Investigating the degradation phenomena of Teflon exposed to acidic environment

This study provides an overview of the effects of prolonged acid attack on the surface of PTFE gaskets, assessed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The PTFE analysed originates from two manufacturers in form of Teflon adhesive tapes, used as gaskets in an ultrasonic tyre moulds cleaning plant (UMCS). The gaskets were exposed to various acid baths, temperature and ultrasonic waves, and shown anomalous damage and surface degradation in a relatively short operation time. The analyses here reported have been aimed at investigating this unusual behaviour. PTFE samples have been treated with different acid mixes to evaluate possible different aging effects. Both surface and core have been analysed after aging, providing evidence of the degradation phenomena. In particular, different acid treatments have highlighted different response of PTFE and differences among manufacturers.