#fluoroplastics

Electron beam irradiation decomposes Teflon-like fluoroplastics efficiently

Plastics like Teflon are famously durable—and infamously difficult to recycle. But a breakthrough from researchers at the National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (QST) may offer a powerful new solution. The team, led by Senior Principal Researcher Dr. Akira Idesaki, has developed a technique using electron beam (EB) irradiation to break down polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) into gaseous products, effectively transforming a solid, heat-resistant fluoropolymer into useful chemical components. Their results are published in the journal Radiation Physics and Chemistry. "By applying heat during irradiation, we were able to reduce the energy required to decompose PTFE by 50% compared to traditional methods," said Dr. Idesaki. "This makes large-scale recycling of fluoropolymers much more viable."

In the world of high-performance fluoroplastics, two names dominate the landscape: PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) and PFA (Perfluoroalkoxy). Both materials offer extraordinary chemical inertness and thermal stability, but choosing the wrong one for a specific industrial application can lead to premature component failure or unnecessary costs.At Cylex Plastics, we specialize in providing…

Understanding the “King” of Cold: KEL-F PCTFE In the world of high-performance polymers, few materials can withstand the brutal conditions of absolute zero or high-pressure gaseous environments. However, KEL-F PCTFE (Polychlorotrifluoroethylene) stands alone as the premier choice for cryogenic engineering. Known for its unique balance of physical properties, it has earned its reputation as the…

In critical valve applications—whether in oil and gas, aerospace, or chemical processing—the cost of a leak is measured in more than just lost product. It is measured in environmental impact, safety risks, and expensive downtime. When standard elastomeric O-rings fail due to chemical attack or extreme temperatures, PTFE spring-energized seals become the definitive solution. At Cylex Plastics, we…

When it comes to handling aggressive chemicals and extreme temperatures, PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) is the undisputed king of fluoroplastics. However, for engineers and procurement specialists, the choice isn’t just “PTFE”—it’s whether to go with the pure performance of Virgin PTFE or the enhanced mechanical properties of Filled PTFE. At Cylex Plastics, we see firsthand how the wrong grade…

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), commonly known as Teflon, is the material of choice for applications requiring extreme chemical inertness, high temperature resistance, and unmatched low friction. However, its Achilles’ heel is relatively low mechanical strength and poor wear resistance in dynamic, high-load environments. The solution? Filled PTFE. By introducing performance-enhancing fillers like…

Walk into any modern biopharmaceutical lab, medical device manufacturing cleanroom, or bioprocessing facility, and you will find a class of materials working silently behind the scenes: fluoroplastics. Brands like Teflon™ (PTFE) are household names for non-stick pans, but their true superpowers are unleashed in the highly demanding world of life sciences. So, what makes these plastics so uniquely…

In the relentless battle against corrosion, few materials offer the near-invincibility of fluoroplastics. When acids, caustics, solvents, and other aggressive chemicals are on the attack, standard metals and plastics quickly succumb. But fluoroplastics stand firm, earning their reputation as the “ultimate armor” for the harshest environments. But what gives this family of polymers its…