{
  "spore": "profile",
  "id": "pfa",
  "spore_version": "0.2",
  "family": "fluoropolymers",
  "name": "Perfluoroalkoxy alkane",
  "abbreviation": "PFA",
  "role": "melt-processible fluoropolymer for wire insulation, high-purity fluid handling and chemical linings",
  "category": "polymers",
  "type": "fluoropolymers",
  "summary": "PFA is a fully fluorinated, melt-processible copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether that combines the chemical inertness and continuous high-temperature service up to 260 °C with conventional thermoplastic fabrication. Flown on the ISS MISSE 2 experiment, PFA film exhibited an atomic oxygen erosion yield of 1.73e-25 cm3/atom, eroding roughly twenty times slower than Kapton polyimide. Its operational vulnerabilities in space systems include ionizing radiation embrittlement above 10 kGy and toxic decomposition into hydrogen fluoride above 350 °C.",
  "best_for": "Melt-processible thin films, wire insulation, and fluid components requiring extreme chemical inertness, low outgassing, and resistance to atomic oxygen erosion in low Earth orbit.",
  "weakest_at": "Low resistance to ionizing radiation (chain scission causes embrittlement above 10 kGy), modest mechanical tensile strength of 21 MPa, and release of corrosive hydrogen fluoride upon heating above 350 °C.",
  "identity": {
    "formula": "Copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether, (-CF2-CF2-)m-(CF2-CF(ORf)-)n; CAS 26655-00-5",
    "cas": "26655-00-5",
    "designations": [],
    "source": "agc-fluon-sds",
    "where": "Section 3 (Composition/Information on Ingredients)"
  },
  "tags": {
    "environments": [
      "low-earth-orbit"
    ],
    "stresses": [
      "atomic-oxygen",
      "total-radiation-dose",
      "thermal-cycling",
      "extreme-cold",
      "vacuum-and-outgassing"
    ],
    "applications": [
      "electronics-and-chips",
      "propulsion-and-tanks"
    ]
  },
  "properties": [
    {
      "benchmark": "atomic_oxygen_erosion_yield",
      "label": "Atomic oxygen erosion yield, MISSE 2 flight",
      "value": 1.73e-25,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "cm3/atom",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "environment": "low Earth orbit, ISS MISSE 2 PEACE Polymers tray",
        "fluence": "8.43e21 atoms/cm2 (3.95 year exposure)",
        "unit_in_source": "cm3/atom"
      },
      "method": "Value printed in NASA Table I (MISSE 2 PEACE Polymers erosion yield data) as the measured flight erosion yield",
      "status": "flight",
      "source": "nasa-ao-tool",
      "where": "Table I, row Perfluoroalkoxy copolymer resin (PFA)",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Atomic Oxygen Erosion Yield Predictive Tool for Spacecraft Polymers in Low Earth Orbit",
        "id": "NASA/TM-2008-215490",
        "url": "https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20090011780/downloads/20090011780.pdf",
        "year": 2008,
        "kind": "report",
        "license": "public domain (NASA)"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "density",
      "label": "Density (MISSE 2 flight sample)",
      "value": 2.1383,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "g/cm3",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "sample": "MISSE 2 PEACE Polymers flight film"
      },
      "method": "Density listed in NASA Table II for the flown PFA test sample, column Density (ref. 12)",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "nasa-ao-tool",
      "where": "Table II, row Perfluoroalkoxy copolymer resin (PFA), Density column",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Atomic Oxygen Erosion Yield Predictive Tool for Spacecraft Polymers in Low Earth Orbit",
        "id": "NASA/TM-2008-215490",
        "url": "https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20090011780/downloads/20090011780.pdf",
        "year": 2008,
        "kind": "report",
        "license": "public domain (NASA)"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "density",
      "label": "Density (Teflon PFA film, ASTM D1505)",
      "value": 2150,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "kg/m3",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "test_standard": "ASTM D1505",
        "form": "0.050 mm (2 mil) film at 25 °C"
      },
      "method": "Density printed in Chemours Teflon PFA Properties Bulletin, General properties section",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "chemours-pfa-bulletin",
      "where": "Table 2 (Typical Properties of Teflon PFA Fluoropolymer Film), General section, Density row",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Teflon PFA Fluoropolymer Film Properties Bulletin",
        "id": "Chemours Bulletin C-10134",
        "url": "https://www.teflon.com/es/-/media/files/teflon/teflon-pfa-properties-bulletin.pdf?rev=264edd548b0a4a",
        "year": 2024,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "cited, not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "melting_point",
      "label": "Melting range, Teflon PFA film (ASTM D3418)",
      "value": 302,
      "value_high": 310,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "°C",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "test_standard": "ASTM D3418"
      },
      "method": "Melting point range printed in Chemours Teflon PFA Properties Bulletin, Thermal section",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "chemours-pfa-bulletin",
      "where": "Table 2, Thermal section, Melt Point row",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Teflon PFA Fluoropolymer Film Properties Bulletin",
        "id": "Chemours Bulletin C-10134",
        "url": "https://www.teflon.com/es/-/media/files/teflon/teflon-pfa-properties-bulletin.pdf?rev=264edd548b0a4a",
        "year": 2024,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "cited, not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "melting_point",
      "label": "Melting point, Teflon PFA 440HPB (ASTM D4591)",
