SURFACE CHARACTERIZATION OF FLUORINATED POLYMERS (PTFE, PVDF, PFA) FOR USE IN ULTRATRACE ANALYSIS

Surface characterization of new unused PTFE, PFA and PVDF labware has been carried out by light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, pr ofilometry and atomic force microscopy. It has been found that in spit e of higher micro-roughness, PFA exhibits the lowest nano-roughness an d hence seems best suited as vessel material for relatively mild press ureless chemical operations for sample preparation of ultrapure substa nces, as container material for storage of ultrapure liquids, and for transport of such liquids, e.g., from the producer in the chemical to the end user in the microelectronics industry. This suitability refers only to the surface quality of the investigated materials. PTFE-surfa ces, due to the sintering process of production, exhibit the most unfa vourable surface quality of the investigated fluorinated polymers.