuous temperature range of: -260°C to 150°C
Heat deflection temperature of ≥120°C.
The wide temperature range makes PCTFE suitable for applications involving very low temperatures as well as elevated operating temperatures.
Elongation
The typical elongation values provided for FL325 differ according to the processing method:
| Form | Typical Elongation |
| Compression moulded | >20% |
| Extruded sections | >90% |
This difference highlights the importance of considering the physical form and processing method when assessing material properties.
Zero Strength Time
FL325 is characterised by different typical zero strength time values depending on the form of the material:
| Form | Typical Zero Strength Time |
| Compression moulded | >200 seconds |
| Extruded sections | >100 seconds |
Typical Applications
PCTFE is suitable for a range of applications, particularly where its mechanical properties and hardness provide advantages.
Valves
PCTFE is used in valve applications where the material's mechanical strength and hardness can be advantageous.
Gaskets and O-rings
PCTFE is used for sealing components including gaskets and O-rings.
Chemical Apparatus
PCTFE is suitable as a sight glass material for chemical apparatus, where other materials cannot be used.
Impermeable Packaging
PCTFE's properties have led to its use as an impermeable packaging material, including applications identified in the datasheet as military applications.
Electrical Insulation
PCTFE is also used in some electrical insulation applications.
Why choose PCTFE?
PCTFE can be considered where the mechanical performance of a fluoropolymer is a key design requirement.
Compared with PTFE, FL325 PCTFE advantages are:
- Higher hardness
- Better mechanical properties
- Higher strength
- Suitability for demanding component applications
However, PCTFE has lower thermal properties than PFA and PTFE.
Material selection should therefore consider the complete operating environment and the specific requirements of the component.
Need help selecting the right fluoropolymer?
Choosing between PCTFE, PTFE, PFA and other high-performance polymers depends on the requirements of the application.
Temperature, mechanical loading, hardness, component geometry, processing method and environmental conditions should all be considered.
Talk to Fluorocarbon about your application and our engineering team can help you assess the material requirements and identify a suitable solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fluorinoid® FL325?
Fluorinoid® FL325 is a polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE) material. It provides high mechanical strength and hardness and is suitable for a range of demanding engineering applications.
What is PCTFE?
PCTFE stands for polychlorotrifluoroethylene. It is a fluoropolymer whose chemical structure includes chlorine. This results in a harder and stronger polymer than PTFE.
How does PCTFE compare with PTFE?
PCTFE has better mechanical properties than PTFE, particularly in terms of hardness. PCTFE also has a different chemical structure, with a chlorine group replacing a fluorine group.
What is the hardness of FL325 PCTFE?
The typical Shore D hardness of FL325 is 75–90.
What is the tensile strength of FL325?
The typical tensile strength of Fluorinoid® FL325 is greater than 31 MPa.
What is the temperature range of FL325 PCTFE?
PCTFE has a continuous temperature range of -260°C to 150°C.
What is the heat deflection temperature of FL325?
The typical heat deflection temperature is ≥120°C.
What is the compressive strength of FL325?
FL325 has a typical compressive strength of greater than 23 MPa at 0.2% offset for processed material.
What applications is PCTFE used for?
PCTFE applications include valves, gaskets, O-rings, some electrical insulation applications, impermeable packaging and sight glass applications in chemical apparatus.
Is PCTFE suitable for low-temperature applications?
FL325 has a continuous temperature range extending down to -260°C, making its low-temperature performance an important characteristic of the material.
Is PCTFE harder than PTFE?
Yes. The presence of the chlorine group increases intermolecular forces, resulting in a harder and stronger polymer than PTFE.
Is PCTFE suitable for chemical applications?
PCTFE is suitable as a sight glass material for chemical apparatus where other materials cannot be used. Suitability for a specific chemical environment should be assessed according to the actual application conditions.
Are the FL325 datasheet values guaranteed specifications?
No. The datasheet states that the figures are typical values and do not represent a product specification. Properties can vary depending on the source of raw material, processing method, physical form of the product and direction of measurement.
Can Fluorocarbon help with PCTFE material selection?
Yes. Fluorocarbon can help assess material requirements and determine whether PCTFE or another high-performance polymer is appropriate for a particular application.
Technical Information
Material Reference: FLUORINOID® FL325
Material: Polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE)
Registered trademark: Fluorinoid® is a registered trademark of Fluorocarbon Group.
Technical Disclaimer
The figures provided on this page are typical values for the material and do not represent a product specification.
Properties will vary depending on the source of raw material, method of processing, physical form of the product, direction of measurement and other factors.
For application-specific requirements or certified material properties, please contact Fluorocarbon.
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