PTFE (PolyTetraFluoroEthylene), a fluorocarbon-based polymer, is also known by Dupont’s brand name Teflon® and also as Furon’s brand name Rulon®. It is commonly used in its virgin (unfilled) state.
Virgin PTFE is capable in its own right, but when fillers are added, it enhances the material wear and deformation characteristics to more fully exploit their unique combination of chemical, physical and electrical properties.
The most common filled grades and its resulting enhanced mechanical properties are:
Glass Fiber (PTFE-GF): Added in various amounts (5% to 40%), increases compressive strength, rigidity and wear; reduces creep and cold flow; minimal effect on chemical and electrical properties.
Carbon (PTFE-CF): Added in various amounts (10% to 35%), increases compressive strength, hardness, wear, and load properties; good chemical resistance; various types and amounts of carbon can be added to alter conductivity.
Graphite (PTFE-CGF): Added in various amounts (5% to 15%), reduces coefficient of friction; reduces initial wear; increases strength.
Molybdenum Disulfide (PTFE-MoS2): Added in various amounts (5% to 15%), increases hardness, stiffness, and wear; minimal effect on chemical and electrical properties.
Metal (PTFE-BR, PTFE-SSF): Best wear properties, remarkable deformation strengths and good thermal conductivity.
Mineral: Mica added in various amounts (5% to 10%), provides excellent wear and stability in addition to FDA compliance.