May 9 2001
Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene Copolymer (FEP) is a semi-crystalline perfluorinated polymer closely linked to PTFE (FP30) being a copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and hexafluoropropylene.
Its properties are similar, but mostly a little low-grade to, those of PTFE but it has the excellent practical advantage of being melt-processable (though more expensive).
Compared in more detail to PTFE, it has equally superior chemical resistance and electrical properties (up to very high frequencies) and good weathering resistance.
It has improved radiation resistance and a lot higher impact strength but has lower maximum use and heat deflection temperatures and is even a little less stiff and robust.
Though not quite crystal clear, it is transparent (fundamentally from 250/300 to 7000 nm) and colorless or with a minor bluish tinge.
Polymer Type
Thermoplastic
Advantages
The advantage of FEP are its high impact strength, excellent high frequency electrical properties, melt processable and good weathering resistance.
Disadvantages
FEP can be very expensive, with the lowest strength and stiffness of all the fluoro plastics. Low HDT at c 50 °C ( 120 °F ) accompanied by poor wear resistance.
Applications
Applications include of Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene Copolymer (FEP) include chemical and medical equipment, chemical apparatus, wire coverings, extruded insulation and glazing film for solar panels, and coatings and protective linings.
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FEP can be used for the glazing film of solar panels. Image Credit: ShutterStock/ZHANGXIAOLI
Typical Properties
| Property |
Value |
| Density (g/cm3) |
2.1 |
| Surface Hardness |
RR45 |
| Tensile Strength (MPa) |
14 |
| Flexural Modulus (GPa) |
0.6 |
| Notched Izod (kJ/m) |
1.06+ |
| Linear Expansion (/°C x 10-5) |
5 |
| Elongation at Break (%) |
150 |
| Strain at Yield (%) |
6 |
| Max. Operating Temp. (°C) |
150 |
| Water Absorption (%) |
0.01 |
| Oxygen Index (%) |
95 |
| Flammability UL94 |
V0 |
| Volume Resistivity (log ohm.cm) |
18 |
| Dielectric Strength (MV/m) |
50 |
| Dissipation Factor 1 kHz |
0.0002 |
| Dielectric Constant 1 kHz |
2.1 |
| HDT @ 0.45 MPa (°C) |
70 |
| HDT @ 1.80 MPa (°C) |
50 |
| Material. Drying hrs @ (°C) |
NA |
| Melting Temp. Range (°C) |
340 - 360 |
| Mould Shrinkage (%) |
2.5 |
| Mould Temp. Range (°C) |
50 - 200 |
Source : Abstracted from Plascams
For more information on Plascams please visit RAPRA Technology Ltd.