What is Teflon PTFE?
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) resin is in a class of paraffinic polymers that have some or all of the hydrogen replaced by fluoride. The original PTFE resin was invented by DuPont in 1938 and called Teflon®.
PTFE Characteristics
The extraordinary characteristics of PTFE make it the ideal choice in a wide range of products and applications. As previously mentioned, PTFE has a coefficient of friction that is one of the lowest of any material. PTFE is extremely abrasion resistant, making it adaptable to the harshest environments. In addition, PTFE can withstand a wide range of temperatures, from 260 Degrees Centigrade down to -270 Degrees Centigrade, and can even handle brief exposures at higher temperatures. PTFE also has excellent flame resistance due to its extremely high melting point, along with a very low rate of smoke generation and heat release. Another advantage of PTFE is that it is chemically inert and pure, and has no additional stabilizers, lubricants or plasticizers that would taint process fluids.
The list of unique properties of PTFE almost seems to be endless! PTFE products have an extremely long service life, primarily due to PTFE retaining its original properties over a long period of time, even at extreme temperatures, in ultraviolet (UV) light, and when exposed to oils, oxidizing agents and solvents. PTFE also is extremely corrosion resistant, especially to acids, and harsh inorganic and organic chemicals. Additionally, the original properties PTFE remain the same even after extended time periods in water. Furthermore, PTFE is resistant to atmospheric aging in the form of discoloration, oxidation, and, as previously noted, is not affected by ultraviolet light. |
Teflon as a Bearing
Virgin Teflon PTFE in and of itself is a lousy bearing but when you modify TFE with materials like Glass, Ceramic, Bronze, Moly or Polyimide it becomes an excellent bearing with Limiting PV values of up to 10,000. Visit our Bearing Design section to see if one of our modified TFE formulations will work in your bearing application. TFE is available in Extruded Rod, Sheet, Slab, Tubing and Massive Tubular Bar in standard and custom formulations. Call 1-800-265-7351 for details.
Teflon Overview Glass Filled TFE Bronze/Moly Filled TFE Carbon Graphite Filled TFE
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