      "value": 305,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "°C",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "test_standard": "ASTM D4591",
        "grade": "Teflon PFA 440HPB molding and extrusion resin"
      },
      "method": "Melting point printed in Chemours Product Information sheet for Teflon PFA 440HPB",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "chemours-pfa-440hpb",
      "where": "Table 1 (Typical Property Data), General section, Melting Point row",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Teflon PFA 440HPB Molding and Extrusion Resin Product Information",
        "id": "Chemours PFA 440HPB Datasheet",
        "url": "https://hongrunplastics.com/public/uploads/images/20260203/Teflon%20PFA%20440HPB.pdf",
        "year": 2026,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "cited, not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "ultimate_tensile_strength",
      "label": "Tensile strength at break, Teflon PFA film (ASTM D882)",
      "value": 21,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "MPa",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "test_standard": "ASTM D882",
        "temperature": "25 °C",
        "form": "0.050 mm (2 mil) film"
      },
      "method": "Tensile strength at break printed in Chemours Teflon PFA Properties Bulletin",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "chemours-pfa-bulletin",
      "where": "Table 2, Mechanical section, Tensile Strength at Break row",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Teflon PFA Fluoropolymer Film Properties Bulletin",
        "id": "Chemours Bulletin C-10134",
        "url": "https://www.teflon.com/es/-/media/files/teflon/teflon-pfa-properties-bulletin.pdf?rev=264edd548b0a4a",
        "year": 2024,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "cited, not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "ultimate_tensile_strength",
      "label": "Tensile strength at -198 °C (liquid nitrogen temperature)",
      "value": 130,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "MPa",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "temperature": "-198 °C",
        "grade": "Fluon PFA P-66P"
      },
      "method": "Tensile strength measured at low temperature (-198 °C) reported in AGC Fluon PFA technical brochure",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "agc-pfa-brochure",
      "where": "Table 6 (Effect of Low Temperature on Tensile Strength and Elongation), -198 °C row",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Fluon PFA Technical Brochure",
        "id": "AGC Fluon PFA TECH ENG 03/2016",
        "url": "https://agcce.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/PFAMarch2016.pdf",
        "year": 2016,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "cited, not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "yield_strength",
      "label": "Yield point, Teflon PFA film (ASTM D882)",
      "value": 12,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "MPa",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "test_standard": "ASTM D882",
        "temperature": "25 °C",
        "form": "0.050 mm (2 mil) film"
      },
      "method": "Yield point printed in Chemours Teflon PFA Properties Bulletin",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "chemours-pfa-bulletin",
      "where": "Table 2, Mechanical section, Yield Point row",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Teflon PFA Fluoropolymer Film Properties Bulletin",
        "id": "Chemours Bulletin C-10134",
        "url": "https://www.teflon.com/es/-/media/files/teflon/teflon-pfa-properties-bulletin.pdf?rev=264edd548b0a4a",
        "year": 2024,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "cited, not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "elongation",
      "label": "Elongation at break, Teflon PFA film (ASTM D882)",
      "value": 300,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "%",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "test_standard": "ASTM D882",
        "temperature": "25 °C",
        "form": "0.050 mm (2 mil) film"
      },
      "method": "Elongation at break printed in Chemours Teflon PFA Properties Bulletin",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "chemours-pfa-bulletin",
      "where": "Table 2, Mechanical section, Elongation at Break row",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Teflon PFA Fluoropolymer Film Properties Bulletin",
        "id": "Chemours Bulletin C-10134",
        "url": "https://www.teflon.com/es/-/media/files/teflon/teflon-pfa-properties-bulletin.pdf?rev=264edd548b0a4a",
        "year": 2024,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "cited, not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "elastic_modulus",
      "label": "Elastic modulus, Teflon PFA film (ASTM D882)",
      "value": 480,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "MPa",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "test_standard": "ASTM D882",
        "temperature": "25 °C",
        "form": "0.050 mm (2 mil) film"
      },
      "method": "Elastic modulus printed in Chemours Teflon PFA Properties Bulletin",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "chemours-pfa-bulletin",
      "where": "Table 2, Mechanical section, Elastic Modulus row",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Teflon PFA Fluoropolymer Film Properties Bulletin",
        "id": "Chemours Bulletin C-10134",
        "url": "https://www.teflon.com/es/-/media/files/teflon/teflon-pfa-properties-bulletin.pdf?rev=264edd548b0a4a",
        "year": 2024,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "cited, not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "flexural_modulus",
      "label": "Flexural modulus, Fluon PFA P-66P (ASTM D790)",
      "value": 0.54,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "GPa",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "test_standard": "ASTM D790",
        "temperature": "23 °C",
        "grade": "Fluon PFA P-66P"
      },
