Energy- and resource-saving materials based on ultrafine low molecular weight polytetrafluoroethylene. A.K. TSVETNIKOV

Abstract

Energy- and resource-saving materials based on ultrafine low molecular weight polytetrafluoroethylene. A.K. TSVETNIKOV (Institute of Chemistry, FEB RAS, Vladivostok).

In 1982, the phenomenon of the transfer of heavy polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) molecules into the gas phase during the thermal destruction of PTFE with the formation of nanofilms or nanofilm packages in the form of multilayer microtubules and microspheres under temperature gradient was first discovered at the Institute of Chemistry. The technology for producing ultrafine PTFE (UPTFE) from fluoroplast-4 waste was created and the production of commercial products under FORUM® trademark on the basis of UPTFE was established. The physicochemical, structural and morphological properties of UPTFE have been investigated; the molecular weights of PTFE of various temperature fractions of PTFE and their influence on the antifriction and anti-wear properties of oils and lubricants have been determined, as well as their influence on the hydrophobic, anticorrosive, anti-fouling and anti-icing properties of some paint and varnish materials. Metal polymer coatings applied by cold gasdynamic spraying, polymet oxide coatings applied by plasma-electrolytic oxidation have also been investigated, along with PTFE coatings applied by rubbing with PTFE powder on any hard surfaces.