All You Need to Know About PTFE

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PTFE is a low friction engineering plastic with outstanding chemical, high temp, and weathering resistance. It is an ideal choice for a variety of applications. The most popular use is to make the coating on nonstick cookware. Let’s dig into the details to know where it is applied and what outstanding features make it special!

1. What is PTFE?

PTFE or Polytetrafluoroethylene is a synthetic fluoropolymer of tetrafluoroethylene discovered serendipitously in 1938 by an American chemist, Roy Plunkett. This synthetic polymer consists of two simple elements: carbon and fluorine. Its chemical structure is [CF2-CF2]n. The material is well-known for its softness, low friction, great chemical and weathering resistance, and excellent dielectric properties.

2. What is Teflon Material? Are PTFE and Teflon the Same?

Some people may be confused between PTFE and Teflon. In fact, they are the same thing.
What is in Teflon? Teflon is actually a synthetic polymer containing carbon and fluorine called Polytetrafluoroethylene. Thus, the properties of Teflon are also what PTFE has. In other words, they are the same material with different names.

3. How is PTFE Processed?

The rigid polymeric chain structure of Polytetrafluoroethylene makes the material have a very high-melt viscosity and a high-melting temperature. Therefore, the processing procedure, such as injection, extrusion, and molding, is quite challenging. The process, including particle size, sintering temperature, and processing pressure, strongly affects the properties of PTFE’s products.

4. PTFE Outstanding Features

4.1. Typical Physical Properties

FLEXURAL MODULUS OF ELASTICITY: 72,000 psi
HEAT DEFLECTION TEMPERATURE: 250°F
IZOD IMPACT (notched): 3.5 ft-lbs/in of notch
TENSILE STRENGTH: 1,500 - 3,000 psi
WATER ABSORPTION (Immersion 24 hours): <0.01 %

4.2. Mechanical Properties

TENSILE STRENGTH: 1,500 - 3,000 psi
TENSILE MODULUS OF ELASTICITY: 1,500 - 3,000 psi
TENSILE ELONGATION: 100 - 200 %
FLEXURAL MODULUS OF ELASTICITY: 72,000 psi

4.3. Thermal Properties

COEFFICIENT OF LINEAR THERMAL EXPANSION: 8.9 in/in/°F x 10-5
HEAT DEFLECTION TEMPERATURE: 250°F
MAX CONTINUOUS SERVICE TEMPERATURE IN AIR: 500°F

4.4. Electrical Properties

DIELECTRIC STRENGTH: 400 - 500 V/mil

5. Why Should You Choose PTFE?

There are numerous reasons making PTFE a perfect choice in many industries. It has:

High flexural strength: This ability allows the material to be bent and flexible, even at low temperatures. Therefore, you can apply it on many surfaces without affecting its integrity.
Hydrophobic: Its water-resistant capability keeps the material dry, suitable for cooking, wound dressings, etc.
High melting point: PTFE's melting point is around 327°C, meaning it is hardly damaged by heat.
Low coefficient of friction: Its coefficient of friction is one of the lowest of materials, preventing things from sticking to it.
Chemically inert: PTFE tolerates the majority of chemicals and solvents.
Last but not least, the material is good for value. It is one of the most affordable fluoropolymers on the market.

6. What is PTFE Used For?

Thanks to its outstanding properties, stable and durable characteristics, PTFE is widely used in many industries.

Its low friction makes it a popular material in mechanical applications, such as gears, slide plates, slide bearings, and other working components where sliding action mostly happens.
PTFE has a high melting point and is an excellent electrical insulator making it a suitable material for wiring and cable, especially in computer applications.
Since the material is resistant to wear, it is ideal for industrial hose assemblies and pipes.
The material is chemically resistant and inert, that's why it is an excellent choice for sealing details for chemical content.
PTFE is also resistant to wear and tear and weather damage; therefore, you usually see it as an extremely long-lasting material for construction projects such as bridges, supermarkets, and parks.
PTFE applications also include food manufacturing and packaging because the material is FDA-approved and food safe. It is food-grade compliant and resistant to staining. It's also commonly used in the medical field.

7. Common Grades of PTFE

Virgin (Unfilled) Grade PTFE: Being made of virgin PTFE resin, the material is soft and formable, suitable for chemical-resistant seals and gaskets.
Glass-Filled PTFE: It's the virgin PTFE added 25% Glass fiber filler, improving stiffness and strength and lowering the deformation under load.
Bearing Grades of PTFE: Thanks to its low friction and high service temperatures, this material is a common choice for high-performance bushings and bearings, especially those that need resistance to corrosive chemicals.
Reprocessed PTFE: It's made from recycled material.
Tech Tip: The material with improved technology can be used in a wide range of temperatures (from -328°F (-200°C) to 500°F (+260°C)).

8. Looking for Other Engineering Plastic Compounds? EuroPlas Can Help

As a leader in the masterbatch industry, EuroPlas offers a wide range of optimal solutions with flexibility, high quality, and all functions in just one material for your business. Our products include PBT GF-FR compound, PA6, PA66 blend compound, PC flame retardant compound, ABS Glass fiber compound, ABS anti-static compound, etc., guaranteeing you high-quality end-products. Let's have a look at our list of Engineering Plastic Compounds below!