      "method": "Flexural modulus printed in AGC Fluon PFA Technical Brochure property table",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "agc-pfa-brochure",
      "where": "Section 10 (Material properties of Fluon PFA), Mechanical section, Flexural modulus row",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Fluon PFA Technical Brochure",
        "id": "AGC Fluon PFA TECH ENG 03/2016",
        "url": "https://agcce.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/PFAMarch2016.pdf",
        "year": 2016,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "cited, not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "flexural_modulus",
      "label": "Flexural modulus, Teflon PFA 440HPB (ASTM D790)",
      "value": 590,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "MPa",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "test_standard": "ASTM D790",
        "temperature": "23 °C",
        "grade": "Teflon PFA 440HPB"
      },
      "method": "Flexural modulus printed in Chemours Teflon PFA 440HPB property data table",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "chemours-pfa-440hpb",
      "where": "Table 1, Mechanical section, Flexural Modulus 23 °C row",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Teflon PFA 440HPB Molding and Extrusion Resin Product Information",
        "id": "Chemours PFA 440HPB Datasheet",
        "url": "https://hongrunplastics.com/public/uploads/images/20260203/Teflon%20PFA%20440HPB.pdf",
        "year": 2026,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "cited, not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "thermal_conductivity",
      "label": "Thermal conductivity, Teflon PFA film (Cenco-Fitch)",
      "value": 0.195,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "W/(m·K)",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "method_standard": "Cenco-Fitch",
        "temperature": "25 °C"
      },
      "method": "Thermal conductivity printed in Chemours Teflon PFA Properties Bulletin",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "chemours-pfa-bulletin",
      "where": "Table 2, Thermal section, Thermal Conductivity row",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Teflon PFA Fluoropolymer Film Properties Bulletin",
        "id": "Chemours Bulletin C-10134",
        "url": "https://www.teflon.com/es/-/media/files/teflon/teflon-pfa-properties-bulletin.pdf?rev=264edd548b0a4a",
        "year": 2024,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "cited, not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "specific_heat",
      "label": "Specific heat capacity, Teflon PFA film",
      "value": 1172,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "J/(kg·K)",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "temperature": "25 °C"
      },
      "method": "Specific heat value printed in Chemours Teflon PFA Properties Bulletin",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "chemours-pfa-bulletin",
      "where": "Table 2, Thermal section, Specific Heat row",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Teflon PFA Fluoropolymer Film Properties Bulletin",
        "id": "Chemours Bulletin C-10134",
        "url": "https://www.teflon.com/es/-/media/files/teflon/teflon-pfa-properties-bulletin.pdf?rev=264edd548b0a4a",
        "year": 2024,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "cited, not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "heat_deflection_temperature",
      "label": "Heat distortion temperature at 0.45 MPa (JIS K7207)",
      "value": 91,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "°C",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "load": "0.45 MPa (66 psi)",
        "rate": "2 °C/min",
        "grade": "Fluon PFA P-66P"
      },
      "method": "Heat distortion temperature under 0.45 MPa load reported in AGC Fluon PFA technical brochure",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "agc-pfa-brochure",
      "where": "Table 3 (Heat distortion temperature), 0.45 MPa loading row",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Fluon PFA Technical Brochure",
        "id": "AGC Fluon PFA TECH ENG 03/2016",
        "url": "https://agcce.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/PFAMarch2016.pdf",
        "year": 2016,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "cited, not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "vicat_softening_temperature",
      "label": "Vicat softening temperature, Fluon PFA P-66P (JIS K7206)",
      "value": 287,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "°C",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "load": "1 kg",
        "rate": "50 °C/h",
        "grade": "Fluon PFA P-66P"
      },
      "method": "Vicat softening temperature printed in AGC Fluon PFA technical brochure",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "agc-pfa-brochure",
      "where": "Table 4 (Vicat softening temperature), P-66P column",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Fluon PFA Technical Brochure",
        "id": "AGC Fluon PFA TECH ENG 03/2016",
        "url": "https://agcce.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/PFAMarch2016.pdf",
        "year": 2016,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "cited, not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "max_service_temp",
      "label": "Continuous upper service temperature",
      "value": 260,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "°C",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "environment": "air, continuous service"
      },
      "method": "Upper continuous service temperature limit stated in Chemours Teflon PFA film bulletin",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "chemours-pfa-bulletin",
      "where": "Description section, Wide Thermal Range bullet",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Teflon PFA Fluoropolymer Film Properties Bulletin",
        "id": "Chemours Bulletin C-10134",
        "url": "https://www.teflon.com/es/-/media/files/teflon/teflon-pfa-properties-bulletin.pdf?rev=264edd548b0a4a",
