Destruction of polytetrafluoroethylene under the action of carbon dioxide laser radiation at low pressure

Anomalous, in comparison to other polymers, behavior of PTFE under the action of continuous CO2-laser radiation in vacuum is analyzed. Under the above conditions the polymer is found to decompose into TFE and solid particles in the form of fibers measuring 5 ... 20 micrometer in diameter or powder with micrometer particle size. Formation of two zones of polymer degradation differing in structure and viscosity is established. The temperature of PTFE surface during degradation reaches 800 K. The bulk of the layer subjected to radiation is found to contain gaseous bubbles. The qualitative model of PTFE degradation process is discussed.