PTFE Sheet
PTFE Sheet
Polyetrafluorethylene
PTFE Sheet is renowned for its exceptional properties, making it a highly sought-after engineering material. With an impressively low coefficient of friction, it demonstrates outstanding non-stick characteristics, rendering it invaluable across a wide array of applications. Its remarkable resistance to chemicals and ability to withstand high temperatures ensure unparalleled stability, even in the most demanding environments. PTFE Sheet's excellent electrical insulating properties make it a dependable choice for various electrical applications. Moreover, its biocompatibility qualifies it for use in critical industries such as medical and food-related applications. From industrial sectors to healthcare settings, PTFE Sheet remains a trusted and versatile material.
Properties
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Melting point: 327°C
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Shore hardness: Shore D
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Thermal conductivity: 0.20 J(g*K)
Applications:
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Sealing and gasket components in chemical processing equipment
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Electrical insulating parts in electronics and electrical industries
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Linings for chemical tanks and containers
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Non-stick surfaces for cooking and baking applications.
Frequently asked questions
PTFE Sheet boasts several advantages that make it a preferred choice for various applications. It exhibits an incredibly low coefficient of friction, making it ideal for high-temperature and low-friction uses. Additionally, PTFE's excellent dielectric properties make it suitable for microwave frequencies in printed circuit boards. It is one of the most thermally stable plastic materials, withstanding temperatures up to 260°C without appreciable decomposition. Moreover, PTFE serves as a high-performance substitute for polyethylene in low-cost applications, owing to its higher melting temperature.
While PTFE Sheet is a versatile material, it does have a few limitations to consider. It has minimal "plastic memory" and may be subject to creep. To limit this effect, a version of PTFE with fillers must be used. PTFE is described as soft, which can lead to damage or distortion when clamped. It is not considered tough and lacks high tensile strength. Additionally, PTFE decomposes above 350°C, producing lethal fumes to birds and flu-like symptoms in humans.
PTFE products showcase exceptional resistance to high and low temperatures, chemical reaction, corrosion, and stress-cracking. Its electrical and low-friction properties make it a preferred material for various applications and processing techniques.
PTFE Sheet is often used in applications requiring sliding action of parts, such as plain bearings and slide plates. It performs significantly better than nylon and acetal in low-friction applications. PTFE is also suitable for microwave frequencies in printed circuit boards due to its excellent dielectric properties. Additionally, PTFE sheets find application in cryogenic environments, and their high corrosion resistance makes them useful in laboratory settings as containers for materials like fluoroantimonic acid.
Machining PTFE Sheet can be challenging due to its softness, low friction, and "slipperiness." Proper care is required when holding the material in a lathe to prevent crushing or distortion. Additionally, long strings of swarf generated during machining can wrap around cutters or tooling.
PTFE Sheet requires surface preparation prior to bonding, such as etching with a solution of sodium and naphthalene in tetrahydrofuran. Adhesive manufacturers offer proprietary primers that prepare the surface for adhesive bonding. Various adhesives, including epoxies, polyurethanes, and acrylics, can be used. Special acrylic-based adhesives from companies like Loctite® and 3M® can bond directly to PTFE without extensive pre-treatment.
Yes, PTFE is famously known for its use in DuPont's Teflon® lining for cookware, making it suitable for food-grade applications.
PTFE Sheet wear resistance depends on factors such as the roughness of the opposing material, speed, and load applied. For high-wear applications, other engineering plastics like UHMWPE may be a better choice.
PTFE exhibits excellent chemical resistance against most known elements and compounds. It is attacked only by alkaline metals in their elemental state, chlorine trifluoride, and elemental fluorine at high temperatures and pressures. PTFE does not dissolve in most solvents at temperatures up to around 300°C.
PTFE's exceptional slipperiness is renowned, making it the only known surface to which a gecko cannot stick.
PTFE is also referred to as Teflon® (DuPont).
PTFE Sheet is available in white (natural) and comes in thicknesses ranging from 0.5mm up to 50mm.
PTFE Sheet can be hazardous when heated above 400°C, releasing toxic emissions. Exposure to heated PTFE dust or shavings through sources like a lit cigarette can be fatal.
PTFE Sheet offers exceptional advantages, including super low friction, high chemical resistance, low and high-temperature capability, weathering resistance, and excellent electrical and thermal insulation.
PTFE, famously known as Teflon®, is a highly chemically resistant plastic with remarkable properties. Its exceptional thermal stability and low coefficient of friction make it an excellent choice for various applications. Though challenging to machine and bond, PTFE's unique characteristics and versatility make it a valuable material in different industries.