by Denise Sullivan Denise Sullivan No Comments

Exploring the Benefits of Fluorolon PTFE in Industrial and Engineering Applications


Fluorolon PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) is a unique synthetic polymer with many benefits for industrial and engineering applications. This versatile material can be used for a wide range of purposes, from chemical processing to cookware. In this article, we will explore some of the key benefits and uses of Fluorolon PTFE.

FEP encapsulated helical spring seals are approved for cryogenic and FDA use. Fluorolon PTFE

Chemical Resistance


One major benefit of using Fluorolon PTFE is its excellent chemical resistance properties. This material is highly resistant to acids, bases, solvents, and other corrosive substances. This makes it an ideal choice for use in applications such as chemical processing plants or food processing industries where harsh chemicals are often used. It can also be used as a protective coating on metal surfaces to protect them from corrosion or damage from exposure to corrosive materials.

High-Temperature Resistance


Another benefit associated with Fluorolon PTFE is its high-temperature resistance properties. This material can withstand temperatures up to 260°C (500°F) without losing its strength or shape – making it an excellent choice for use in insulation, gaskets, seals, and other high-temperature applications such as aerospace parts or engine components that require superior heat resistance capabilities. The thermal stability offered by this polymer also ensures that parts maintain their original dimensions even under extreme conditions making them ideal for precise manufacturing processes where dimensional accuracy is critical.

Low Friction Properties


Fluorolon PTFE also offers exceptionally low friction properties, making it suitable for use in various mechanical components such as bearings and slides where minimal friction between moving surfaces is desired. Its low coefficient of friction helps reduce wear on machinery parts resulting in increased operational life spans while simultaneously providing smoother operation with less vibration compared with traditional materials like steel or bronze alloys. Furthermore, since no lubricants are required, energy consumption costs due to frequent maintenance procedures associated with lubrication are significantly reduced compared to traditional metals.

Non-Stick Properties


In addition, Fluorolon PTFE has impressive non-stick properties, making it ideal for use in cookware, baking sheets, conveyor belts, and other industrial equipment. Its non-stick characteristics enable food products like cakes, cookies, etc., to slide easily off surfaces resulting in efficient production processes while maintaining product quality standards at the same time. Furthermore, these non-stick characteristics help reduce clean-up times after the production process, thereby saving both time & money.

Electrical Insulation Properties

Last but not least, one important benefit this polymer provides includes its electrical insulation capabilities making it perfect for use within high-voltage industrial equipment & electronic components alike. Its ability to prevent electricity from leaking out allows companies within the electronics industry to create safer products without having to worry about hazardous shocks occurring during usage, thus ensuring customer safety at all times, leading to higher customer satisfaction & loyalty levels over time.

At Advanced EMC Technologies we use Flourolon Virging PTFE primarily for seals, seats, bearings, and insulaotrs. All our Flourolon PTFE is FDA and dairy approved. We offfer both Virgin PTFE ASTM-D4894 and filled PTFE ASTM D4745-06.

PropertySpecifiedUnitsMethod
Specified Gravity (FEP) Only2.14 –2.19gr/ccASTM D792
Maximum Recommended  Stretch2 %N/AASTM D638
ES Seals Are For Type ServiceStatic N/A–
Coefficient of Friction (FEP)0.19StaticASTM D3702
Dielectric Constant (FEP)N/AN/AASTM D150
Dielectric Strength (FEP)N/AN/AASTM D257
Thermal Expansion No Spring8.3 x 10^5thin/in/°FASTM D696
Compressive StrengthN/AN/AASTM D695-57
FEP Seal Temperature Range-420 to 428°F–
PFA Seal Temperature Range-420 to 500°F–

To summarize, the many benefits associated with using Fluorolan PTE should not be overlooked, especially when considering various industrial & engineering-related applications that call out these specific attributes offered by this synthetic polymer beyond any other commonly available alternatives currently present in the market today. Its ability to resist chemicals and withstand higher temperatures than most polymers without losing shape/strength, alongside offering superior low friction/non-stick qualities coupled with excellent electrical insulation capabilities, clearly demonstrates why so many industries opt to choose Fluorolon PTFE over any other material available.

Why Geckos Can't Climb PTFE
by Jackie Johnson Jackie Johnson No Comments

Why Geckos Can’t Cling to PTFE

It may come as a surprise to some but geckos are not, in fact sticky! Gecko’s can cling to glass and climb up walls, but geckos are not inherently adhesive. In fact, there are certain surfaces geckos can not cling to at all- mainly PTFE.

In this week’s blog post we will go over exactly how the gecko gets its Spiderman like abilities, and why exactly they can not seem to climb on PTFE.

A Sticky Situation

With certain types of geckos, their feet contain thousands of tiny, hair-like, hierarchical fibrils called setae, that end in even more, microscopic hair-like structures, so tiny they are not much larger than the wavelength of visible light.

These setae are also ultra-flexible, so when a gecko jumps to another surface, they are able to absorb an incredible amount of energy and redirect it, allowing the gecko to quickly cling from surface to surface.

There are two prevailing theories as to how this process works. One is known as van der Waals forces, or molecular attractions that operate over very small distances. The other, proposed by Yale research Hadi Izadi is that geckos use static electricity which allows them to cling to most surfaces.

Most surfaces except, it seems, Teflon.

Teflon – The Bane of Geckos?

Did you know that PTFE was engineering specifically to resist adhesion by van der Waals forces?  PTFE is composed of carbon and fluorine atoms.  Of all the elements known to date, fluorine has the highest electronegativity.  This causes PTFE to repel other atoms that come near it.  More specifically, it works against van der Waals forces.

Furthermore, the molecular structure of Teflon is such that the fluorine atoms surround the carbon atoms.  It repels any atoms that try to come near the carbon atoms, giving PTFE its outstanding chemical inertness.

Researchers at the University of Akron, in an effort to further understand, and hopefully replicate, gecko stickability, decided to see what kind of surfaces geckos can cling to, and Teflon was one of the materials tested.

The answer?

Because of its ability to resist adhesion by van der Waals forces- geckos, who potentially use van der Waal forces to cling to other materials, cannot cling to dry PTFE surfaces.

In Conclusion

So, it would seem that the very mechanisms that prevent geckos from walking up dry PTFE provide its most attractive characteristics: extremely low friction and high chemical resistivity.  So, when you are looking for a low-friction option for a bearing or seal, don’t forget the bane of gecko’s everywhere: PTFE.