Why do fluoropolymers need to be etched?
Fluoropolymers are used throughout the chemical and pharmaceutical industries as the standard choice for excellent chemical resistance for all types of raw materials and products. Fluoropolymers are used for a number of standard products such as: tubing, gaskets and seals, and even linings and coatings for specialty tanks and vessels. In some applications, users of this material need the best of both worlds. That is, resistance to all types of corrosive materials and yet the ability to bond the fluoropolymer to other materials. When fluoropolymers are etched, the surface is modified ever so slightly to allow for the use of standard bonding agents and adhesives. In most cases, the active etching solution will strip the fluorine molecules from the surface of the polymer and replace them with other molecules that accept the bonding adhesives.
