PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) and PFA (Perfluoroalkoxy) tubes are two important fluoroplastic materials, each with distinct characteristics. Their differences are primarily reflected in temperature resistance, processability, mechanical strength, and application fields. Below is a detailed comparison:

‌Temperature Resistance‌

• ‌PTFE Tube‌: Long-term operating temperature range of -180°C to 260°C, with short-term tolerance up to 300°C. It has a high heat deflection temperature but softens and deforms above 260°C.

• ‌PFA Tube‌: Similar long-term temperature range (-80°C to 260°C), but at 260°C, PFA maintains 80% of its mechanical strength, outperforming PTFE (78%). PFA exhibits lower deformation rates under high temperature and pressure, making it more suitable for continuous high-temperature applications.

  ‌Recommendation‌: Choose PFA for sustained high-temperature use, and PTFE for extreme temperature conditions.

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‌Processability & Mechanical Properties‌

• ‌PTFE‌: Its rigid molecular chain structure requires high-temperature sintering, making processing difficult. It also has poor creep resistance.

• ‌PFA‌: Incorporates perfluoroalkoxy side chains, resulting in low melt viscosity. It can be molded into complex structures via injection or extrusion, offering superior flexibility and tensile strength.

  ‌Advantage‌: PFA is ideal for precision components like complex valves, while PTFE is better suited for simple chemical linings.

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‌Transparency & Chemical Resistance‌

• ‌Transparency‌: PFA is typically semi-transparent or transparent, allowing for fluid observation, whereas PTFE is opaque (milky white).

• ‌Chemical Resistance‌: Both resist strong acids and alkalis, but PTFE has superior chemical inertness at room temperature. PFA maintains better stability at high temperatures (e.g., 260°C), making it particularly suitable for semiconductor applications.

‌Welding Performance‌

• ‌PFA Tube‌: Supports automatic hot-melt welding, ensuring high weld strength and smooth inner walls, ideal for high-purity industries like semiconductors and pharmaceuticals.

• ‌PTFE Tube‌: Cannot be melted and requires manual hot-press welding, leading to variability in quality due to human factors.

‌Application Scenarios‌

• ‌PTFE Tube‌: Used in chemical reactor linings, non-stick coatings, etc., accounting for over 60% of global usage.

• ‌PFA Tube‌: Applied in semiconductor high-purity piping, medical devices, and complex valves, where high cleanliness and process flexibility are required.

‌Summary‌

• ‌Choose PTFE‌ for extreme temperatures and simple chemical linings.

• ‌Choose PFA‌ for high-purity, high-temperature, and complex-shaped applications.

• This comparison provides a clear guide for selecting the right material based on specific industrial needs.