Yes, absolutely. A number of companies make PTFE "dry lubricants" and coatings using Vertrel^® as the carrying agent. These are normally applied in a dipping process. These processes work particularly well with Vertrel^® because Vertrel^® has some capability to dissolve PTFE and the densities of the material are similar to each other. Coatings produced with Vertrel^® will have superior lubricity to coatings produced with HCFC-141b carrying agents, for example, because of the intrinsically closer match chemically between the Vertrel^® and the PTFE lubricant. The end result is a PTFE coating that is exceptionally smooth, free of runs and drips, and highly cost-effective.

In the photo at right, two coatings are compared. On the left, a 2% concentration of PTFE was applied with HCFC-141b as the carrying agent. On the right, the PTFE was applied in the same dipping process, but with Vertrel^® as the carrying agent. The difference is striking.

The handling of the dipping process is simplified, as well, with Vertrel^® because the material stays in suspension better than with the lighter carrying agents. This improves quality and reduces rework while simplifying the need to constantly agitate the dipping solution.

For more details about this fascinating but complex application, contact Micro Care.

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