        "year": 2024,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "cited, not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "dielectric_constant",
      "label": "Dielectric constant at 1 MHz, Teflon PFA film (ASTM D150)",
      "value": 2,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "-",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "frequency": "100 Hz to 1 MHz",
        "temperature": "25 °C",
        "test_standard": "ASTM D150"
      },
      "method": "Dielectric constant value printed in Chemours Teflon PFA Properties Bulletin",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "chemours-pfa-bulletin",
      "where": "Table 2, Electrical section, Dielectric Constant row",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Teflon PFA Fluoropolymer Film Properties Bulletin",
        "id": "Chemours Bulletin C-10134",
        "url": "https://www.teflon.com/es/-/media/files/teflon/teflon-pfa-properties-bulletin.pdf?rev=264edd548b0a4a",
        "year": 2024,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "cited, not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "dielectric_constant",
      "label": "Dielectric constant at 1 MHz, Teflon PFA 440HPB (ASTM D150)",
      "value": 2.03,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "-",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "frequency": "1 MHz",
        "test_standard": "ASTM D150 / IEC 250"
      },
      "method": "Dielectric constant printed in Chemours Teflon PFA 440HPB property data table",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "chemours-pfa-440hpb",
      "where": "Table 1, Electrical section, Dielectric Constant row",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Teflon PFA 440HPB Molding and Extrusion Resin Product Information",
        "id": "Chemours PFA 440HPB Datasheet",
        "url": "https://hongrunplastics.com/public/uploads/images/20260203/Teflon%20PFA%20440HPB.pdf",
        "year": 2026,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "cited, not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "dielectric_strength",
      "label": "Dielectric strength, short time, 0.025 mm film (ASTM D149)",
      "value": 260,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "kV/mm",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "test_standard": "ASTM D149 Method A",
        "thickness": "0.025 mm (1 mil)",
        "environment": "air at 23 °C, 60 Hz"
      },
      "method": "Short-time dielectric strength printed in Chemours Teflon PFA Properties Bulletin",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "chemours-pfa-bulletin",
      "where": "Table 2, Electrical section, Dielectric Strength row",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Teflon PFA Fluoropolymer Film Properties Bulletin",
        "id": "Chemours Bulletin C-10134",
        "url": "https://www.teflon.com/es/-/media/files/teflon/teflon-pfa-properties-bulletin.pdf?rev=264edd548b0a4a",
        "year": 2024,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "cited, not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "dielectric_strength",
      "label": "Dielectric strength, short time, 0.25 mm specimen (ASTM D149)",
      "value": 80,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "kV/mm",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "test_standard": "ASTM D149 / IEC 243",
        "thickness": "0.25 mm (0.010 in)"
      },
      "method": "Dielectric strength printed in Chemours Teflon PFA 440HPB property data table",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "chemours-pfa-440hpb",
      "where": "Table 1, Electrical section, Dielectric Strength row",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Teflon PFA 440HPB Molding and Extrusion Resin Product Information",
        "id": "Chemours PFA 440HPB Datasheet",
        "url": "https://hongrunplastics.com/public/uploads/images/20260203/Teflon%20PFA%20440HPB.pdf",
        "year": 2026,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "cited, not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "refractive_index",
      "label": "Refractive index (ASTM D542)",
      "value": 1.35,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "-",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "test_standard": "ASTM D542"
      },
      "method": "Refractive index value printed in Chemours Teflon PFA Properties Bulletin",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "chemours-pfa-bulletin",
      "where": "Table 2, General section, Refractive Index row",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Teflon PFA Fluoropolymer Film Properties Bulletin",
        "id": "Chemours Bulletin C-10134",
        "url": "https://www.teflon.com/es/-/media/files/teflon/teflon-pfa-properties-bulletin.pdf?rev=264edd548b0a4a",
        "year": 2024,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "cited, not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "melt_flow_index",
      "label": "Melt flow rate, Teflon PFA 440HPB (ASTM D3307)",
      "value": 14,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "g/10min",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "test_standard": "ASTM D3307 / ISO 12086",
        "temperature": "372 °C",
        "load": "5 kg"
      },
      "method": "Melt flow rate value printed in Chemours Teflon PFA 440HPB property data table",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "chemours-pfa-440hpb",
      "where": "Table 1, General section, Melt Flow Rate row",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Teflon PFA 440HPB Molding and Extrusion Resin Product Information",
        "id": "Chemours PFA 440HPB Datasheet",
        "url": "https://hongrunplastics.com/public/uploads/images/20260203/Teflon%20PFA%20440HPB.pdf",
        "year": 2026,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "cited, not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "outgassing_tml",
      "label": "Total mass loss, Teflon PFA molded resin (ASTM E595)",
