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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.

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

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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):

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
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
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

PTFE

Producttype

Technical description

Technical characteristics

Typical Applications

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

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