PTFE plastics

What is PTFE plastic, or Teflon?

PTFE stands for polytetrafluoroethylene, an engineering fluoropolymer commonly known as Teflon. It is a highly crystalline thermoplastic whose combination of chemical resistance, temperature resistance, low friction and insulating properties makes it suitable for applications where conventional engineering plastics are not sufficient.
One of the most important characteristics of PTFE is its very good chemical resistance. The material is suitable for many demanding industrial environments in which components come into contact with various chemical media.
In addition, PTFE plastic has a non-stick surface, does not absorb moisture and is resistant to UV radiation. Its good sliding properties also make it useful for components where friction between contact surfaces needs to be reduced.

Main properties of PTFE plastic

Teflon, or PTFE, combines properties that are difficult to achieve in a single material with many other engineering plastics:

• excellent chemical resistance,
• very wide operating temperature range,
• good sliding properties,
• low friction,
• non-stick surface,
• very low moisture absorption,
• good electrical insulating properties,
• good resistance to UV radiation,
• self-extinguishing properties,
• suitability for many demanding industrial applications.

Our range includes PTFE grades with declared operating temperatures up to approximately 260 °C, while some grades are specified for use at temperatures down to approximately –200 °C. When selecting a material, the technical data for the specific grade should always be checked, as permissible temperatures depend on the material grade and application conditions.

PTFE sheets, rods, tubes, films and tapes

When manufacturing industrial components, it is important to choose the appropriate form of semi-finished material. This can reduce material waste and simplify subsequent machining.
At M&M Intercom, we offer PTFE sheets in various thicknesses and dimensions. They are used as starting material for manufacturing seals, insulating elements, sliding plates, washers and other machine components.
PTFE rods are particularly suitable for manufacturing turned components such as bushings, rings, sealing elements, spacers and other cylindrical components.
For hollow or ring-shaped components, PTFE tubes are available. By selecting a suitable inner and outer diameter, the amount of material that must be removed during machining can be reduced.
The range is complemented by PTFE films and tapes, enabling the material to be used for thinner sealing, insulating and other technical applications.

PTFE for high- and low-temperature applications

One of the key advantages of PTFE plastic is its wide operating temperature range. Our range includes materials with declared temperature ranges that, for certain grades, extend from approximately –200 °C to +260 °C.
This makes PTFE suitable for applications involving major temperature variations or where other engineering plastics are unsuitable because temperatures are too high or too low.
When designing a component, temperature is not the only factor to consider. Mechanical load, exposure time, chemical environment and other factors must also be taken into account. The maximum permissible material temperature alone therefore does not mean that a particular grade is optimal for every application at that temperature.

Chemical resistance of PTFE

The chemical resistance of Teflon is one of the main reasons for its widespread industrial use. PTFE is used for components exposed to aggressive media where a material with high chemical inertness is required.
It is therefore commonly used for sealing elements, pump components, valves, piping systems and equipment for the chemical and process industries.
For chemically demanding applications, however, it remains important to verify the compatibility of the specific medium, its concentration, temperature and pressure with the selected material grade.

PTFE for seals and sealing elements

One important field of application is PTFE seals. The combination of chemical resistance, a wide temperature range and a non-stick surface enables PTFE to be used in a variety of sealing applications.
PTFE sheets, tubes and rods can be used to manufacture flat gaskets, rings and other sealing elements according to the geometry and requirements of the system.
When selecting material for a seal, the key factors are the operating medium, temperature, pressure, joint design and mechanical loads. Virgin PTFE may be more suitable for certain applications, while a modified or filled grade may be preferable for others.

Modified PTFE for more demanding applications

In addition to standard PTFE, our range includes various filled or modified grades. These include materials containing glass fibres, graphite, carbon, bronze, molybdenum disulphide and other fillers.
Our range includes, among others:

• PTFE + 25% glass fibre,
• PTFE + 15% graphite,
• PTFE + 25% carbon-graphite,
• PTFE + 40% bronze,
• PTFE + 60% bronze + 2% carbon,
• PTFE + 15% glass fibre + 5% MoS₂,
• PTFE + Ekonol.

By adding different fillers, individual properties of the base PTFE can be modified and the material can be better adapted to specific mechanical, sliding or wear requirements.
For more demanding applications, the question is therefore not only whether to use PTFE, but also which PTFE grade to choose.

PTFE with graphite, glass fibre or bronze

Different fillers are used for specific technical purposes. PTFE with glass fibre can be suitable where certain mechanical and wear properties of the base material need to be improved.
PTFE with graphite or carbon is used mainly in applications where tribological properties and wear resistance are important.
PTFE with bronze provides an additional option for more demanding mechanical and sliding applications.
Since individual fillers alter the properties of the base PTFE, selection should always be based on the actual operating conditions of the component.

