TFE FLUOROCARBON Teflon®

There are several basic members of the fluorocarbon (or fluoroplastics, as they are sometimes called) family. Most widely known are: polytetrafluoroethylene {PTFE) and polytrifluoro­-chloroethylene (CTFE).

A newer variation is fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) which exhibits many of the same properties as PTFE, but has the added advantage that it can be processed in conventional thermoplastics equipment. Newer still is vinylidene fluoride, a flurocarbon that offers excellent chemical resistance, inertness to moisture, weathering, and oxidation, and retention of physical properties within a temperature range of -80 to 300° F.

Teflon® (polytetrafluoroethylene PTFE) is among the more expensive fluorocarbons. Design engineers have found Teflon® to be adaptable to a variety of requirements because it offers a unique combination of heat resistance, low friction, and good chemical and electrical properties. Fluorocarbons can be used over a wide temperature range, from as low as -0° F to as high as 500°F.

Parts fabricated with PTFE resins exhibit high strength, toughness, and self-lubrication at low temperatures. These fluorocarbon resins are virtually unaffected by most chemicals. Teflon® also exhibits the lowest dielectric constants and lowest dissipation factors of all solid materials.

Chemical Properties

• Resistance to corrosive reagents
• Non-solubility
• Long-term weatherability
• Non-adhesiveness
• Non-flammability

Electrical Properties

• Low dielectric constant
• Low dissipation factor
• High arc resistance
• High surface resistivity
• High volume resistivity

Mechanical properties

• Flexibility at low temperatures
• Low coefficient of friction
• Stability at high temperatures