Research and testing
	Over the course of several years, Fab-Tech conducted a comprehensive program of research and testing of available fluoropolymers to determine the attributes of compatible coatings on the market.  PermaShield Fluoropolymer Barrier Coating far outperformed all others.
	Fab-Tech engineers worked closely with resin manufacturers to select a base product.  The selected formula was then modified to enhance permeation resistance and tested under Fab-Tech's unique coating methodology.  Exhaustive tests of virtually all duct coatings available confirmed that this new formula has much better adhesion and permeation resistance than standard ETFE or ECTFE.
	FM Approved
	PermaShield Pipe with PermaShield Fluoropolymer Barrier Coating is FM 4922 approved for use as a fume exhaust product without internal fire suppression systems.  This covers the maximum approval range of 4" to 60" diameter and a coating thickness up to 12 mils.
	Test Results
	PermaShield Fluoropolymer Barrier Coating has gone through extensive testing both internally and at independent laboratories.  All test results met or exceeded benchmarks.
	TEST		TEST DESCRIPTION		TEST RESULTS
	Chemical Immersion		Extended immersion in strong acids.		Samples exhibited no evidence of chemical attack or loss of adhesion, no blisters developed, some other coatings tested did blister.
	EIS (Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy		Following extended immersion in strong acids, impedance measurements taken to determine permeation resistance.		Results indicate excellent protection with end of test percentages of 97% or greater permeation resistance.
	E-84 (Stiner Tunnel)		ASTM E 84 tests for Fire Spread and Smoke Developed, frequently used by code officials and regulatory agencies in the acceptance of interior finish materials.		PermaShield Fluoropolymer Barrier Coating falls in the Class 1 category with a Flame Spread Index of "0" and a Smoke Developed Index of "20".
	Atlas Cell		Standard ASTM test involving test pieces subject to boiling water for defined periods of time then check the coating for delamination or blisters.		The new PermaShield Fluoropolymer Barrier Coating ran far longer than any other coating ever tested.
	Boil and Peel		Standard test, prolonged boil of flat coated substrate samples with scored coating, samples then deformed in a defined way to see if coating will peel.		The adhesion of the PermaShield Fluoropolymer Barrier Coating is the best ever seen.
	Field Flange		Round duct samples are cut and reflanged to observe coating adhesion to the new flange.		No peel or delamination observed, adhesion to substrate remains consistent.
	Field Patch / Repair		Coated samples are repair patched.		Patches found to be superior to patches of other coatings.
	FM 4922		Standard Factory Mutual test, measures flame propagation in duct systems.		Test passed:  temperatures well below 1,000°F at 23 feet.
	Desirable Attributes
	Besides its high level of chemical resistance, PermaShield Fluoropolymer Barrier Coating possesses the following desirable attributes:
	- Mechanically tough with excellent cut through and abrasion resistance
	- Low cold flow
	- High tensile strength and good elongation properties
	- Excellent impact resistance at room temperature and down into the cryogenic
	- Dimensionally stable
	- Continuous use to 300°F in most applications
	- Excellent release properties
	- Very smooth surface
			Atlas cell test.		FM 4922 test.
	CHEMICAL COMPATIBILITY
	Table 1 - Chemical Compatibility Comparison
	Table 1 lists over 500 chemicals whose corrosive characteristics create problems that can often be solved by specifying PermaShield Pipe (PSP®).  The maximum use temperature for each chemical service is suggested as a guide only and are not necessarily upper limits of usability but are limits of data available.  Little or no chemical attack is indicated at the temperature listed with less than 10% swelling or dimensional change and less than 15% loss of tensile strength at a concentration of 100%, concentrated, or saturated solution.  It is recommended that tests be conducted under actual or simulated use conditions whenever possible to determine the suitability of PermaShield Fluoropolymer Barrier Coating or any other material for a specific application.  This guide is based on controlled tests of representative chemicals, field applications, experience, and engineering judgments with regard to the suitability of PermaShield Fluoropolymer Barrier Coating in these chemical environments.
	Table 2 - PTFE Sealant Compatibility Data
	Table 2 was assembled from known compatibility data for PTFE materials and should be used only as a general guide for determining the suitability of Gore-Tex® sealants for specific applications.