      "value": 0.01,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "% mass",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "test_standard": "ASTM E595",
        "temperature": "125 °C",
        "duration": "24 hr",
        "pressure": "< 10^-5 torr",
        "specimen": "TEFLON PFA MOLDED SPECIMEN TE-9704, GSFC4828"
      },
      "method": "Total mass loss measured in NASA outgassing screening test per ASTM E595",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "nasa-rp1124",
      "where": "Section 12 (Molding Compounds), row TEFLON PFA MOLDED SPECIMEN TE-9704 (GSFC4828)",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Outgassing Data for Selecting Spacecraft Materials (NASA Reference Publication 1124, Revision 3)",
        "id": "NASA-RP-1124 Rev. 3",
        "url": "https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/19940017416/downloads/19940017416.pdf",
        "year": 1994,
        "kind": "report",
        "license": "public domain (NASA)"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "outgassing_cvcm",
      "label": "Collected volatile condensable material, Teflon PFA molded resin (ASTM E595)",
      "value": 0,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "% mass",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "test_standard": "ASTM E595",
        "temperature": "125 °C",
        "duration": "24 hr",
        "pressure": "< 10^-5 torr",
        "collector_temperature": "25 °C",
        "specimen": "TEFLON PFA MOLDED SPECIMEN TE-9704, GSFC4828"
      },
      "method": "Collected volatile condensable material measured in NASA outgassing test per ASTM E595",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "nasa-rp1124",
      "where": "Section 12 (Molding Compounds), row TEFLON PFA MOLDED SPECIMEN TE-9704 (GSFC4828)",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Outgassing Data for Selecting Spacecraft Materials (NASA Reference Publication 1124, Revision 3)",
        "id": "NASA-RP-1124 Rev. 3",
        "url": "https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/19940017416/downloads/19940017416.pdf",
        "year": 1994,
        "kind": "report",
        "license": "public domain (NASA)"
      }
    }
  ],
  "corrosion": [
    {
      "environment": "Atomic oxygen in low Earth orbit (MISSE 2 flight, 3.95 years)",
      "headline": "PFA erodes slowly under atomic oxygen in low Earth orbit.",
      "effect": "Measured flight erosion yield of 1.73e-25 cm3/atom outside the ISS Quest airlock at 8.43e21 atoms/cm2 fluence.",
      "rating": "low",
      "conditions": {
        "fluence": "8.43e21 atoms/cm2"
      },
      "source": "nasa-ao-tool",
      "where": "Table I, row Perfluoroalkoxy copolymer resin (PFA)"
    },
    {
      "environment": "Reactive chemicals and aggressive solvents",
      "headline": "PFA is chemically inert to virtually all acids and solvents.",
      "effect": "Chemours and AGC report that PFA resists virtually all chemicals except molten alkali metals, gaseous fluorine, and chlorine trifluoride at high temperature.",
      "rating": "none",
      "conditions": {
        "temperature": "high temperature"
      },
      "source": "chemours-pfa-bulletin",
      "where": "Chemical Compatibility paragraph"
    },
    {
      "environment": "Thermal degradation above 350 °C",
      "headline": "Overheating above 350 °C causes decomposition and releases toxic hydrogen fluoride.",
      "effect": "Small amounts of hydrogen fluoride evolve around 350 °C, and extended overheating above 400 °C can lead to autocatalytic degradation.",
      "rating": "severe",
      "conditions": {
        "temperature": "above 350 °C"
      },
      "source": "agc-fluon-sds",
      "where": "Section 10 (Stability and Reactivity)"
    },
    {
      "environment": "Ionizing radiation (gamma, electron or proton dose)",
      "headline": "Radiation exposure causes chain scission and rapid loss of ductility above 10 kGy.",
      "effect": "Nordion gives a gamma tolerance limit of 5 to 10 kGy, and AGC tests show marked loss of elongation at 10 Mrad in air.",
      "rating": "severe",
      "conditions": {
        "exposure": "gamma irradiation in air"
      },
      "source": "nordion-gamma-guide",
      "where": "Radiation stability table, Perfluoro Alkoxy row"
    }
  ],
  "risks": {
    "hazards": [
      {
        "text": "PFA resin pellets and films are not classified as hazardous under OSHA GHS (29 CFR 1910.1200) in standard supply form.",
        "ghs": [],
        "source": "agc-fluon-sds",
        "where": "Section 2 (Hazards Identification)"
      },
      {
        "text": "Thermal decomposition above 350 °C releases toxic gases including hydrogen fluoride (HF) and carbonyl fluoride, which cause eye burns and lung injury.",
        "ghs": [
          "H330",
          "H314"
        ],
        "source": "pubchem-hf",
        "where": "GHS Classification, CID 14917"
      },
      {
        "text": "Fumes liberated during hot processing or from smoking tobacco contaminated with polymer dust cause polymer fume fever (chills, fever, sore throat).",
        "ghs": [],
        "source": "chemours-pfa-440hpb",
        "where": "Safety Precautions section"
      }
    ],
    "failure_risks": [
      {
        "mode": "Radiation embrittlement",
        "trigger": "Total ionizing dose exceeding 10 kGy",
        "consequence": "Polymer backbone scission reduces elongation toward zero, leading to mechanical cracking under vibration or thermal strain.",
        "severity": "high",
        "source": "nordion-gamma-guide",
        "where": "Radiation stability table, Perfluoro Alkoxy row"
      },
      {
        "mode": "Atomic oxygen surface erosion",
        "trigger": "Exposure to orbital atomic oxygen fluence",
        "consequence": "Surface mass loss occurs at 1.73e-25 cm3/atom in low Earth orbit, necessitating sufficient barrier thickness.",
        "severity": "moderate",
        "source": "nasa-ao-tool",
        "where": "Table I, row Perfluoroalkoxy copolymer resin (PFA)"
      }
    ],
