The Particles Resulting from Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) Pyrolysis in Air

Abstract

Particulate products from the pyrolysis of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) in air were collected on membrane filters, then examined by electron microscopy, infrared, mass spectrography, chromatography, and chemical analysis. The residue differed from the composition of PTFE. Evidence indicated that the pyrolysis products were composed of a complex mixture of fluorinated acids and olefins. Humidity in the pyrolysis chamber greatly influenced the composition of the mixture of products.