Abstract
Fluorocarbon elastomers have been utilized over the past 25 years for molded elastomeric parts requiring flexibility and resistance to high temperatures and harsh chemical environments. They are generally considered for applications requiring 200°C continuous service, but can operate at temperatures up to 260°C for shorter periods of time. They are also used to provide resistance to various harsh chemicals at moderate temperatures (35-150°C), showing stable physical properties and minimal volume swell. These include most aliphatic and aromatic alkanes, solvents and oils, some functionally oxygenated fluids and many inorganic acids and chemicals.
These same polymers have been found to be useful as coating resins in a variety of applications. They can provide the resistance of a fluorinated polymer, with the solubility and coatability of a resin system that does not require fusion, (e.g. PTFE, (Teflon), PVDF (Kynar)).
This paper describes the composition of these polymers and the chemistry and mechanisms involved in their use and cure. The relationship between the specific polymer composition and its chemical resistance is outlined and the various cure systems used are described in terms of their applications, advantages and limitations.
It also discusses how these polymers can be compounded with various fillers and activators to prepare formulated coatings that are required to meet specific service requirements. Considerations in compounding for these requirements are delineated and methods for preparation of a few coating systems using various techniques are reviewed.
The performance of these coatings in various environments is described and comparisons to other coating systems are outlined.
An overview of various applications for fluorocarbon elastomer coatings is presented, along with a list of criteria to use for consideration of fluorocarbon elastomer applicability.
