PTFE is an incredibly versatile material
PTFE is commonly known as Teflon™ (owned by Chemours).
What is PTFE?
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a durable and flexible elastomer of average tensile strength but remarkable chemical resistance, as well as excellent thermally and electrically resistive properties. At a molecular level, PTFE consists of a chain of carbon atoms with two fluorine atoms bonded to each carbon. These fluorine atoms surround the carbon chain, creating a dense molecule with very strong carbon-fluorine bonds and a polymer structure that is inert to most chemicals.
The Advantage of PTFE
Heat | PTFE retains its properties after exposure to temperatures beyond the limit of almost all other thermoplastics and elastomers. Depending on the end-use requirements, PTFE is rated for continuous service at temperatures as high as 500°F. It also can sustain short exposure at higher temperatures. |
Flame Resistance | PTFE offers extraordinary resistance to high temperature and flames because it has a very high melting point and auto-ignition. Temperature, as well as exceptional thermal degradation thresholds. It’s flame propagation characteristics, such as rate of heat release and smoke generation is very low. |
Friction and Wear | PTFE has one of the lowest coefficients of friction of any solid material. Its abrasions resistance is adaptable to demanding environments by using inorganic fillers, such as glass fiber, carbon or graphite. |
Contamination | PTFE is chemically pure and inert. It contains no additives such as lubricants, stabilizers, plasticizers or antioxidants that can contaminate process fluids. |
Adhesion / Release | PTFE has an extremely low surface energy in the solid state. This provides an excellent anti-stick, non-wetting contact surface. Conversely, when these resins are in a molten form, they become low surface- tension liquids, ideal for hot melt adhesives. |
Low Temperature Service | PTFE retains its excellent properties even at cryogenic temperatures. It’s impact resistance at these temperatures exceeds that of most other polymers. |
Corrosion | PTFE has excellent chemical resistance. It will resist most aggressive organic and inorganic chemicals, acids and solvents over a broad temperature range. |
Service Life | PTFE exhibits excellent retention of properties after a long period of time, even at elevated temperatures and in the presence of oils, solvents, UV light, oxidizing agents and other environmental agents. |
Light Stability | PTFE has one of the lowest refractive indexes. It does not change its visual apperance after exposure to ultraviolet or infrared light. |
Dielectrics | PTFE has remarkable dielectric strength, low dielectric constant, low loss factors and high specific resistance. It surpasses most material in its level and stability of dielectric properties over a wide range of environmental conditions. |
Biodegradation | PTFE is inert to microbiological and enzymic attack because the pure polymer does not provide any nourishment or porosity for these growths. |
Atmospheric Aging | PTFE is not affected by ultraviolet and is resistant to oxidation, discoloration, and embrittlement. |
Humidity | PTFE is completely resistant to hydrolysis. PTFE is a good barrier for water permeation. Its typical properties and dimensional stability remain unchanged even after long periods of time in water. |