PTFE Characteristics & Benefits
Description: PTFE is polytetrafluoroethylene and is available in many grades for a wide range of applications. Products are fabricated from PTFE resin using ram extrusion, molding (for granular resin), and paste extrusion and calendaring techniques (for fine-powder resin), dispersion coating (dispersion based resin).
- Fluorotherm manufactures PTFE paste extruded tubing with the following features:
- PTFE tube does not contain processing aids that intended as part of the final product.
- External filling for PTFE tube may consist of materials such as carbon, boron-nitride, bronze, glass etc., to provide specific performance features such as thermal or electrical conductivity, improved abrasion or cut through resistance.
- Extremely high lubricity, thus low coefficient of friction compared to other materials.
- PTFE tube is non-stick and non-wetting (hydrophobic), low surface tension with water.
- PTFE tube excellent dielectric and electrical insulation characteristics.
- PTFE tube exceptional chemical inertness.
- PTFE tube can use upper temperature use limit for PTFE is 500°F (260°C) under non-stress conditions.
- PTFE tube suitable for cryogenic conditions. PTFE resins remain strong and tough down to -320°F (-96°C); the boiling point of liquid nitrogen. Several sources have reported some ductility at -450°F
(-268°C). For details on cryogenic behavior and properties, please contact Fluorotherm.
- PTFE tube low extractables.
- PTFE tube is easily purged and cleaned.
- PTFE tube made of PTFE fine powder resin is clear at wall thicknesses of less than 0.020” (0.5 mm) and translucent with reasonably good visibility at higher wall thicknesses.
- The chemical inertness and UV resistant characteristics of PTFE leads to excellent weathering and aging properties even under aggressive conditions.
- PTFE is adversely affected by ionizing (electron beam) irradiation; in fact irradiation is used to produce some useful products.