The unique properties of polytetrafluoroethylene have made it an indispensible material for a broad and growing list of industries and applications. PTFE is the most widely used fluoropolymer. PTFE is a high molecular weight, strong carbon fluorine polymer. This extremely slippery, chemically inert polymer has the lowest coefficient of friction of any solid and is very thermally stable. However, unfilled or virgin PTFE is sometimes an inadequate material for many applications; addingmore
Unit of Measure

Capabilities

Fillers Available

Aramid Calcium Fluoride Carbon Fiber Ceramic Conductive Carbon Glass Graphite Hard Carbon Mineral Moly Nickel PEEK Polyester Polymide Polyphenylene Sulphone PPS Soft Carbon

Conventional Fillers

Carbon (Hard and Soft)

Electrically conductive Improves lubricity Improves wear characteristics Increases Hardness Increases thermal conductivity One of the most inert fillers Reduces creep

Bronze

Better dimensional stability, higher thermal conductivity, lower creep and cold flow Improved hardness, lower wear, higher comprehensive strength

Graphite

Chemically inert Improved thermal conductivity Reduces initial wear and provides general strengthening characteristics Reduces startup friction Used in compounds for chemical and mechanical service

Carbon Fiber

Chemically inert to hydrofluoric acid and strong bases Increases flex and compressive modulus Increases hardness Increases thermal conductivity Increases wear resistance Less carbon fiber needed compared to glass to achieve the same effect Lowers creep

Glass Fibers

Adds to mechanical properties Chemically, electrically and mechanically balanced properties Increases wear resistance Least effect on chemical and electrical properties

Molybdenum Disulfide

Increased hardness, stiffness and wear resistance Reduces startup friction
Other Fillers used in PTFE Compounds1 Ekonol PEEK Polyimide Polyphenylene Sulphide Stainless Steel

Properties

Electrical

Decreased Dielectric Strength Increased Dielectric Constant & Dissipation

Mechanical

Increased Hardness Reduced Creep

Thermal

Reduced Linear Coefficient of Thermal Expansion & Contraction

Tribological

Absorbs small amounts of Moisture Improved Wear Resistance Increased Compressive Strength Increased Hardness Increased Thermal Conductivity Lower Deformation of Creep Reduced Wear Rate

Additional Information

Industry Focus

Aerospace Appliance Automotive/Transportation Chemical Construction Electrical Energy Food Industrial Medical Oil & Gas Pharmaceuticals Semiconductor

Industry Standards

ASTM FDA ISO Mil Spec RoHS SAE SPI (Member)
  • 1 Each offering advantages to specific applications