Seaco Group - logo - png
Service & Contact
Seaco Group - logo - png

PTFE

PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene), also known by the brand name Teflon, is a fluorine plastic famous worldwide for its exceptional properties, including extreme chemical resistance, high temperature stability and low coefficient of friction. PTFE is widely used in a wide range of industrial applications because of its unique combination of mechanical and chemical properties.

More information about this product
Seaco Group - icon - producttype

Producttype

Engineering plastics & Rubbers

Seaco Groep - producten - PTFE - Virgin - gevuld

Technical description

PTFE is a thermoplastic plastic characterized by the fact that it is virtually unreactive with other substances. The material is produced by polymerization of tetrafluoroethylene (TFE), resulting in a very high molecular weight and crystalline structure. This makes PTFE ideally suited for applications where chemical inertness, high thermal stability and low friction are required. PTFE is virtually non-degradable and resistant to almost all chemicals except when exposed to highly reactive substances such as fluorine or sodium.

Technical characteristics

Specific gravity
~ 2.2 g/cm³
Tensile strength
~ 20 – 30 MPa
Modulus of elasticity
~ 500 – 800 MPa
Elongation at break
~ 150%
Wear resistance
Very good (but is often combined with other materials for wear-resistant applications)
Melting point
-200 °C to +260 °C (can be exposed to temperatures from -200 °C to +260 °C for long periods of time)
Chemical resistance
Excellent – resistant to most acids, bases, solvents, and solvents at high temperatures
Coefficient of friction
Very low (less than most other plastics and metals)
UV resistance
Moderate (may degrade over time without stabilizers)

Typical Applications

  1. Industrial Applications:
    1. Seals, gaskets, and o-rings – PTFE is often used in applications where excellent chemical and temperature resistance are required, such as in the oil and gas and chemical process industries.
    2. Pipelines and valves – In the chemical industry to avoid contact with aggressive chemicals.
  2. Bearings and sliding surfaces:
    PTFE is often used as a sliding material for bearings, screws and other moving parts due to its low coefficient of friction, such as in pump components and fast turning movements in machinery.
  3. Cookware:
    Anti-stick coatings for cookware such as pans (brand name Teflon), due to its low adhesion of food to the surface and ability to withstand high temperatures.
  4. Electronic applications: Insulation material for cables – PTFE is widely used in high-performance cable insulation for applications that must withstand high temperatures and chemical influences.
  5. Medical applications:
    Implants and surgical equipment – PTFE is used in medicine for applications such as blood vessels and hip or knee replacements because of its biocompatibility and abrasion resistance.
  6. Lubricants and greases:
    As a lubricant in applications where extremely low friction is required, such as in linear rails and gear mechanisms.

Comparison with other plastics (such as POM, PET, PEEK):

  1. PTFE
    1. Tensile strength: 20 – 30 MPa
    2. Modulus of elasticity: 500 – 800 GPa
    3. Temperature range: – 200 °C till +260 °C
    4. Chemical resistance: Very good, resistant to most chemicals
    5. Application: Chemical industry, insulation, coatings
  2. POM
    1. Tensile strength: 60 – 70 MPa
    2. Modulus of elasticity: 2,8 – 3,3 GPa
    3. Temperature range: – 40 °C till +120 °C
    4. Chemical resistance: Good
    5. Application: Mechanical parts, bearings
  3. PEEK
    1. Tensile strength: 90 – 120 MPa
    2. Modulus of elasticity: 3,6 – 4,0 GPa
    3. Temperature range: – 60 °C till +250 °C
    4. Chemical resistance: Good
    5. Application: Aerospace, medical applications

Get in touch

Phone

  • + 31 (0)10 - 522 65 36

Mail

  • info@seaco.eu

Adress

  • Amethistweg 51, 2665 NT Bleiswijk