PTFE, together with the other fluorine-containing plastics, forms a specific group within the high-performance plastics group. This group offers excellent chemical resistance and a low coefficient of friction over a wide temperature range.
PTFE is resistant to almost all chemicals, is flame-retardant, easy to sterilise, has excellent UV resistance and remarkable non-stick properties. The intrinsic purity of the material makes PTFE suitable for direct food contact. The wear and compression resistance can be greatly improved by inlcuding additives such as bronze, graphite or glass fibres.
Unique features
- Virtually chemically inert
- Hardly any adhesion
- No moisture absorption
- Low coefficient of friction
- Non-flammable
- Food-safe
Applications
- Covers and liners
- Heavy chemical applications
- Bearing material
- Food industry
- Seals
Machining options
- Water jet cutting
- Laser cutting
- Welding
- Gluing
- Warm bending
- Cold bending
- Thermoforming
- Yes
- Not in all cases
- No
How to identify PTFE
To identify PTFE take a small sample and drop it in water; it will sink. The set it alight and it will burn without dripping or a flame and give off a smell like burnt hair.
What are the main properties of PTFE?
tbc
