What You Need to Know About PTFE

Posted by Tef on October 26th, 2019

Polytetrafluoroethylene or PTFE is a versatile plastic polymer. Like a chameleon of the plastics world, PTFE takes on many forms. It can be found in everything from kitchenware and snow sleds to advanced fighter jets. But, what exactly is it?

What Is PTFE?

PTFE is a solid material created from the polymerization (the process of making polymer) of tetrafluoroethylene or TFE (a fluorocarbon chemical). Opaque white in color, PTFE is used in many industries, including food and beverage, aerospace, and manufacturing.

Independently, TFE is a gaseous and highly unstable chemical. But the aggregate effects of polymerization create a chemical chain reaction that strengthens and stabilizes its fluorine and carbon molecule bonds. This results in a carbon-based fluoropolymer, called PTFE, which has such impressive properties as:

Chemical Stability

The carbon and fluoride molecules in PTFE are so stable that they rarely change their physical properties. This allows the material to be:

Chemically resistant: PTFE has inherited carbon's ability to not react with other chemicals. This protects the material from corrosive acids, aggressive alkalis, and neutral bases.

Hydrophobic: It's non-reaction to bases also means water can't pass through its surface, which can cause oxidation.

Tolerant to extreme temperatures: PTFE can resist temperatures from sub-zero up to 327°C (621°F).

Weather-resistant: Being chemically resistant, hydrophobic, and tolerant to extreme temperatures allows it to withstand natural erosion, crumbling, and wear and tear.

Low Friction

The friction coefficient of PTFE is so low that it's one of the few surfaces to which even a gecko can't stick! This property makes it ideal for slide bearings, plates, gears, and other such parts. PTFE tubing manufacturers also use this polymerized product to create roll covers that chemicals can't adhere to.  

Even though it’s used in large manufacturing operations, PTFE is also commonly found in homes. It's low-friction is most popularly found in kitchenware, especially non-stick pans. Outside of the kitchen, people take advantage of its slick property in ski shoes, sleds, flat irons, or in simple sheet lining.

Excellent Electrical Insulation

Most industries use the fluoropolymer for its dielectric property. This is because when the material is placed in an electric field, the charge polarizes the material instead of flowing through it. The resulting effect creates an internal field that reduces the amount of electrons lost, while also strengthening its electrical bonds. This makes wires and cables made of PTFE excellent electrical insulators.

Born through polymerization, PTFE has achieved a cloak-like ability for use in many applications. Its base molecules allow it to have a low friction coefficient, excellent insulation, and high chemical stability. If you're interested in using it, look for a specialized producer, like a PTFE tubing manufacturer, for example.