Laser ablation of polytetrafluoroethylene

Anomalous behavior of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) under the action of CO2 laser radiation in vacuum is discussed. A feature of the ablation process is formation of polymer fibers which quantity depends on the target preliminary treatment and the ablation conditions. Experimental results are set out and possible mechanisms of the polymer fibering are discussed. A conclusion is made concerning two dynamic polymer components differ by the resistance to the laser beam action, appearing in the ablation crater. A method is proposed for producing unique fiber-porous polytetrafluoroethylene materials and other useful products as well as for the polytetrafluoroethylene wastes recycling. The results of industrial application of these new fiberporous materials are discussed.