Fluoropolymer Additives

Book excerpt: In recent years, the applications of fluoropolymer additives have expanded significantly, with even the meaning of 'fluoropolymer additives' expanding from relatively the narrow definition of PTFE powder fillers to a wide variety of fluoropolymer elastomers, used as a processing aid for plastics processing such as extrusion, injection molding, and film blowing. The benefits of fluoropolymer additives used in plastics are the elimination of sharkskin defects, increases in process speed and output (up to 20%), the reduction of die build up, the reduction of gels and optical defects, etc. In addition, fluropolymer additives are being increasingly used in inks, lubricants, and coatings. For example, in the coating industry fluoropolymer additives can increase the life cycle of exterior coatings due to their excellent weatherability and subsequently increase the time between recoats. Engineers and scientist involved in polymer processing need practical information about these additives, their applications, and proper and safe handling. Until now much of this information has been difficult to obtain because of commercial secrecy. Existing books on polymer additives only include the briefest of coverage of fluoropolymer additives. In this first book on an additive group of growing importance, the authors review the commercial additives available on the market. The applications chapters provide readers with a step by step description of techniques to select and incorporate these additives in various products. UNIQUE FEATURES AND BENEFITS: Fluoropolymer additives are becoming more widely used with key applications including use as a polymer processing aid (increasing speed and reducing faults) and as an additive to lubricants, inks and coatings. This book is the only practical guide available to the selection and use of fluoropolymer additives, and will help readers to optimize existing fluoropolymer applications and implement new ones. Fluoropolymers are known as an area where detailed information is hard to come by. In this book two former DuPont employees provide a wide range of industry sectors with the essential practical information and data they need to realize the full benefits of fluoropolymer additives. Written for practicing engineers, Ebnesajjad and Morgan take a highly practical approach to the subject, based on real-world experience and case studies.