Evaluation of Thermal Properties, Viscosity Behavior, and Injection Molding Applicability of ETFE-based Fluoropolymer

This study investigates the high-temperature processability of an ETFE-based fluoropolymer (C-88AXP) through thermal, structural, and rheological analyses, along with injection molding trials. TG/DTA results revealed an endothermic peak at 249.4o C with minimal mass loss (<0.05%) up to 350℃, indicating excellent thermal stability. FT-IR analysis after heat treatment at 330℃ showed spectral broadening and reduced transmittance, suggesting partial molecular degradation. Viscosity measurements between 270~330℃ exhibited typical shear thinning behavior, with shear thickening observed at high shear rates. Among the tested molding conditions, 300℃ produced the most stable molded specimens, with an average tensile strength of 38.2 MPa, consistent with material specifications. These findings suggest that 300o C is an optimal processing temperature for C-88AXP under moderate-speed injection molding, offering a valuable reference for high-temperature fluoropolymer processing.