Perfluoroalkoxy

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PFA tubing is very common in chemical handling applications

Perfluoroalkoxy (PFA) is a type of fluoropolymer with properties similar to polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). It differs from the PTFE resins in that it is melt-processable using conventional injection molding and screw extrusion techniques.

PFA was invented by DuPont and is sold under the Teflon brand name. (Teflon is better known as the trade name for a polymer with similar properties, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).)

PFA is one of three polymers with similar composition that are known by the Teflon name:

• PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene)
• PFA (perfluoroalkoxy polymer resin)
• FEP (fluorinated ethylene-propylene)

They retain the useful properties of PTFE of low friction and non-reactivity, but are more easily formable. FEP is softer than PTFE and melts at 260 °C; it is highly transparent and resistant to sunlight.