Thermal Degradation and Pyrolysis of Polytetrafluoroethylene

This chapter presents a survey of the open literature to examine the various methods of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) pyrolysis so as to build a coherent image of the art, and to present and evaluate the known catalytic reactions of the pyrolysis products, with emphasis on those of tetrafluoroethylene (TFE). The literature on PTFE pyrolysis presented in the chapter is divided into three sections: (i) the literature that deals directly with pyrolysis; (ii) material regarding the autogenous reactions of the pyrolysis products under pyrolysis conditions; and (iii) material that deals with the catalyzed reactions of the pyrolysis products. The reactions of the various pyrolysis products with reactive gases are discussed along with the catalyzed reactions. Information on the toxicity and physical hazards of the pyrolysis products is presented. An overview of the various catalytic reactions of TFE and hexafluoropropylene (HFP) reported in literature is also provided.