Product	Description	Features	Applications
PBT GF-FR compound	an engineering plastic comprising PBT plastic with glass fiber reinforcements, color, and flame retardant additive.	All functions in one single material Allow to directly processed without any materials required Tailor-made based on end-products' requirements Prevent abrasion and discoloration due to UV light, thus improving end-products' durability and longevity Great flame retardancy and high stiffness	Car fuel tank cap Rice cooker Vacuum Car interior
HIPS flame retardant compound	A combination of HIPS resin and flame retardant.	All functions in one single material Allow to directly processed without any materials required Tailor-made based on end-products' requirements Prevent fire spread on plastic surface, thus minimizing fire's damage	Mobile charger Power socket Electronic Components Earphone Electronic component pallet Keyboard
HIPS Conductive compound	A blend of HIPS resin and carbon black conductive as the reinforcement	All functions in one single material Allow to directly processed without any materials required Tailor-made based on end-products' requirements Improve mechanical properties, especially the electrical conductivity of end-products	Mobile charger Power socket Electronic Components Earphone Electronic component pallet Keyboard Consumer goods Packaging Toys
PA6, PA66 blend compound	The combination of PA6, PA66 resin and elastomer	All functions in one single material Allow to directly processed without any materials required Tailor-made based on end-products' requirements Good elasticity and high impact strength, which helps to improve mechanical properties and thermal ability of end-products	Electronic components Electronic component pallets Gears
PA66, PA6 Glass fiber compound	It is made of PA resin and reinforced with glass beads or glass fibers	All functions in one single material Allow to directly processed without any materials required Tailor-made based on end-products' requirements Increase stiffness, reduce shrinkage, and enhance strength for PA66 &PA6 resin Improve impact resistance and thermal durability of end-products	Car fuel tank cap Rice cooker Vacuum Car interior Home interior
PC flame retardant compound	It is made of PC resin mixed with halogen flame retardant.	All functions in one single material Allow to directly processed without any materials required Tailor-made based on end-products' requirements Increase stiffness, thermal ability and impact strength of end-products Technical specifications	Mobile charger Power socket Electronic Components Earphone Electronic component pallet Keyboard
PC glass fiber compound	A mixture of PC resin mixed with glass fiber as reinforcement.	All functions in one single material Allow to directly processed without any materials required Tailor-made based on end-products' requirements Increase stiffness, thermal ability and impact strength of end-products	Printers and printer cartridges Camera Rice cooker Vacuum Gears Keyboard
ABS Antistatic compound	The combination between ABS resin and antistatic additive.	All functions in one single material Allow to directly processed without any materials required Tailor-made based on end-products' requirements Prevent surface static, thus minimizing the risk of electrostatic discharge and ensuring safety during processing and product use.	Mobile charger Power socket Electronic Components Earphone Electronic component pallet Keyboard
ABS Glass fiber compound	A combination of ABS resin, glass fiber, and suitable additives	All functions in one single material Allow to directly processed without any materials required Tailor-made based on end-products' requirements Increase stiffness, heat deflection temperature (HDT) and softening point (VICAT) of end-products	Earphone Car fuel tank cap Car interior Printers and printer cartridges
ABS flame retardant compound	It is made of ABS resin and flame retardant additives which are in different fire resistance levels according to UL94 standard: V0, V1, and V2.	All functions in one single material Allow to directly processed without any materials required Tailor-made based on end-products' requirements Prevent fire spread on plastic surface	Mobile charger Power socket Electronic Components Earphone Electronic component pallet
PP flame retardant compound	The main components of PP-FR compound are polypropylene (PP) resin and halogen/non-halogen flame retardant.	All functions in one single material Allow to directly processed without any materials required Tailor-made based on end-products' requirements Prevent fire spread on plastic surface	Mobile charger Power socket Electronic Components Electronic component pallet
PP conductive compound	A combination of PP resin and carbon black conductive	All functions in one single material Allow to directly processed without any materials required Tailor-made based on end-products' requirements Higher stability compared to standard PP Improve electrical conductivity	Electronic Components Electronic component pallets Earphone
PP BaSO4 compound	It is made of PP resin, BaSO4, and suitable additives	All functions in one single material Allow to directly processed without any materials required Tailor-made based on end-products' requirements Enhance glossiness and Reduce stretching, shrinkage and bending Good thermal conductivity	Sanitary equipment Water purifier Rice cooker Vacuum
PP talc compound	A combination of talc powder and appropriate additives based on end-products' requirements	All functions in one single material Allow to directly processed without any materials required Tailor-made based on end-products' requirements Enhance stiffness and modulus bending Reduce stretching, shrinkage and bending Good thermal conductivity	Car fuel tank cap Car interior
PP glass bead compound	A combination of PP resin, glass beads, and specific additives	All functions in one single material Allow to directly processed without any materials required Tailor-made based on end-products' requirements Create consistent and transparent shape Good compression resistance and thermal stability, thereby stabilizing the shape of end-products.	Car fuel tank cap Car interior Home interior Sanitary equipment
PP glass fiber compound	A combination of PP resin, glass fiber and other specific additives	All functions in one single material Allow to directly processed without any materials required Tailor-made based on end-products' requirements Improve stiffness and reduce shrinkage Enhance impact strength and thermal resistance	Car fuel tank cap Car interior Home interior Rice cooker Vacuum

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