MFA Compression Molding

MFA is a semi-crystalline, melt-processible perfluoropolymer (fully fluorinated polymer).  MFA has a chemical structure similar to PFA but with a different mix of monomers.

MFA Properties

Like PTFE, FEP and PFA, MFA exhibits outstanding chemical resistance and thermal behavior.

MFA has excellent chemical resistance over a wide range of temperatures and pressures.  MFA is not attack by inorganic bases, strong mineral acids or inorganic oxidizing agents that are commonly used in the chemical industry, or by most organic compounds.  MFA will react with molten alkalis, which can replace fluorine in the polymer.

Parts made with MFA have a smooth surface finish.  This is important for electronics, semiconductor and medical applications that require sanitary flow, which is fully swept flow without dead spots.

MFA is often a superior replacement for FEP.  Compared to FEP, MFA has:

1. •A higher thermal rating
   

2. •Better thermal stress crack resistance, no thermal stress cracking
   

3. •Higher flex-life
   

4. •High tenacity (high stress/strain at break)
   

5. •Improved clarity
   

6. •Better UV light transparency
   

MFA offers low haze and transmits wavelengths in the visible and the UV bands of the spectrum.

MFA exhibits excellent weathering resistance.  Even after very long exposures, MFA retains essentially all of its physical properties.  It is unaffected by UV light.

MFA has an inherent flame resistance.  The Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI), as defined by ASTM D 2863, is an oxygen concentration greater than 95%.

Because MFA resins are melt-processed, they are void-free, leading to substantially lower water and solvent permeation than that of PTFE.

MFA can be welded using standard techniques that are used for common plastics like PE (polyethylene) or PVC (polyvinyl chloride).  Welded seams can be up to 100% as reliable as the original material.

The surface of MFA can be etched so that it can be bonded to other materials.

MFA’s Achilles heel: Like PTFE, MFA has limited resistance to high-energy ionizing radiation.  Upon exposure, MFA undergoes a severe reduction of its tensile strength and elongation at break and a high enough dose will cause complete polymer degradation.

MFA Applications

Thanks to its near universal chemical resistance, even at high temperatures, MFA is used extensively in the chemical process industry (CPI).

Compression-molded MFA Parts

1. •Chemical processing industry (CPI) components
   

2. •Fittings
   

3. •Protective linings for tanks, vessels, pipes, reactors
   

4. •Components for semiconductor processing equipment
   

MFA Compression Molding Resins

Hyflon® MFA from Solvay Specialty Polymers

1. •Hyflon® MFA 1520