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PTFE — Fluoropolymer Workhorse
PTFE has an impressive array of physical properties which make it the optimum material of choice for applications ranging from wire and cable insulation to medical catheter linings to active wear fabric. These properties include:
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Lowest coefficient of friction |
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Excellent low loss for electrical applications |
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Superior heat resistance |
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Inherently UV resistant |
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Excellent chemical resistance |
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FDA compliant in virgin form |
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Low smoke and flame characteristics |
There are also some characteristics which can limit the use of PTFE, including relatively low mechanical properties and the inability of materials to adhere to the surface. More |
Technical Advisory
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PTFE was the first fluorocarbon. It is the most chemically resistant plastic known. Only a few chemicals react with it. |
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Its mechanical properties are low compared to other engineering plastics, but its properties remain at a useful level over a great temperature range — from -400 to 500°F
(-240 to 260°C). |
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Mechanical properties can be improved by the addition of fillers such as glass fiber, carbon, graphite, molybdenum disulfide and bronze. |
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It is difficult to make anything adhere to PTFE. A material may stick to it, but the material can be peeled off or rubbed off. |
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PTFE is not melt processible; instead it is processed by paste and ram extrusion or compression molding. |
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Sustainability of Plastic:
Did You Know…
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The use of plastics in cars has lightweighted the average automobile by 450 pounds. The fuel efficiency derived by this plastics’ benefit is 132 gallons for every 62,000 miles driven. |
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Without plastics’ resistance to corrosion, the product life of some major appliances would be reduced by nearly 40 percent. By helping them last longer, plastics keep appliances and other durable goods out of the waste stream. |
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You could carry home 1,000 oz. of soda in 2 lbs. of plastic packaging, but it would take 27 lbs. of glass, 8 lbs. of steel and 3 lbs. of aluminum to do the same job. |
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From a manufacturing, transportation and end of life standpoint, replacing plastics with other materials would require 57 percent more energy consumption and 61 percent more greenhouse gas emissions. |
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Introduction to Plastics, 11th Edition
Just released! The new edition of IAPD’s Introduction to Plastics is an indispensible reference manual for learning about plastics, their properties, how they're made and their applications. It includes the latest versions of the IAPD Plastics Properties Tables and IAPD Plastics Rectangle, excellent tools for selecting the right plastic materials for a project. Order your copy today. |
Get to Know Your Distributor
IAPD distributors are your best source for finding materials for your application. Go to www.iapd.org to find a distributor in your area. You can search by company name, location or product category. |
The IAPD Magazine
This bi-monthly magazine contains expert-written articles on innovative plastic materials and applications. Each issue focuses on different materials and industries. Subscribe today to stay informed of what’s going on in the plastics distribution market.
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