PTFE - Polytetrafluoroethylene 

A Fluoropolymer used mainly for its excellent chemical resistance. It has poor mechanical features. The strain, even under low weight, makes it very suitable as a gasket material. 


FEATURES 

Chemical: a typical fluoropolymer with very high chemical resistance.
Mechanical: the mechanical features such as tensile stress and compressive strength are poor. Notably the bearing strain is very low.  
Very good resistance to low and high temperatures up to 260° C. as well as to UV rays.
Low flammability
Low friction coefficient 
Colour: natural


WEAK POINT
 
Poor mechanical properties. The strain is very high, even simply under the weight of the piece


APPLICATION

Mechanical: the low friction coefficient makes it suitable for bearings, provided that they work under low charge. 

Food contact: physiologically inert it is approved for use in contact with food by some standards, whilst in some countries this use is questioned.
 
Electrical: very good dielectric, self-extinguishing and weather stability properties make it suitable for this field. 

Chemical: very high chemical resistance to alkali and acids is the main feature of the fluoropolymers. PTFE is used for parts in the petrochemical and chemical industries.  

The graph shows that PVDF has better mechanical features than PTFE, together with an economical advantage thanks to its lower gravity.
A: ball identation hardness
B: compressive strength
C: gravity
blue =PTFE
yellow = PVDF