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What is PTFE?

PTFE is a fluoropolymer resin which can be compression molded and sintered (cooked) or extruded into basic shapes.

What is Teflon®?

Teflon® is a registered trademark of Dupont for it fluoropolymer resins. PTFE resin manufacturers have different trade names for PTFE, e.g. FLuon® is a registered trademark of AG Fluoropolymers, Neoflon® is a registered trademark of Daikin, Algoflon® is a registered trademark of Ausimont. Since Teflon® is the registered trademark of DuPont, only Dupont makes TEFLON®.

What is the difference between virgin and mechanical (reprocessed) PTFE?

Virgin PTFE has better physical properties than mechanical PTFE, but both are 100% PTFE. Mechanical grades feature varying percentages of reprocessed material and can be more economical in less demanding applications.

Can fillers be added to PTFE to enhance its physical properties?

PTFE is available in glass, graphite, bronze, and carbon-filled grades.

Can you cement PTFE?

Yes, however, you must first acid-etch the material.

What makes PTFE better than UHMW in certain applications?

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 can also sustain short exposure at higher temperatures. 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. PTFE’s flame propagation characteristics, such as rate of heat release and smoke generation is very low.

PTFE has one of the lowest coefficients of friction of any solid material. Its abrasion resistance is adaptable to demanding environments by using inorganic fillers, such as glass fiber, carbon or graphite. PTFE is chemically pure and inert. It contains no additives such as lubricants, stabilizers, plasticizers, or antioxidants that can contaminate process fluids. 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. PTFE retains its excellent properties even at cryogenic temperatures.

PTFE’s impact resistance at these temperatures exceeds that of most other polymers. PTFE has excellent chemical resistance. It will resist most aggressive organic and inorganic chemicals, acids and solvents over a broad temperature range. 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. PTFE has one of the lowest refractive indexes. It does not change its visual appearance after exposure to ultraviolet or infrared light. PTFE has remarkable dielectric strength, a low dielectric constant, low loss factors and high specific resistance.

PTFE surpasses most material in its level and stability of dielectric properties over a wide range of environmental conditions. PTFE is inert to microbiological and enzymic attack because the pure polymer does not provide any nourishment or porosity for these growths. PTFE is not affected by ultraviolet and is resistant to oxidation, discoloration, and embrittlement. 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.

 

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