PTFE
As a thermoplastic polymer, Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) has been widely used in the industry since it was discovered accidentally during a laboratory experiment at Kinetic Chemicals in 1938. In 1945, an improved version of PTFE was patented by “Teflon”, which is a well-known brand now.
PTFE plastic is a low-cost material with high machinability, and it is ideal to be used in applications of low friction and high temperatures.
Features & Applications
Features
- Non-stickiness
- Wear resistance
- Moisture resistance
- Chemical resistance
- Low coefficient of friction
- High melting temperature
- High specific strength (strength-to-weight ratio)
- Superior dielectric properties
Applications
- Gears
- Bearings
- Bushings
- Seals
- Chemical tubing
- Cookware
- Lab containers
- Electrical insulators
Machining Options
Other Information
Weaknesses of PTFE
- Unsuitable to be used in traditional molten-state processing methods; suitable specific processing methods are difficult and costly.
- Susceptibility to friction and abrasion.
- Shows notable dimensional variation when it is heated around glass transition temperature (119°C or 246°F).
- Not easy to join.
- Corrosive material that tends to emit toxic fumes
- Poor radiation resistance.
