Classification of New Melt-Processable PTFE: Comparison of Emulsion- and Suspension-Polymerized Materials

A new melt-processable PTFE material is presented and characterized that provides new and economical solutions in polymer technology while bridging the gap between perfluorinated PTFE and fluorothermoplastic materials such as perfluoroalkoxy resins. Thermal transitions, MW and MWD, and microstructures of the melt-processable PTFE materials are investigated and compared to standard PTFE, modified PTFE, and PFA materials. The influence of the polymerization type used for the preparation of the melt-processable PTFE (emulsion and suspension polymerization) on the MWD and the comonomer distribution are discussed.