PTFE vs PFA: Fluoropolymer Selection Guide
Published: 2026-06-02
Both fully fluorinated with near-universal chemical resistance. PTFE cannot be melt-processed (compression + sinter only); PFA is injection-moldable. PFA wins for complex geometries (semiconductor wafer handling). PTFE costs ~40% less. PTFE's...
Both fully fluorinated with near-universal chemical resistance. PTFE cannot be melt-processed (compression + sinter only); PFA is injection-moldable. PFA wins for complex geometries (semiconductor wafer handling). PTFE costs ~40% less. PTFE's melt viscosity is 10^11 Pa·s — 1,000,000× higher than moldable thermoplastics.
Comparison at a Glance
| Tensile Strength | PTFE: 25 vs PFA: 30 MPa |
|---|---|
| Melting Point | PTFE: 327 vs PFA: 305°C |
| Shrinkage Rate | PTFE: 3-5 vs PFA: 3-4% |
| Flexural Modulus | PTFE: 0.5 vs PFA: 0.6 GPa |
| Hdt | PTFE: 120 vs PFA: 75°C |
Equivalents & Cross-References
| Equivalent / Alternate | Action |
|---|---|
| Teflon PTFE vs Teflon PFA |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't PTFE be injection molded?
Molecular weight 10^6-10^7; viscosity >10^11 Pa·s at 380°C. PFA adds perfluoropropyl vinyl ether comonomer to reduce MW and enable melt processing while preserving chemical resistance.
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References & Industry Standards
- ASTM International. Standard Specifications for Engineering Plastics & Thermoplastics. astm.org
- UL Prospector. Plastics & Elastomers Material Database. ulprospector.com
- MatWeb. Material Property Data for Engineering Thermoplastics. matweb.com
- ISO 1043. Plastics — Symbols and Abbreviated Terms. iso.org