    "side_effects": [
      {
        "text": "Tobacco smoke contaminated with PFA dust converts benign polymer dust into toxic gaseous fluorinated breakdown products.",
        "affects": "Respiratory tract",
        "source": "agc-fluon-sds",
        "where": "Section 7 (Handling and Storage)"
      }
    ],
    "handling": [
      {
        "text": "Provide local exhaust ventilation during hot melt processing to remove all liberated vapors and fumes from the work area.",
        "source": "agc-fluon-sds",
        "where": "Section 8 (Exposure controls)"
      },
      {
        "text": "Extrusion barrels and tooling in contact with molten resin at 390 °C must be fabricated from corrosion-resistant alloys such as Monel, Inconel, or Hastelloy.",
        "source": "chemours-pfa-440hpb",
        "where": "Processing section"
      }
    ],
    "mitigations": [
      {
        "text": "Maintain processing temperatures strictly below decomposition limits and use positive pressure air respirators if ventilation is inadequate.",
        "source": "agc-fluon-sds",
        "where": "Section 8 (Personal protection)"
      }
    ]
  },
  "uses": [
    {
      "application": "electronics-and-chips",
      "device": "High-temperature wire and cable insulation",
      "example": "Chemours and AGC cite wire and cable jacketing for high-temperature service and plenum installations.",
      "source": "chemours-pfa-bulletin",
      "where": "Applications and Description sections"
    },
    {
      "application": "propulsion-and-tanks",
      "device": "High-purity fluid handling tubing, valve linings and containment fittings",
      "example": "Extruded tubing, pipe linings and fluid handling components for corrosive liquids in chemical and semiconductor service.",
      "source": "chemours-pfa-440hpb",
      "where": "Typical Applications section"
    }
  ],
  "supply": [
    {
      "subject": "Fluorspar (CaF2), the mineral feedstock for fluorine chemistry",
      "abundance": "Fluorspar is the primary mineral source of hydrogen fluoride used to synthesize fluoropolymers; USGS reports that the United States is 100% net import reliant for fluorspar.",
      "producers": [
        {
          "country": "China",
          "share_percent": 60,
          "year": 2025
        },
        {
          "country": "Mexico",
          "share_percent": 15,
          "year": 2025
        },
        {
          "country": "Mongolia",
          "share_percent": 15,
          "year": 2025
        },
        {
          "country": "South Africa",
          "share_percent": 4.1,
          "year": 2025
        }
      ],
      "critical_lists": [
        {
          "list": "USGS Critical Minerals List",
          "listed": true
        }
      ],
      "substitutes": [],
      "source": "usgs-fluorspar-2026",
      "where": "World Mine Production and Reserves table, 2025 column"
    }
  ],
  "media": [],
  "documents": [
    {
      "title": "Teflon PFA Fluoropolymer Film Properties Bulletin",
      "type": "datasheet",
      "url": "https://www.teflon.com/es/-/media/files/teflon/teflon-pfa-properties-bulletin.pdf?rev=264edd548b0a4a",
      "year": 2024
    },
    {
      "title": "Fluon PFA Technical Brochure",
      "type": "datasheet",
      "url": "https://agcce.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/PFAMarch2016.pdf",
      "year": 2016
    },
    {
      "title": "Teflon PFA 440HPB Molding and Extrusion Resin Product Information",
      "type": "datasheet",
      "url": "https://hongrunplastics.com/public/uploads/images/20260203/Teflon%20PFA%20440HPB.pdf",
      "year": 2026
    },
    {
      "title": "Atomic Oxygen Erosion Yield Predictive Tool for Spacecraft Polymers in Low Earth Orbit (NASA/TM-2008-215490)",
      "type": "report",
      "url": "https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20090011780/downloads/20090011780.pdf",
      "year": 2008
    },
    {
      "title": "Outgassing Data for Selecting Spacecraft Materials (NASA Reference Publication 1124, Revision 3)",
      "type": "report",
      "url": "https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/19940017416/downloads/19940017416.pdf",
      "year": 1994
    },
    {
      "title": "Fluon PFA Safety Data Sheet (SDS No. R-1243HCS-03)",
      "type": "sds",
      "url": "https://files.dep.state.pa.us/RegionalResources/NCRO/NCROPortalFiles/CommunityInformation/Benner_Township/COA-Admin-Record/PART%207/503%20responses/Polymics/Fluon%20PFA%20SDS.pdf",
      "year": 2018
    },
    {
      "title": "Gamma Compatible Materials Reference Guide",
      "type": "report",
      "url": "https://www.nordion.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Nordion_Gamma_Compatibility_2017-01_PCCS-121E.pdf",
      "year": 2017
    },
    {
      "title": "Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026: Fluorspar (USGS)",
      "type": "report",
      "url": "https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-fluorspar.pdf",
      "year": 2026
    },
    {
      "title": "PubChem Compound Record for Hydrofluoric Acid (CID 14917)",
      "type": "database",
      "url": "https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/rest/pug_view/data/compound/14917/JSON",
      "year": 2026
    }
  ],
  "gaps": [
    "Commercial PFA resin pricing varies by purity grade and is sold on direct supplier quote; no transparent spot commodity price series was verified.",
    "Comonomer ratio (perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether to tetrafluoroethylene) is proprietary to resin producers and is not stated as a numeric molar fraction in the datasheets read in this run.",
    "Atomic oxygen erosion yield rests on the NASA MISSE 2 PEACE Polymers flight sample; long-term on-orbit cryogenic thermal cycling data specifically for PFA were not located.",
    "Outgassing benchmarks use non-canonical slugs outgassing_tml and outgassing_cvcm, and melt flow index uses melt_flow_index, as canonical equivalents are not present in spores/property-canon.yaml."
