Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or Teflon® discovered by DuPont chemist Roy J. Plunkett in the 1950s, is a synthetic fluoropolymer of tetrafluoroethylene. Hydrophobic, non-wetting, high density and resistant to high temperatures, Polytetrafluoroethylene is an incredibly versatile material with a wide variety of applications, though it’s perhaps best-known for its chemical resistance, extreme temperature versatility and non-stick properties.
Polytetrafluoroethylene’s melting point is around 620°F, and pure PTFE is almost totally chemically inert, highly insoluble in most solvents or chemicals, and thermally stable enough to be used between -328 degrees F and +500 degrees F without degrading.
Polytetrafluoroethylene has the highest melting point and lowest friction, and is the most inert of all the fluoropolymers. It has a continuous service temperature rating of 500 degree F. Molding powders are excellent, fine cut granular resins, well suited for a variety of demanding chemical, mechanical, electrical and non-stick surface applications. At Advanced EMC, we select various fillers to blend or compound with unfilled or virgin PTFE to provide enhanced properties for specific applications.
Typical applications include:
- Spring energized PTFE seals
- PTFE rotary shaft seals
- Gaskets
- Diaphragms
- Bellows
- Slide bearings
- V-rings
- Pump parts
- Impellers
- Containers