PFA Ultra-High Purity Grade Properties — Complete Engineering Data Sheet (2026)
Tensile data verified against MatWeb.com database & manufacturer datasheets · Last updated July 2026
Published: 2026-06-08
PFA (perfluoroalkoxy) is the melt-processable sibling of PTFE — it delivers near-identical chemical resistance while being injection-moldable and weldable. Ultra-high purity (UHP) PFA grades undergo additional processing to reduce extractable...
PFA (perfluoroalkoxy) is the melt-processable sibling of PTFE — it delivers near-identical chemical resistance while being injection-moldable and weldable. Ultra-high purity (UHP) PFA grades undergo additional processing to reduce extractable ions (sodium, potassium, calcium, iron) to sub-ppb levels, making them the material of choice for semiconductor wet bench components, ultrapure water systems, and pharmaceutical API processing equipment. Unlike PTFE which must be compression-molded and sintered, PFA can be injection-molded into complex geometries with smooth, non-porous surfaces that resist biofilm formation. The continuous service temperature is lower than PTFE (260°C vs 260°C — they are comparable, but PFA loses mechanical properties faster above 200°C).
Recommended Applications
PFA Ultra-High Purity Grade is commonly specified for:
⚠ Not Recommended For
PFA Ultra-High Purity Grade is not recommended for:
- Cost-sensitive applications where FEP or PTFE suffices (PFA is 1.5-2× the cost of FEP)
- Heavy abrasion environments (PFA has poor wear resistance; use PTFE-filled PEEK instead)
- High-pressure sealing without backup rings (PFA creeps under sustained load like all fluoropolymers)
Selection & Application Guide
PFA (perfluoroalkoxy) is the premium melt-processable fluoropolymer, combining PTFE-level chemical resistance and 260°C temperature capability with injection moldability. Choose PFA over PTFE when complex part geometries require injection molding; over FEP when service temperature above 200°C is needed; over PEEK when chemical purity is paramount and mechanical loads are moderate. PFA's ultra-high purity grades make it the standard for semiconductor wet processing.
Real-World Applications
Ultra-high purity PFA (PFA HP) is the standard for wet bench components, chemical delivery lines, and wafer carriers in semiconductor fabs — providing <1 ppb metal extractable levels.
PFA's chemical inertness and USP Class VI compliance make it suitable for single-use bioreactor liner films that contact cell culture media.
PFA tubing and fittings provide the highest purity and chemical resistance for aggressive chemical distribution in semiconductor and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
PFA's low extractables and chemical resistance make it standard for HPLC tubing, sample loops, and ICP-MS introduction systems where contamination must be minimized.
Processing & Cost Considerations
Manufacturing Tips
- PFA processes at 340-380°C melt temperature with mold temperatures of 130-160°C. It has higher melt viscosity than FEP, requiring higher injection pressures. The processing window is narrower than commodity plastics.
- PFA has low shrinkage (3-4%) and excellent dimensional stability. Mold design should account for the high thermal expansion differential between PFA and steel molds during cooling.
- For ultra-high purity applications, avoid any contamination during processing. Use dedicated PFA-only processing equipment, and never run other materials through the same machine before PFA without thorough purging.
PFA is expensive at $50-100/kg, with ultra-high purity grades reaching $150+/kg. This premium reflects the specialized manufacturing required to achieve semiconductor-grade purity. For semiconductor applications, PFA's purity justifies the cost — metal contamination from alternative materials would destroy wafer yields worth millions of dollars. For less purity-critical applications, FEP or PVDF may be more cost-effective.
Technical Properties
| Density | 2.15 g/cm³ |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 28 MPa |
| Melting Point | 305 °C |
| Shrinkage Rate | 3.5-6.0% |
| Flexural Modulus | 0.7 GPa |
| Hdt | 75 °C at 1.82 MPa |
Engineering Tool: Shrinkage & Cost Estimator
Calculate part weight, mold cavity dimensions accounting for shrinkage, and material cost — all locally in your browser.
Equivalents & Cross-References
| Equivalent / Alternate | Action |
|---|---|
| Teflon PFA 440HP | |
| Hyflon PFA M620 |
Frequently Asked Questions
PFA vs PTFE for semiconductor applications — which is better?
PFA for molded components (fittings, valve bodies, wafer carriers), PTFE for machined components (seals, gaskets, bushings). PFA's melt-processability enables complex, net-shape parts impossible in PTFE. PFA also has lower permeation rates — critical for ultrapure chemical lines. PTFE is preferred for wear components where PFA's lower mechanical strength is limiting. For the highest purity requirements, UHP PFA grades from Chemours (Teflon PFA 440HP) or Solvay (Hyflon PFA) are the industry standards.
Can PFA be welded like PTFE?
PFA is significantly easier to weld than PTFE — it can be butt-welded, socket-welded, and infrared-welded using standard thermoplastic welding equipment. PTFE welding is notoriously difficult due to its extremely high melt viscosity. This makes PFA the preferred material for assembled fluid handling systems (pipe, fittings, valve bodies) in semiconductor fabs where welded joints must be particle-free and leak-tight.
What is the difference between PFA and PTFE?
PFA and PTFE have nearly identical chemical resistance and 260°C maximum service temperature. The key difference: PFA is melt-processable (can be injection molded and extruded), while PTFE cannot melt-flow and requires compression molding and sintering. PFA also has slightly lower mechanical properties (tensile 28 MPa vs 25 MPa for PTFE — similar) and is transparent (PTFE is opaque). PFA costs roughly 2× PTFE.
What makes PFA 'ultra-high purity'?
Ultra-high purity PFA (PFA HP/PFA SUPRA) is manufactured with special controls to minimize metal ion content (<1 ppb extractable metals), particle generation, and outgassing. The resin is produced in dedicated lines, handled in cleanroom conditions, and tested with ICP-MS to certify purity. This is essential for semiconductor manufacturing where even trace metals cause defects.
Can PFA be used for continuous service at 260°C?
Yes. PFA is rated for continuous use at 260°C (500°F), same as PTFE. At this temperature, PFA maintains useful mechanical properties while most other thermoplastics would have melted or degraded. Short-term excursions to 280-300°C are possible but reduce service life.
Is PFA suitable for food processing?
Yes. PFA complies with FDA 21 CFR 177.1550 for repeated food contact. It is used in food processing equipment for hot-fill lines, conveyor components, and baking surfaces. PFA's non-stick surface and chemical resistance allow easy cleaning and resist food product buildup.
How does PFA compare to PVDF for cost-sensitive applications?
PVDF costs roughly half the price of PFA ($20-50/kg vs $50-100/kg) and offers easier processing at lower temperatures. However, PVDF has lower chemical resistance (attacked by strong bases and polar solvents) and lower temperature rating (150°C vs 260°C). Choose PVDF when your chemical environment is compatible; PFA when universal chemical resistance is needed.
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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