Compatibility Tests of Low-Vapor Pressure Perfluoropolyether Oils with UF₆

An extensive study has been carried out to evaluate possible use of the perfluoropolyether fluids, obtained from hexafluoropropylene photo-oxidation and specially purified and selected, as lubricants or vacuum-working fluids, in the presence of UF₆. Some physicochemical properties are reported and the results of the tests experienced on perfluoropolyether cuts put into contact with UF₆ at different conditions for a long aging time at high temperature in the presence of some typical engineering materials. The results allowed a verification of the long-term compatibility of the perfluoropolyether special fractions against UF₆ at temperatures up to 130°C.