192
Technical Resources
Please Note: For more information regarding the properties of
the polymers listed below, please refer to www.idex-hs.com/
materials. Refractive index and gas permeability data for tubing
materials are presented on pages 63, 70 and 75, 76, respectively.
Delrin
®
(acetal). Delrin exhibits excellent chemical resistance to most
organic solvents as well as to most neutral-pH aqueous solvents.
However, it is not suitable for use with acids, bases or oxidizing
agents. This polymer’s high tensile strength yields superior, highly
wear-resistant threads and excellent thread strength.
Maximum operating temperatures (ºC): Fittings 60; Tubing N/A
FEP
(fluorinated ethylene-propylene)
and
PFA
(perfluoroalkoxy
alkane). Both of these polymers are in the same family as PTFE, and
as such are inert to virtually all chemicals used in HPLC. However,
because of their relative softness and low durability, these polymers
are generally used for low pressure applications. Choose PFA for high
purity applications, or choose FEP as a general, all-purpose material.
Both FEP and PFA have good thread strength.
Maximum operating temperatures (ºC): Fittings FEP-N/A and
PFA-80; Tubing FEP-50 and PFA-80
Halar
®
ECTFE
(ethylene-chlorotrifuoroethylene). Halar is a
member of the fuoropolymer family. It offers excellent chemical
resistance coupled with a mechanical strength superior to many
other fuoropolymers. Halar also outperforms PTFE and similar
fuoropolymers in ability to withstand radiation, making it an
attractive alternative for medical applications. Its exceptionally
smooth surface enhances optical clarity while also helping prevent
the shedding of microparticles into the fuid stream.
Maximum operating temperatures (ºC): Fittings N/A; Tubing 50
PCTFE
(polychloro-trifuoroethylene). PCTFE has excellent chemical
resistance. In general, only THF and a few halogenated solvents will
react with it. This resilient fuoropolymer is ideal for fttings and sealing
surfaces and also has good thread strength.
Maximum operating temperatures (ºC): Fittings 80; Tubing N/A
PEEK
™
(polyetheretherketone). PEEK polymer is the fagshipmember
of the poly(aryl)ether ketone family of polymers. It has excellent
chemical resistance to virtually all commonly used solvents. However,
the following solvents are usually not recommended for use with PEEK:
nitric acid; sulfuric acid; halogenated acids, such as hydrofuoric acid
and hydrobromic acid (hydrochloric acid is approved for use in most
applications); and pure halogenated gases. Additionally, due to a
swelling effect, be cautious in using the following solvents with PEEK
tubing: methylene chloride, THF, and DMSO in any concentration
and acetonitrile in higher concentrations. Excellent thread strength.
Maximum operating temperatures (ºC): Fittings 125; Tubing 100
PK
A proprietary polymer blend comprised mainly of polyether-
etherketone (PEEK). PK demonstrates all of the superior chemical
resistance of PEEK (see PEEK above). The proprietary blend however,
will allow a ftting to attain a higher pressure while reducing the cold
fow properties of pure PEEK. CAUTION: some fttings molded of PK
are known to be conductive. Use caution when employing PK fttings
in high voltage applications.
Maximum operating temperatures (ºC): Fittings 200; Tubing N/A
Polypropylene
Polypropylene is a relatively soft polymer commonly
used in low pressure applications, and is especially prevalent in IVD
and similar equipment. Polypropylene is excellent for aqueous
solutions; however, it should not be used with chlorinated, aromatic,
and some organic solvents. Fair thread strength.
Maximum operating temperatures (ºC): Fittings 40; Tubing 40
PPS
(polyphenylene sulfide). PPS is a resilient polymer known for
its high tensile strength and excellent chemical resistance. PPS may
be safely used at room temperature with most organic solvents and
neutral-to-high pH aqueous solvents. However, it is not recommended
for use with chlorinated solvents, inorganic acids, or any solvent at
elevated temperatures.
Maximum operating temperatures (ºC): Fittings 50; Tubing N/A
Radel
®
(polyphenylsulphone). Radel is an amorphous thermopolymer
that is mechanically strong and offers good chemical resistance. This
polymer withstands repeated autoclave sterilization cycles without
suffering thermal breakdown. This property, coupled with its optical
clarity, makes Radel tubing an excellent choice for medical and other
applications where visual monitoring is essential. Radel is also a readily
wettedmaterial, minimizing air bubble accumulation on the inner walls
of tubing manufactured with this polymer.
Maximum operating temperatures (ºC): Fittings N/A; Tubing 100
ETFE
(ethylene-tetrafuoroethylene). As amember of the fuoropolymer
family, ETFE has excellent solvent resistance. Its physical properties
make it ideal for demanding sealingapplications.Whilemost commonly
used solvents do not interact with ETFE, take caution when using some
chlorinated chemicals. ETFE has good thread strength.
Maximum operating temperatures (ºC): Fittings 80; Tubing 80
UHMWPE
(ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene). UHMWPE is a
well-known and durablemanufacturing polymer. Its physical properties
make it ideal for general, aqueous-based environments. Take caution
when using this polymer in heavily organic-based applications. Good
thread strength.
Maximum operating temperatures (ºC): Fittings 50; Tubing N/A
Ultem
®
PEI
(polyetherimide). An amorphous thermoplastic offeringhigh
heat resistance, high strength and broad chemical resistance. Tubing
made from Ultem offers a high degree of transparency. This polymer
withstands various sterilizationmethods, such as repeatedautoclavingas
well as gamma radiation, ethylene oxide gas and dry heat. Ultemmeets
the criteria for ISO10993, FDA and USP Class VI certifcation.
Maximum operating temperatures (ºC): Fittings N/A; Tubing 125
Vespel
®
(polyimide). Vespel thermoplastic offers high heat resistance,
high mechanical strength and broad chemical resistance in most
common liquid chromatography applications. However, it is particularly
susceptible to attack by high pH chemical environments. Vespel can be
autoclaved and sterilized usinggamma radiation. Vespel offers inherent
lubricity, making it ideal as a chemically resistant bearing surface.
Maximum operating temperatures (ºC): Sealing Components 200;
Tubing N/A
RoHS Compliance
As IDEX Health & Science brands work to satisfy
compliance to the RoHS standard, you’ll notice that some of our
products have changed color. This is due to new, more environmentally
friendly colorants being used in our manufacturing processes. If you
have any questions about a specifc part, search for RoHS at the IDEX
Health & Science website: www.idex-hs.com. For items not included
in the catalog, please contact IDEX Health & Science directly.
N/A = information not available or not applicable
Polymer Information
FOR ORDERING & DISTRIBUTOR INFORMATION +1 800 426 0191 • +1 360 679 2528 • www.idex-hs.com