About the Products

Q1.
Why does the fluoropolymer surface become adhesive?

A1.
Fluoropolymer consists of a chain of large number of mainly CF2 units, thus is chemicall and thermally stable, highly water-repellent, and non-adhesive. FluoroBonder extracts fluorine atoms out of this strong C-F chain leaving the carbon atoms deficient of electron. The electron-deficient carbon atoms receive electron from oxygen, hydrogen, and water vapor in the air to form adhesive polar functional groups such as hydroxyl (-OH), carboxyl (-COOH), carbonyl (=CO), etc. This polarity renders the fluoropolymer surface hydrophilic and enables bonding.

Q2.
What is the shelf life of FluoroBonder?

A2.
The shelf life of FluoroBonder is approximately one year when unopened and stored in a refrigerator (about 5℃). The life is 3～4 months when stored at temperatures between 10℃ ～ 20℃, 1～2 months at between　20℃ ～ 30℃. (Our quality assurance is valid for 6 months after the date of shipment if the FluoroBonder is unopened and stored in a refrigerator (about 5℃).)

Q3.
What kinds of fluoropolymer can be treated with FluoroBonder?

A3.
FluoroBonder reacts better when the content rate of fluorine in the polymer is higher and the molecular structure is less complicated. Thus, the order of effectiveness from high to low is PTFE, FEP, PFA, fluoro-rubber, ECTFE, ETFE, and PVDF. The etching effectiveness is also affected by molding methods, filling materials, etc. of the object. Please contact us for further details.

Q4.
How large is the treatable area?

A4.
FluoroBonder can etch approximately 2.5㎡per 100g, depending on processing conditions.

About Work Environment and Tools

Q1.
What is the appropriate temperature and humidity of the work environment?

A1.
FluoroBonder works at normal room temperature and humidity without any problem. However, lower humidity is preferable, and it will be ideal to have the humidity of below 50%, or below 30% if possible.

Q2.
What kinds of materials are appropriate for the container used in the FluoroBonder application?

A2.
Materials that are non-reactive to FluoroBonder such as stainless steel, polyethylene, polypropylene, glass, etc, are recommended for an application container.

Q3.
What shape is appropriate for the application container?

A3.
To maintain the agent activity, it is best to minimize the contact area of the agent exposed to air. A deep and narrow shape, similar to the shape of a book standing, makes an appropriate container.

Q4.
How the fluoropolymer surface can be masked?

A4.
OApply polyethylene masking tape, or apply polyisobutylene solvent solution with a brush. Use any commercially available 10% naphtha or hexane solution of polyisobutylene with low to medium molecular weight, and rinse the residue with solvent after etching treatment.

About FluoroBonder Storage

Q1.
When does FluoroBonder expire?

A1.
Our quality assurance is valid for 6 months after the date of shipment if the FluoroBonder is unopened and stored in a refrigerator (about 5℃). The shelf life of approximately one year is expected under this condition.

Q2.
Can I use the expired agent mixed with an active agent?

A2.
We recommend replacing all the unused portion of the expired agent with a new agent. Mixing with expired agent will reduce etching effectiveness.

Q3.
How can the remaining FluoroBonder in a once opened bottle be preserved?

A3.
FluoroBonder can remain active for approximately one week at temperatures between 20℃ ～ 25℃, 3 weeks at 1℃ ～ 15℃, or longer if frozen.FluoroBonder can be damaged by substances such as water vapor (humidity) in the air. Replacing the air in the bottle with inert gas (dry nitrogen or argon) and securely sealing the bottle will expand its shelf life.

About Etched Object Preservation

Q1.
What precautions should be taken for the etched surface of fluoropolymer?

A1.
Such factors as ultraviolet light(72h≦), abrasion, pollutants, acids, high temperatures(200℃≦), etc. can adversely affect the etching effectiveness. Protecting the etched object in a bag, box, etc. to keep away from such harms and storing in a dark cold storage will keep the treatment effective for a year without any problem.

Other Questions

Q1.
Does the FluoroBonder treatment change dielectric properties of fluoropolymer?

A1.
The etched layer is negligibly thin (below 0.3μm) compared to the bulk of the fluoropolymer, and does not change its dielectric properties.

Q2.
フDoes FluoroBonder affect any metals?

A2.
FluoroBonder hardly affects any usual metals, but aluminum can be affected causing white substances.

Q3.
Are there any regulated substances included in the discharged chemical substances?

A3.
FluoroBonder does not contain any substances among Class Ⅰ Designated Chemical Substances, Class Ⅰ Specified Chemical Substance (such as chromium (Ⅺ) compounds) or Class Ⅱ Designated Chemical Substances regulated by Pollutant Release and Transfer Register Law(PRTR Law) of Japan.