Fluorination
Fluorination
A surface treatment process that improves HDPE's chemical resistance and barrier properties for aggressive solvents.
Fluorination is a post-manufacturing surface treatment where HDPE containers are exposed to fluorine gas, creating a fluoropolymer barrier layer on the inner surface. This treatment dramatically improves resistance to aggressive solvents (aromatic hydrocarbons, ketones, esters) that would normally permeate through untreated HDPE. Fluorinated HDPE containers can safely store chemicals like xylene, toluene, MEK, and pesticide concentrates. The treatment adds approximately $1-3 per container cost but extends chemical compatibility to 95%+ of industrial chemicals. Required for many UN-certified solvent containers.