  ],
  "story": {
    "why": "PFA provides the chemical inertness, low dielectric constant of 2.0, and continuous operating service up to 260 °C characteristic of PTFE, but adds the capability of melt extrusion and injection moulding. In low Earth orbit exposure on MISSE 2, its measured atomic oxygen erosion yield was 1.73e-25 cm3/atom, and its vacuum outgassing total mass loss is 0.01 percent.",
    "uses": [
      {
        "where": "Use",
        "line": "High-temperature wire and cable insulation where dielectric stability and continuous rating to 260 °C are needed."
      },
      {
        "where": "Use",
        "line": "Chemical process and fuel fluid handling components requiring resistance to aggressive propellants."
      },
      {
        "where": "Use",
        "line": "Low-outgassing films in vacuum systems where total mass loss of 0.01 percent satisfies ASTM E595 requirements."
      }
    ],
    "can_do": [
      {
        "label": "Strength",
        "line": "PFA achieves a tensile strength of 21 MPa and an elongation of 300 percent at break under ASTM D882 testing.",
        "scope": "material"
      },
      {
        "label": "Thermal",
        "line": "PFA retains structural integrity with a Vicat softening temperature of 287 °C and a heat distortion temperature of 91 °C at 0.45 MPa.",
        "scope": "material"
      },
      {
        "label": "Electrical",
        "line": "PFA exhibits a low dielectric constant of 2.0 and a dielectric strength of 260 kV/mm on thin films.",
        "scope": "material"
      }
    ],
    "compare": "Among fluoropolymers evaluated on MISSE 2, PFA erodes under atomic oxygen at 1.73e-25 cm3/atom, performing closely to FEP and PTFE. Unlike PTFE, PFA is melt-processible with a melting range of 302 to 310 °C, and maintains a tensile strength of 21 MPa with an elongation of 300 percent at room temperature.",
    "compare_rows": [
      {
        "label": "Melting point",
        "benchmark": "melting_point",
        "scope": "material"
      },
      {
        "label": "Tensile strength",
        "benchmark": "ultimate_tensile_strength",
        "scope": "material"
      },
      {
        "label": "Dielectric constant",
        "benchmark": "dielectric_constant",
        "scope": "material"
      }
    ],
    "handling": [
      "Provide adequate ventilation during melt processing to exhaust liberated vapors and fumes from the work area.",
      "Prevent tobacco or cigarette products from contacting polymer dust to avoid forming toxic decomposition products upon smoking.",
      "Construct extrusion tooling and barrels from corrosion-resistant alloys when heating resin near 390 °C."
    ],
    "good_for": [
      "Wire insulation and cable sleeving for aerospace and spaceflight electronics requiring continuous service up to 260 °C.",
      "High-purity tubing and fluid handling components exposed to aggressive chemicals or vacuum conditions.",
      "Thin protective films in low Earth orbit requiring low atomic oxygen erosion rates and minimal outgassing."
    ],
    "watch_out": [
      "Ionizing radiation causes backbone chain scission with significant loss of ductility above 10 kGy.",
      "Heating above 350 °C causes thermal breakdown, evolving toxic and corrosive hydrogen fluoride gas.",
      "Tensile strength of 21 MPa is modest, precluding primary structural load-bearing functions."
