What is PTFE and Its Grade

WHAT IS PTFE?

ptfe is an incredibly versatile material with a wide variety of applications. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a synthetic fluoropolymer of tetrafluoroethylene.  

Being hydrophobic, non-wetting, high density and resistant to high temperatures, PTFE is an incredibly versatile material with a wide variety of applications, though it's perhaps best-known for its non-stick properties.

WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE PTFE?

PTFE is an incredibly versatile material used across many industries, thanks to its stable and durable characteristics and affordability.

IT IS AN EXCELLENT ELECTRICAL INSULATOR

It is used frequently as an insulator for wiring and cable, particularly in computer applications, since it is an excellent electric insulator and has a high melting point.

IT HAS LOW FRICTION
It's low friction also makes it a popular material in mechanical engineering applications. It is regularly used for slide bearings, slide plates, gears and other working parts where sliding action takes place.

IT IS RESISTANT TO WEAR
Due to its non-reactivity as well as its tolerance for high temperatures, PTFE is also often used in industrial pipes and hose assemblies in which chemicals and acids are used.

IT IS TOLERANT OF HIGH TEMPERATURES
Due to its non-reactivity as well as its tolerance for high temperatures, PTFE is also often used in industrial pipes and hose assemblies in which chemicals and acids are used.

IT IS FDA APPROVED & FOOD SAFE
This makes it an excellent choice for applications in food manufacturing and packaging, particularly since the material is food grade compliant and resistant to staining.

IT IS CHEMICALLY RESISTANT & INERT
Combined with its high temperature resistance PTFE is extremely chemically resistant and chemically inert making it an ideal material for sealing components in chemically aggressive applications.

COMMON GRADES OF PTFE

Virgin PTFE
"Virgin PTFE" (PTFE without a filler) is one of the most chemically inert materials known and is used in many different applications and industries.

Glass Filled PTFE
Virgin PTFE with 25% Glass fiber filler which dramatically increases compressive strength and lowers deformation under load.

Bronze Filled PTFE
The addition of Bronze to PTFE gives better dimensional stability and lowers creep, cold flow and wear.

Carbon Filled PTFE
The addition of Carbon Fibre to PTFE increases the compressive strength and wear resistance. It provides good thermal conductivity and low permeability.

Stainless Steel Filled PTFE
The material is extremely hard wearing, has excellent strength and stability under extreme loads and elevated temperatures whilst still retaining the low coefficient of friction of conventional PTFE.

Filled PTFE's maintain their chemical and high temperature characteristics, while fillers improve mechanical strength, stability, and wear resistance.