PTFE (POLYTETRAFLUOROETHYLENE)
Material Information
PTFE is an abbreviation for PolyTetraFluoroEthylene. This material belongs to the fluorocarbon family. It is known to be the most chemically resistant plastic available and has the lowest coefficient of friction of all solid plastic material. PTFE’s mechanical properties are relatively low but they are useful over a wide range of temperatures (-100º F to 400º F). Other properties that this dense material displays are its excellent machinability, resistance to weathering, a low coefficient of friction, excellent electrical and thermal insulation, and “slipperiness”. It is also inert and non-toxic. It is very difficult to adhere anything to PTFE. PTFE is a “soft” material, which may pose problems for high load applications. PTFE is available in a white color in the form of rod, sheet, tube, and strip. It is FDA, USDA, and NSF compliant.
Application
- Solid pipe and fittings
- Liners
- Gaskets and spacers
- Valve components
- Expansion bellows
- Tubing
- Seals
- Piston rings
- Bushings
- Bearings
- Wire and cable insulation
- Fiber optics coating
Properties
- Excellent electrical and thermal insulator
- Outstanding chemical resistance
- Wide range of operating temperature
- Low mechanical properties
- Weathering resistant
- Low coefficient of friction
- Slippery
- FDA, USDA, and NSF compliant
Physical |
Astm Test Method |
PTFE |
| Density (lb/in^3) | D792 | 0.078 |
| Specific Gravity | D792 | 2.16 |
| Water Absorption @ 24 hours (%) | D570 | – |
Mechanical |
||
| Tensile Strength (PSI) | D638 | 3,900 |
| Tensile Modulus (PSI) | D638 | – |
| Tensile Elongation at Break (%) | D638 | 300 |
| Flexural Strength (PSI) | D790 | No Break |
| Flexural Modulus (PSI) | D790 | 72,000 |
| Izod Impact (Notched), ft-lb/in | D256 | 3.5 |
| Shore D Hardness | D785 | D50 |
Thermal |
||
| Melting Point, °F | D3418 | 635 |
| Continous Service Temp (Operating), °F | – | 500 |
| Flammability Rating | UL94 | VO |
Electrical |
||
| Arc Resistance (sec) | D495 | – |
| Volume Resistivity (ohm-cm) @ 50% RH | D257 | >10^18 |
| Dielectric Constant at 1 MHZ | D150 | 2.1 |
| Dissipation Factor at 1 MHZ | D150 | – |
NOTE:
The information contained herein are typical values intended for reference and comparison purposes only. They should NOT be used as a basis for design specifications or quality control. Contact us for manufacturers' complete material property datasheets. All values at 73°F (23°C) unless otherwise noted.