What is the reason for the embrittlement of fluoroplastic pipe?

The main reasons for the embrittlement of fluoroplastic pipe are as follows:
1. Temperature factors
Low temperature environment
When fluoroplastic pipe is in a low temperature environment, the mobility of the molecular chain is weakened, the toughness of the material is reduced, and embrittlement is prone to occur. Especially when it is close to or below its glass transition temperature, the embrittlement phenomenon is more obvious.
For example, in cold climate conditions or during low temperature storage and transportation, fluoroplastic pipes may become brittle due to low temperature. Some fluoroplastics such as polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) are more prone to embrittlement at lower temperatures.
Severe temperature changes
If fluoroplastic pipes frequently experience large temperature changes, thermal stress will be generated. This thermal stress may cause microcracks inside the material, which will gradually expand over time and make the pipe brittle.
For example, in some industrial applications, fluoroplastic pipes may alternately contact high and low temperature media, or experience rapid temperature rise and fall in a short period of time, which may cause embrittlement problems.
2. Material properties
Molecular structure
Different types of fluoroplastics have different molecular structures, and their low temperature resistance is also different. The molecular structure of some fluoroplastics determines that they are more likely to become brittle and hard at low temperatures.
For example, the molecular structure of PVDF is relatively regular, and the activity of the molecular chain is greatly restricted at low temperatures, which makes it easy to become brittle. The molecular structure of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is more complex, and it can still maintain good toughness at low temperatures.
Additives and impurities
Additives and impurities in fluoroplastics may affect their low-temperature performance. If the additives are not selected properly or the impurity content is too high, the low-temperature resistance of the material may be reduced, resulting in embrittlement.
For example, some low-quality fluoroplastic pipes may contain too many impurities, which may become stress concentration points at low temperatures and accelerate the embrittlement of the pipes.
3. External force
Mechanical stress
Fluoroplastic pipes may be subjected to various mechanical stresses during installation and use, such as stretching, bending, and extrusion. If these stresses exceed the material's bearing capacity, especially in low-temperature environments, the pipes will be more susceptible to embrittlement.
For example, excessive bending of fluoroplastic pipes during installation, or impact and extrusion by external objects during use, may cause microcracks in the pipes, which will then become brittle at low temperatures.
Vibration and shock
The internal structure of fluoroplastic pipes that are in vibration or impact for a long time may be gradually damaged. In low temperature environments, these damaged parts are more likely to become the starting point of embrittlement.
For example, in some mechanical equipment, if the fluoroplastic pipes used in some mechanical equipment generate large vibrations during operation, the pipes will be subjected to repeated stress, increasing the risk of embrittlement.
4. Aging and time factors
Long-term use
Fluoroplastic pipes will gradually age over time. During the aging process, the properties of the material will change, including reduced toughness and increased hardness. In low temperature environments, aged fluoroplastic pipes are more likely to become embrittled.
For example, some fluoroplastic pipes that have been used for many years may have relatively stable performance at normal temperatures, but may show obvious embrittlement at low temperatures.
Ultraviolet radiation
The molecular structure of fluoroplastic pipes that are exposed to ultraviolet radiation for a long time may be damaged, resulting in a decrease in material performance. In low temperature environments, such pipes affected by ultraviolet radiation are more likely to become embrittled.
For example, if fluoroplastic pipes used outdoors are not effectively protected and are exposed to ultraviolet rays for a long time, their embrittlement process will be accelerated.
If you want to understand the cause of embrittlement of fluoroplastic pipes, you can contact Tongtong and we will do our best to help you!