Foaming PTFE

[atari89]

Hello, I was wondering if there was a proper way to foam PTFE or to create air voids in PTFE?
I found no publications on the topic yet. What do you think?

 

[Pud]

Can't be that difficult. Google for foamed PTFE gets lots of hits.

Here's one:

http://www.interplastinc.com/temp16.htm

Cheers
H

www.tynevalleyplastics.co.uk

It's ok to soar like an eagle, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines.

 

[atari89]

Thanks for the reply. I found many commercial products like these, but I'm interested in foaming it myself.
E.g. I have a PTFE film and I want to create voids into that film.
Regards

 

[Demon3]

Foamed PTFE is popular as a dielectric for electrical cables needing very low loss and yes the process is commercial. However, it is not easy to do yourself. PTFE is processed using a RAM extruder (because it doesn't melt) whereby powder is compressed in the presence of a plasticizer and fused together. If you are running that process you could foam by adding a foaming agent to create bubbles in the extrusion process. If you have a premade film then it's going to be hard or impossible. Better to buy a foamed PTFE sheet.

A Google search for foam PTFE sheet gives hits like this:

http://www.interplastinc.com/temp16.htm

Chris DeArmitt PhD
President - Phantom Plastics LLC

Trusted adviser to leading companies around the world

http://www.phantomplastics.com

 

[atari89]

Then I have to reconsider, because we don't own a RAM extruder.
PTFE is indeed a tough one. Soluble in no organic solvent.
Thanks for the fast replies.

 

[HDS]

Porex sells PTFE with voids in sheet form. Why make it yourself when you can buy it?