    ],
    "verdict": "PFA is an outstanding melt-processible fluoropolymer for aerospace wire insulation, fluid handling, and low-outgassing barrier films in low Earth orbit, provided it is shielded from high cumulative ionizing radiation doses above 10 kGy.",
    "recipe": {
      "line": "PFA is a fully fluorinated copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and a perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether comonomer. The repeating structure consists of linear tetrafluoroethylene units interspersed with bulky perfluoroalkoxy pendant groups that lower crystallinity and allow thermoplastic melt processing.",
      "parts": [
        {
          "name": "Tetrafluoroethylene",
          "role": "Primary fluorinated backbone monomer providing chemical inertness and low friction"
        },
        {
          "name": "Perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether",
          "role": "Comonomer whose bulky perfluoroalkoxy pendant group disrupts crystalline packing to enable melt extrusion"
        }
      ]
    },
    "risk_groups": [
      {
        "title": "Spacecraft harness engineers using PFA insulation in high radiation orbits",
        "points": []
      },
      {
        "title": "Personnel handling fluoropolymer processing equipment above 350 °C",
        "points": []
      },
      {
        "title": "Mission designers deploying thin PFA films in low Earth orbit atomic oxygen",
        "points": []
      }
    ]
  },
  "updated": "2026-10-20",
  "review": {
    "status": "draft",
    "method": "assistant",
    "checked_values": 25,
    "unreachable": 0,
    "caveats": 0,
    "note": "Written from datasheets, NASA reports, and government publications fetched and verified in this run. 25 property values across 10 sources."
  },
  "sources": {
    "chemours-pfa-bulletin": {
      "title": "Teflon PFA Fluoropolymer Film Properties Bulletin",
      "id": "Chemours Bulletin C-10134",
      "url": "https://www.teflon.com/es/-/media/files/teflon/teflon-pfa-properties-bulletin.pdf?rev=264edd548b0a4a",
      "year": 2024,
      "kind": "datasheet",
      "license": "cited, not reproduced"
    },
    "agc-pfa-brochure": {
      "title": "Fluon PFA Technical Brochure",
      "id": "AGC Fluon PFA TECH ENG 03/2016",
      "url": "https://agcce.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/PFAMarch2016.pdf",
      "year": 2016,
      "kind": "datasheet",
      "license": "cited, not reproduced"
    },
    "chemours-pfa-440hpb": {
      "title": "Teflon PFA 440HPB Molding and Extrusion Resin Product Information",
      "id": "Chemours PFA 440HPB Datasheet",
      "url": "https://hongrunplastics.com/public/uploads/images/20260203/Teflon%20PFA%20440HPB.pdf",
      "year": 2026,
      "kind": "datasheet",
      "license": "cited, not reproduced"
    },
    "nasa-ao-tool": {
      "title": "Atomic Oxygen Erosion Yield Predictive Tool for Spacecraft Polymers in Low Earth Orbit",
      "id": "NASA/TM-2008-215490",
      "url": "https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20090011780/downloads/20090011780.pdf",
      "year": 2008,
      "kind": "report",
      "license": "public domain (NASA)"
    },
    "nasa-rp1124": {
      "title": "Outgassing Data for Selecting Spacecraft Materials (NASA Reference Publication 1124, Revision 3)",
      "id": "NASA-RP-1124 Rev. 3",
      "url": "https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/19940017416/downloads/19940017416.pdf",
      "year": 1994,
      "kind": "report",
      "license": "public domain (NASA)"
    },
    "agc-fluon-sds": {
      "title": "Fluon PFA Safety Data Sheet (SDS No. R-1243HCS-03)",
      "id": "AGC SDS R-1243HCS-03",
      "url": "https://files.dep.state.pa.us/RegionalResources/NCRO/NCROPortalFiles/CommunityInformation/Benner_Township/COA-Admin-Record/PART%207/503%20responses/Polymics/Fluon%20PFA%20SDS.pdf",
      "year": 2018,
      "kind": "datasheet",
      "license": "cited, not reproduced"
    },
    "nordion-gamma-guide": {
      "title": "Gamma Compatible Materials Reference Guide",
      "id": "Nordion PCCS-121E",
      "url": "https://www.nordion.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Nordion_Gamma_Compatibility_2017-01_PCCS-121E.pdf",
      "year": 2017,
      "kind": "handbook",
      "license": "cited, not reproduced"
    },
    "usgs-fluorspar-2026": {
      "title": "Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026: Fluorspar (U.S. Geological Survey)",
      "id": "USGS MCS 2026, February 2026",
      "url": "https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-fluorspar.pdf",
      "year": 2026,
      "kind": "report",
      "license": "public domain (USGS)"
    },
    "wiki-pfa": {
      "title": "Perfluoroalkoxy alkane (Wikipedia)",
      "id": "Wikipedia, en",
      "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perfluoroalkoxy_alkane",
      "year": 2026,
      "kind": "web",
      "license": "CC BY-SA 4.0"
    },
    "pubchem-hf": {
      "title": "PubChem Compound Record for Hydrofluoric Acid (CID 14917)",
      "id": "PubChem CID 14917",
      "url": "https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/rest/pug_view/data/compound/14917/JSON",
      "year": 2026,
      "kind": "database",
      "license": "public domain (NIH/NLM)"
    }
  },
  "license": "CC-BY-4.0",
  "url": "https://spacemushroom.com/profiles/pfa/"
}