PTFE Properties
PTFE is a highly useful plastic material polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). PTFE is one of a class of plastics known as fluoropolymers. A polymer is a compound formed by a chemical reaction which combines particles into groups of repeating large molecules. Many common synthetic fibers are polymers, such as polyester and nylon. PTFE is the polymerized form of tetrafluoroethylene. PTFE has many unique properties, which make it valuable in scores of applications. It has a very high melting point, and is also stable at very low temperatures. It can be dissolved by nothing but hot fluorine gas or certain molten metals, so it is extremely resistant to corrosion. It is also very slick and slippery. This makes it an excellent material for coating machine parts which are subjected to heat, wear, and friction, therefore the first choice for most enigineering solutions. PTFE has low electrical conductivity, so it makes a good electrical insulator. and it is essential to the manufacture of semi-conductors. PTFE is also found in a variety of medical applications, such as in vascular grafts, although there are restrictions as to the use of PTFE associated with medical devices, please consult us on specific application requirements.
PTFE can be produced in a number of ways, depending on the particular traits desired for the end product. Many specifics of the process are proprietary secrets of the manufacturers. There are two main methods of producing PTFE. One is suspension polymerization. In this method, the TFE is polymerized in water, resulting in grains of PTFE. The grains can be further processed into pellets which can be molded. In the dispersion method, the resulting PTFE is a milky paste which can be processed into a fine powder. Both the paste and powder are used in coating applications.