Fluoropolymers

Fluoropolymer appears as opaque to translucent, typically white granules, powders, or dispersions with exceptional chemical inertness and high thermal stability. Key features include exceptional chemical resistance to virtually all acids, bases, and solvents, high temperature capability, outstanding weatherability, low friction coefficient, excellent electrical insulation properties, and non-stick characteristics. Fluoropolymers are primarily used in chemical processing equipment, semiconductor manufacturing, wire and cable insulation, non-stick cookware, architectural membranes, and high-performance seals and gaskets. 

Alternatives include high-performance engineering plastics like PEEK or PPS for less demanding applications. Current trends focus on reduced environmental impact and increasing use in renewable energy applications. Sub-types include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), melt-processable fluoropolymers like FEP, PFA, and ETFE, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), and fluoroelastomers (FKM, FFKM) providing rubber-like flexibility with chemical resistance.