Polytetrafluorethylene – PTFE – is a polymer of tetrafluorethylene. The strength of its carbon-fluorine bonds makes it a material with a unique combination of special properties.
PTFE MAIN PROPERTIES ARE:
- superior thermal stability (from -270°C up to +260°C)
- excellent chemical inertness
- superior dielectric properties
- good mechanical properties at extremely low and high temperatures
- low coefficient of friction
- excellent release properties
- excellent weatherability
- flame resistance
PTFE is a thermal insulating material. It is stable up to 260°C for an indefinite amount of time, making it one of the preferred option for high temperature applications and it is also the least flammable among all the plastics.
CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
PTFE withstands all of the chemical products, except for alkaline metals, chlorotrifluoride and elemental fluorine at high temperature and pressure. It absorbs no water and has outstanding light and weather resistance, therefore it is suitable for outdoor uses even in extreme weather conditions without any limitation or noticeable change to its electrical and mechanical properties.
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES
PTFE is an excellent electrical insulator retaining its dielectric properties in a wide range of frequencies and temperatures. Its dielectric strength changes depending on the thickness and it decreases when the frequency increases, with no substantial alterations up to 300 °C.
TRIBOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
PTFE has the lowest coefficient of friction of all plastics and it is therefore the preferred choice for sliding applications.
