PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) and fluorocarbon are related but not identical. Here’s a clear breakdown of their relationship and differences:

1. Definitions

• Fluorocarbon:
  A broad term for any polymer or compound containing carbon-fluorine (C-F) bonds. It includes all fluoropolymers (e.g., PTFE, PVDF, FEP, ETFE) and some non-polymeric fluorinated molecules.

  • Example applications: Non-stick coatings, chemical-resistant films, insulation.

• PTFE:
  A specific type of fluorocarbon polymer (polytetrafluoroethylene), best known by the brand name Teflon™.

  • Example applications: Cookware coatings, industrial seals, medical devices.

2. Relationship

• PTFE is a subset of fluorocarbons.

  • All PTFE is a fluorocarbon, but not all fluorocarbons are PTFE.

  • Other fluorocarbon polymers include PVDF, FEP, ETFE, and PFA (see table below).

3. Key Differences

4. Why the Confusion?

• Colloquial Use:

  • "Fluorocarbon" is sometimes used informally to refer to PTFE (especially in industries like cookware).

• Overlap in Properties:

  • All fluorocarbons share chemical/thermal resistance, but PTFE is the "gold standard" for extreme inertness and non-stick performance.

5. Relevance to PET Radiopharmaceuticals

In your earlier discussion about PET fluorocarbon release films:

• PTFE might be used for its chemical inertness (e.g., in filtration membranes handling ¹⁸F-labeled tracers).

• Other fluorocarbons like PVDF or FEP could also be employed depending on solvent compatibility or flexibility requirements.

Conclusion

PTFE is a specific type of fluorocarbon, distinguished by its fully fluorinated structure and superior thermal/chemical stability. While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably in casual contexts, they are not technically synonymous. For applications like PET radiopharmaceuticals, the choice between PTFE and other fluorocarbons depends on specific performance needs (e.g., solvent resistance, flexibility).