Polytetrafluoroethylene film and manufacture of same

Abstract

Polytetrafluoroethylene thin film comprising a thin film of polytetrafluoroethylene having thickness of ≦20 μm; surface roughness (Ra) of ≦0.1 μm; tensile strength of ≧80 N/mm 2 ; and light beam transmittance of ≧80% for light of 500 nm wavelength. A process for manufacture of polytetrafluoroethylene film comprising compressing porous polytetrafluoroethylene film at a temperature above the melting point of the film, followed by cooling to a temperature below the melting point of the film while continuing to apply pressure.

1 . In an electrophotographic device, including a fixing belt and a fixing apparatus, the improvement wherein at least one of the fixing roll, the fixing belt, and the fixing apparatus comprises a thin film of polytetrafluoroethylene having thickness of ≦20 μm; surface roughness (Ra) of ≦0.1 μm; tensile strength of ≧80 N/mm 2 ; and light beam transmittance of ≧80% for light of 500 nm wavelength.  
     
     
         2 . The electrophotographic device according to  claim 1  wherein porosity of said thin film is ≦10%.  
     
     
         3 . A process for manufacture of polytetrafluoroethylene film comprising the steps of compressing porous polytetrafluoroethylene film at a temperature below the melting point of said film, followed by compression at a temperature above the melting point of said film.  
     
     
         4 . A process for manufacture of polytetrafluoroethylene film comprising the steps of compressing porous polytetrafluoroethylene film while subjecting it to a temperature above the melting point of said film, followed by cooling to a temperature below the melting point of said film while continuing to apply pressure.