PTFE coating doable at home?

[tabletop]

I cant seem to find much info regarding home-brew teflon coating which I figure means it probably wont be easy at least. This would be a damn handy this if it could be done. Can anyone shed any light on the process/equipment required? I have high vacuum if that helps...

 

[patprimmer]

The secret is in surface preparation.

I have the details on file, but not at hand.

DuPont may still publish a manual or technical bulletin, but convincing them to give you one for home application might be a challenge.

It is difficult to control the process and involves strong corrosive chemicals, high heat and surgcal levels of cleanliness. The problem is that PTFE releases just as well from aluminium as it does from any other surface unless you can create strong mechanical key with undercuts to lock the coating to the metal.

Regards

eng-tips, by professional engineers for professional engineers
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[Compositepro]

I addition I'd say that Teflon is often way over-rated as a non-stick surface. Profesional chefs do not often use Teflon pans.

To your question of application methods - there are many methods as there are many types of surfaces and reasons for coating. Coating fabrics is different than metal surfaces.

 

[Demon3]

You can buy spray cans that contain PTFE particles. Hard to say exactly whether that will meet your needs as I am unclear as to what you have in mind. You can also buy adhesive tape made of fluorpolymer that will give you an easy to apply non-stick surface. See

http://cshyde.thomasnet.com/category/tapes-with-psa

There is not any memory with less satisfaction than the memory of some temptation we resisted.
- James Branch Cabell

 

[tabletop]

In this case it's to coat an aluminium hot drinking water pump impeller so the purpose of the teflon is for the hygiene factor. It must be good for 100 degrees celsius too. Doesn't have to be teflon but is must be food safe.

 

[Demon3]

How about anodizing it? Would that achieve your goal? Are there paint sprays approved for food applications? I assume so.

There is not any memory with less satisfaction than the memory of some temptation we resisted.
- James Branch Cabell

 

[Pud]

So what's wrong with aluminium? (ahah! just noticed - your Al is spelled correctly - you have either a: wrong spell checker installed or b: you are in UK!)

Aluminium saucepans are on sale everywhere - I even have some.

PTFE is only put on Al to stop your fried eggs sticking to the pan...

Cheers

Harry

 

[patprimmer]

Hard anodising should achieve that goal.

PTFE will not be a good choice for that application as it is porous and you will get corrosion of the aluminium underneath.

Unless the system is pressurised, at 100 deg C you will get cavitation and consequential erosion of the pump components.

I would also be investigating food grade epoxy coatings. The only qualifier is, I am not sure how good epoxy is to hydrolysis at 100 deg C.

If applied correctly and maintained correctly, PTFE is by far the best non stick surface. I do have substantial data to back that up.

Regards

eng-tips, by professional engineers for professional engineers
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[tabletop]

Ok,my particular application aside, as I simply would like to know anyway... Can anyone give any info on the process of applying a coating of PTFE to whatever surface?
From what I have learned so far it doesn't sound too far out of reach ie, chemicals,careful surface prep,fumes,high heat.

 

[Demon3]

I have seen it done on TV and it's not something to be done at home.

There is not any memory with less satisfaction than the memory of some temptation we resisted.
- James Branch Cabell

 

[patprimmer]

I just dug out the technical bulletins, but it's 5 pages. I will scan save to a file share site and post a link in the next few days.

Regards

eng-tips, by professional engineers for professional engineers
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[tabletop]

Thanks Pat that would be very much appreciated.