Chemically resistant and extremely low friction engineering plastic for chemical processing, corrosive applications, and more.
Also known as Teflon®, PTFE is a soft fluoropolymer with excellent resistance to chemicals and weathering. PTFE remains stable in high temperature environments and has electrical insulating properties.
Properties
Exceptional chemical and corrosion resistance
Resists high temperatures
Mechanically tough
Low friction properties
Great electrical properties
Applications
Bearings, bushings, gaskets
Shims
Electrical sleeves
Semiconductor equipment
Oven plates & non-stick coatings
Cable insulation
Industries
Chemical
Automotive
Aerospace
Electronics
Medical equipment
PTFE Plastic Overview
What is PTFE Plastic?
PTFE, also known as polytetrafluoroethylene, is a high performance plastic with excellent electrical insulating properties and outstanding resistance to chemicals, high temperatures, and corrosion. PTFE is extremely weatherable and has high lubricity. Its properties make it ideal for use in the chemical, automotive, and aerospace industries for applications requiring a combination of high heat tolerance up to 500°F, chemical and corrosion resistance, and low friction properties.
PTFE is used in a wide variety of products such as tubing, bearings, bushings, seals, insulation, and other applications that require excellent chemical resistance and great thermal and electrical insulation properties. PTFE is commonly found in cookware due to its non-stick properties and resistance to high temperatures.
Is PTFE a plastic?
PTFE is a soft fluoropolymer plastic with low friction properties and outstanding resistance to chemicals and high temperatures. It is thermally stable up to 500°F and has excellent electrical insulating characteristics.
Is PTFE plastic food safe?
Natural PTFE is FDA compliant and is an excellent choice for food manufacturing applications. PTFE under its brand name, Teflon™, is used as a coating for pans and cookware due to its resistance to corrosion and water as well as its non-stick properties. This fluoropolymer is chemically inert and has an has a upper service temperature of 500°F.
What does PTFE stand for plastic?
PTFE stands for PolyTetraFluoroEthylene, a soft, low friction fluoropolymer plastic with outstanding resistance to chemicals, high temperatures, and corrosion. It works well in both high heat and low friction applications due to its low friction properties and fantastic heat resistance. PTFE is also known by its trade name, Teflon™.
General Properties1 of PTFE
Property
Unfilled
25% Glass Filled Blend
Water Absorption @ 24 hrs.
< 0.01%
0.02%
Tensile Strength (psi)
3900 psi
2100 psi
Tensile Modulus
80 ksi
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Elongation @ Break
300%
270%
Flexural Strength (psi)
No Break
1950
Flexural Modulus (ksi)
72
190
Compressive Strength (psi)
3500
1000
Hardness (Shore D)
D50
D60
Izod Impact (Notched)
3.5 ft-lbs/in.
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Heat Deflection Temperature
132°F
150°F
Melting Temperature
635°F
635°F
1The values listed are typical and are meant only as a guide to aid in design. Field testing is always recommended to determine exact values for each application.
WARNING: The products on this page can expose you to chemicals including Tetrafluoroethylene, CAS 116-14-3, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to www.p65warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: The products on this page can expose you to chemicals including Tetrafluoroethylene, CAS 116-14-3, which are known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.p65warnings.ca.gov.