For industrial equipment that comes in contact with acid and other harsh chemicals, there is a solution that will help keep it safe from corrosion. fluoropolymer acid resistant paints are durable and long-lasting, making them a smart choice for many different types of manufacturing processes. These coatings have been around for years in the form of coil-coating on steel sheeting, but a more recent development allows topcoats based on FEVE resin (Fluoroethylene Vinyl-Ether) to be applied as a spray system in-house and offer good corrosion protection and non-stick properties.

What Is a Fluoropolymer?

A fluoropolymer is a type of polymer that contains strong carbon-fluorine bonds. It is a highly useful material for its resistance to corrosion and chemicals, as well as its low coefficient of friction.

These materials are made from a variety of sources, including natural gasses like xylene and ethylene. They can also be made synthetically by replacing the hydrogen atoms in thermoplastic resins with fluorine. PTFE, which is commonly known as Teflon, is one of the most popular examples of a fluoropolymer.

Whether they are made from natural or synthetic sources, these polymers can be divided into two categories: homopolymers and copolymers. Homopolymers contain long chains of monomer units while copolymers combine more than two types of monomers to create unique compounds.

The lubricity and high-temperature resistance of fluoropolymer coatings are useful in manufacturing processes across numerous industries, but they are especially beneficial when used to coat components that are subject to heavy wear and tear. For example, car parts like ball bearings and gears are coated with Xylan to reduce friction and prevent corrosion, allowing them to work harder and last longer.