PTFE is used in many industrial and commercial applications, including cabling, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and semiconductor manufacturing. PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) resin is a paraffin polymer with some or all of the hydrogen atoms replaced with fluorine atoms.
It is classified as a thermoplastic and has a low coefficient of friction, excellent insulating properties, and is chemically inert (to most substances) because of the strength of the carbon-fluorine bonds. PTFE has the third lowest coefficient of friction of all known solid materials – even a gecko cannot stick to it.
Versatility
PTFE is well known for its versatility; it can withstand very high temperatures and has excellent anti-stick properties (which is why it is so often used to coat pots and pans). It was discovered in 1938 by Dr. Roy J. Plunkett and later commercialized in 1946 by DuPont.
Since then, it has been applied to the chemical industry for vessel linings, seals, spacers, gaskets, and washers; the electrical industry for insulators, tubing, and capacitors; and is FDA-approved for the pharmaceutical, food & beverage, and cosmetic industries. And here, at New Process Fibre, we use PTFE to create many parts, especially PTFE Washers.
Range of Applications
The sheer range of suitable applications for PTFE demonstrates the versatility of the material. PTFE fluoroplastic resins continue to be used in a number of applications, including consumer electronics, tubing for flue gas heat exchangers, food processing equipment, industrial coatings, pharmaceutical processing equipment, and are added to inks, molded gears, seals, and lubricants for added resistance to wear and temperature.
PTFE is a solid at room temperature with a density of 2200 kg/m3. Its melting point is 600 K and it maintains its high strength, toughness, and self-lubrication down to a temperature of 5 K.
As previously mentioned, PTFE is unreactive with most chemicals; only alkali metals or high-temperature aluminum, magnesium, and fluorinating agents will affect PTFE.
New Process and PTFE
New Process Fibre uses PTFE to many parts such as, PTFE Washers, PTFE Gaskets, and more. Our PTFE products have excellent chemical resistance and prevent the intrusion of water or oils into your assembly. We can also create custom designs for any of these parts based on your design specifications. Contact us to request a quote for your PTFE part today.
