Polychlorotrifluoroethylene

Description

A transparent, thermoplastic fluorocarbon made by the polymerization of chlorotrifluoroethylene. Polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE) is resistant to weathering, chemicals, heat, and moisture. The optically clear polymer has high impact strength and high impermeability. PCTFE is used for as a chemical barrier for corrosion control and to prevent contamination. Films of PCTFE can be laminated, metallized, heat-sealed, and printed. It is used as one of the layers in Aclar barrier film because of its outstanding vapor barrier properties.

FTIR

Synonyms and Related Terms

PCTFE; chlorotrifluoroethylene polymer; fluorothene; fluoroteno (Esp.); policlorotrifluoroetileno (Esp.); policlorofluoroetilene (It.); policlorotrifluoroetileno (Port.)

Examples: Kel-F [3M]; Aclar® [AlliedSignal]

Risks

• Nonflammable.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Unaffected by corrosive chemicals, organic solvents, oils, greases

Composition	[-CF2-CCl-]n
Density	2.10-2.15 g/ml
Refractive Index	1.43

Resources and Citations

• Richard S. Lewis, Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 10th ed., 1993

• Pam Hatchfield, Pollutants in the Museum Environment, Archetype Press, London, 2002