PTFE, polytetrafluoroethylene is a plastic-like material.
It is naturally opaque white, with a hardness close to that of natural polyethylene.
Here are most of the characteristics of PTFE,
(Teflon®, a trademark of DuPont de Nemours®):
Positive characteristics:
– Flexible material,
– Very low friction coefficient,
– Resistant to most chemicals,
– Good electrical insulator,
– Hydrophobic.
Negative characteristics:
– Low abrasion resistance,
– Low Pv limit resistance (Pressure × Velocity),
– High linear thermal expansion coefficient (virgin),
– Poor notch resistance,
– Low resilience (poor DRC).
To improve the shortcomings of PTFE, it can be blended with additive fillers.
The PTFE is then referred to as filled PTFE. Below are some of the most commonly used filled PTFEs in various industries:
– PTFE filled with glass fibers (5, 15, 25%),
– PTFE filled with carbon fibers and carbon fiber + graphite,
– PTFE filled with 15% glass fiber + 3% MoS₂,
– PTFE filled with bronze and/or bronze + MoS₂ or graphite (40%, 55% + 3% MoS₂, 60%),
– PTFE filled with polyimide,
– PTFE filled with Ekonol®,
– PTFE filled with graphite,
– Special filled PTFEs,
– SIDEFLON®, see the technical data sheet by clicking here.
PTFE (Teflon®), in its natural or virgin form, appears before processing as a white powder of varying fineness. This powder is extruded or pressed under very high pressure into a mold to obtain a finished part or a semi-finished product such as a block, sheet, tube, or rod.
Semi-finished products are then machined to obtain finished parts.
PTFE (Teflon®) is also used as an anti-friction agent in oils and greases, or as a non-stick coating (pans, pots, utensils).
PTFE is also commonly used in clothing manufacturing for its hydrophobic properties.
Certain grades of PTFE, filled or unfilled, can be used in the food industry or in the medical field.
PICARD Technologies® manufactures several grades of virgin and filled PTFE that comply with FDA, 3A Dairy Sanitary, and USP Class VI standards.
We can offer you semi-finished products (rods, tubes, sheets, plates) in virgin or filled PTFE specially designed for your needs, as well as machining of parts.
