Polychlorotrifluoroethylene Rod - Material Information

Polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE) is a high-performance semi-crystalline fluoropolymer that combines the chemical resistance of fluorocarbons with enhanced mechanical strength and low gas permeability. Due to its unique molecular structure—containing both chlorine and fluorine atoms—PCTFE offers superior dimensional stability, outstanding cryogenic performance, and excellent resistance to radiation and chemicals. Its transparency and rigidity make it suitable for precision applications such as cryogenic valves, optical windows, and insulating components.

Material Overview

PCTFE is produced via suspension or emulsion polymerization of chlorotrifluoroethylene monomers. The polymer exhibits high molecular weight, a melting point of approximately 210–215 °C, and service temperatures ranging from –240 °C to 200 °C (Millet & Kosmala, 2000). It has exceptional resistance to halogens, acids, and oxidizing agents, while its low vapor permeability and negligible outgassing make it ideal for space and vacuum systems. According to Ebnesajjad (2015), PCTFE possesses high compressive strength and minimal cold flow, surpassing PTFE in rigidity and creep resistance. However, it has slightly lower thermal stability due to its chlorine content, which requires careful control of processing temperatures above 275 °C to prevent molecular degradation.
In recent developments, Li et al. (2022) demonstrated that blending PCTFE with 5 wt% polyamide 11 (PA11) significantly improved elongation at break—up to threefold—and enhanced impact resistance at cryogenic temperatures (–196 °C) without compromising chemical integrity. This synergistic modification expands the usability of PCTFE in dynamic cryogenic and aerospace systems requiring both strength and toughness.

Applications and Advantages

PCTFE’s combination of transparency, low permeability, and high chemical stability makes it invaluable in aerospace, nuclear, and cryogenic industries. It is used in O-rings, valves, and gaskets for liquefied gas handling systems, as well as in optical and electronic components exposed to radiation or aggressive chemicals. Its low dielectric constant and high volume resistivity also enable use as an electrical insulator in precision instruments. Compared with PTFE, PCTFE offers greater rigidity and machinability, allowing fine tolerances and dimensional stability even under temperature fluctuations.

Goodfellow Availability

Goodfellow supplies high-purity Polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE) rods for research and industrial applications. The rods exhibit exceptional optical clarity, chemical resistance, and stability across a wide thermal range. Custom dimensions and forms can be provided upon request to support specialized engineering, cryogenic, or electronic systems.

Explore Polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE) and other advanced materials in Goodfellow’s online catalogue: Goodfellow product finder.

References

• Millet, G. H., & Kosmala, J. L. (2000). Fluorine-Containing Polymers, Polychlorotrifluoroethylene. In Encyclopedia of Polymer Science and Technology. John Wiley & Sons. https://doi.org/10.1002/0471238961.1615122513091212.A01
• Li, Y., Wen, J., Wu, T., Cao, C., Meng, X., & Ye, H. (2022). Mechanical properties and microstructure of polychlorotrifluoroethylene toughened by polyamide 11 based on intermolecular interaction. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 139(35), e53028. https://doi.org/10.1002/app.53028
• Ebnesajjad, S. (2015). Processing of Polychlorotrifluoroethylene. In Fluoroplastics, Volume 2: Melt Processible Fluoroplastics (2nd ed.). William Andrew Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-1-4557-3199-2.00013-6
• Ebnesajjad, S. (2015). Properties of Polychlorotrifluoroethylene. In Fluoroplastics, Volume 2: Melt Processible Fluoroplastics. William Andrew Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-1-4557-3199-2.00019-7
• Ebnesajjad, S. (2011). Introduction to Fluoropolymers. In Introduction to Fluoropolymers. Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-1-4377-3514-7.10004-2