Kel-F® (PolyChloroTriFluoroEthylene) is a fluorocarbon based polymer and is frequently abbreviated as PCTFE. PCTFE combines physical and mechanical properties, non-flammability, chemical resistance, near zero moisture absorption and excellent electrical properties not found in any other thermoplastic fluropolymer.
Kel-F® also known as PCTFE or CTFE has many of the properties similar to other fluoropolymers such as PTFE, FEP, or PFA, but is mechanically superior in rigidity and has very low gas permeability.
Kel-F® maintains an outstanding electrical-insulating capability through thermal cycling and in high humidity environments. This material’s high compressive strength and dimensional stability make it a good choice for structural material, while its low outgassing rate and permeability make PCTFE a great choice for laboratory, aerospace, flight applications, and instrumentation.
Please Note: The Kel-F® brand belongs to 3M, but their production was discontinued in 1995. The only remaining resin is made by Daikin Industries of Japan and called Neoflon®.
Emco Industrial Plastics doesn’t claim to represent all of the manufacturers or trade name products listed. This list is intended as a guide of typical materials available for purchase from Emco Industrial Plastics, Inc. For additional information, contact an Emco Industrial Plastics representative by filling out the form below.
KEL-F / PCTFE offers a unique balance of strength, stiffness, chemical resistance, and low permeability. Compared to many other fluoropolymers, PCTFE provides improved dimensional stability and reduced cold flow, making it especially valuable for close-tolerance machined parts.
Key Benefits
KEL-F / PCTFE is used where failure is not an option, especially in environments involving low temperatures, aggressive chemicals, high-pressure gases, or tight sealing requirements.
Typical Applications
KEL-F / PCTFE for Cryogenic Applications
One of the strongest advantages of KEL-F / PCTFE is its performance at extremely low temperatures. PCTFE is often used in cryogenic service because it retains stability and toughness where many other plastics become brittle or dimensionally unreliable. Sources commonly list useful low-temperature performance down to approximately -400°F.
This makes it a strong candidate for:
KEL-F / PCTFE is commonly machined into high-value precision parts. Because many KEL-F applications involve sealing surfaces, pressure systems, or close tolerances, proper machining experience is important.
Emco Plastics can support customers with:
Industries Served
KEL-F / PCTFE is used across industries where material stability, purity, and performance matter.
Used for seals, valve components, electrical insulation, and cryogenic system parts.
Selected for components exposed to aggressive chemicals and demanding operating conditions.
Useful for high-purity, low-moisture, and precision-machined applications.
Used in valves, pumps, compressors, and specialty sealing systems.
Cryogenic & Gas Handling
Excellent choice for low-temperature systems and low-permeability sealing components.
While PTFE is widely known for chemical resistance and low friction, KEL-F / PCTFE is often chosen when the application needs better rigidity, lower permeability, improved dimensional stability, and reduced cold flow.
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Material Need |
Why KEL-F / PCTFE Helps |
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Low gas permeability |
Excellent barrier performance |
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Tight tolerances |
Strong dimensional stability |
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Cryogenic use |
Performs in extreme cold |
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Moisture-sensitive applications |
Near-zero moisture absorption |
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Sealing components |
Low deformation and low cold flow |
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Chemical exposure |
Strong fluoropolymer resistance |
Partner with Emco Plastics
Emco Plastics provides high-performance plastic materials, precision machining, and fabrication support for demanding industrial applications. Whether you need KEL-F / PCTFE sheet, rod, cut blanks, or custom machined parts, our team can help you select the right material and manufacture components to your requirements.