Teflon in the food industry

PTFE is also used in the food industry, where its non-stick surface, chemical resistance and the fact that it does not absorb moisture are particularly beneficial.
Many PTFE semi-finished products in our range are declared suitable for the food industry or compliant with FDA requirements. Certain products also specify additional compliance such as EU 1935/2004, EU 10/2011, 3A and USP Class VI.
For use in regulated environments, the documentation for the specific product should always be checked, as certificates and declared compliance vary between individual materials and grades.

PTFE as an electrical and thermal insulator

Good insulating properties further expand the applications of PTFE plastic. The material is used to manufacture electrical and thermal insulating elements, particularly where high temperatures, moisture or chemically demanding conditions are also present.
The combination of insulating properties and very low moisture absorption is important for components where the material must retain its properties even in demanding environments.

Where is PTFE plastic used?

Due to its special properties, Teflon plastic has a very wide range of industrial applications. PTFE is used to manufacture:

• seals and sealing rings,
• sliding elements,
• bushings,
• electrical insulators,
• thermal insulators,
• pump components,
• valve elements,
• roller coatings,
• washers,
• rings,
• process equipment components,
• various machined machine elements.

It is used in mechanical engineering, the chemical and process industries, the food industry, electrical engineering and many other sectors.

How to choose the right PTFE?

When selecting PTFE plastic, the operating conditions should be defined first. The main factors are temperature, type of chemical medium, pressure, mechanical loads, friction, sliding speed, required tolerances and any food-contact requirements.
The appropriate material grade is then selected. Standard PTFE may be sufficient for less demanding applications, while for greater mechanical or tribological requirements, modified materials with graphite, glass fibre, bronze or other fillers should be considered.
The form of the semi-finished product is also important. Choosing between a PTFE sheet, rod, tube, film or tape can have a significant effect on the amount of subsequent machining, material utilisation and the cost of manufacturing the final component.

Wide range of PTFE plastic at M&M Intercom

At M&M Intercom, we offer a broad range of PTFE plastic for industrial use. You can choose from sheets, rods, tubes, films and tapes in numerous dimensions, as well as standard and modified PTFE materials.
Our range includes products from DMH, Guarniflon, Traid Villarroya and other suppliers. Various thicknesses, widths, lengths, outer and inner diameters and material compositions are available.
Because application requirements vary significantly, we also provide expert advice to help you select the appropriate Teflon or PTFE plastic.

 

Frequently asked questions about PTFE plastic (Teflon)

1. What is PTFE plastic?
PTFE, or polytetrafluoroethylene, is a high-performance engineering fluoropolymer commonly known as Teflon. It is characterised by excellent chemical resistance, a wide temperature range, good sliding and insulating properties and a non-stick surface.
2. Are PTFE and Teflon the same?
In everyday and industrial use, the term Teflon is often used for PTFE. The precise name of the base material is polytetrafluoroethylene, or PTFE, while Teflon is commonly used as a generally recognised term for this type of fluoropolymer.
3. What temperature can PTFE withstand?
Temperature resistance depends on the specific grade and operating conditions. Our range includes grades with declared operating temperatures up to approximately +260 °C, while for certain materials the lower limit extends to approximately –200 °C. Always check the technical data sheet of the selected product before use.
4. Is PTFE resistant to chemicals?
PTFE has excellent chemical resistance and is therefore widely used in the chemical and process industries. For a specific application, however, it is advisable to check material compatibility with the medium, taking into account its concentration, temperature and other conditions.
5. Is PTFE suitable for manufacturing seals?
Yes. PTFE is a commonly used material for seals and other sealing elements because of its chemical resistance, wide temperature range and low friction. The choice between virgin and modified PTFE is adapted to the medium, pressure, temperature and seal design.
6. What is the difference between virgin and filled PTFE?
Virgin PTFE provides characteristic chemical resistance, low friction and a wide usable temperature range. Adding graphite, carbon, glass fibre, bronze or other fillers can primarily modify the mechanical, sliding and wear properties of the material and adapt it to more demanding applications.
7. In what forms is PTFE available?
Our range includes PTFE sheets, rods, tubes, films and tapes. Various thicknesses, lengths, widths and inner and outer diameters are available, allowing the appropriate semi-finished product to be selected for subsequent machining.
8. Is PTFE suitable for the food industry?
Our range includes PTFE products declared suitable for the food industry or specified as FDA compliant. Certain grades also specify compliance with EU 1935/2004, EU 10/2011, 3A or USP Class VI. The documentation for the specific product should always be checked.
9. Does PTFE absorb water or moisture?
PTFE absorbs virtually no moisture, which is an important advantage for use in humid environments and in applications where stable material properties need to be maintained even when exposed to water.
10. How do I choose the right PTFE for industrial use?
Selection should take into account temperature, chemical medium, mechanical loads, pressure, friction, wear, required dimensions and any regulatory requirements. At M&M Intercom, we help you select the appropriate standard or modified PTFE plastic as well as the suitable form and dimensions of the semi-finished product.

 

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