Properties of PTFE

PTFE CHARACTERISTICS AND PROPERTIES

Characteristics and Behavior

Description: PTFE is polytetrafluoroethylene and is available in many grades for a wide range of applications. Products are fabricated from PTFE resin using ram extrusion, molding (for granular resin), and paste extrusion and calendaring techniques (for fine-powder resin), dispersion coating (dispersion based resin).

PTFE tubing does not contain processing aids that intended as part of the final product.
External fillers for PTFE tubing may consist of materials such as carbon, boron-nitride, bronze, glass etc., to provide specific performance features such as thermal or electrical conductivity, improved abrasion or cut through resistance
Extremely high lubricity, thus low coefficient of friction compared to other materials
PTFE is non-stick and non-wetting (hydrophobic), low surface tension with water
Excellent dielectric and electrical insulation characteristics
Exceptional chemical inertness
Upper temperature use limit for PTFE is 500°F (260°C) under non-stress conditions
Suitable for cryogenic conditions. PTFE resins remain strong and tough down to -320°F (-96°C); the boiling point of liquid nitrogen. Several sources have reported some ductility at -450°F
(-268°C). For details on cryogenic behavior and properties, please contact Fluorotherm
Low extractables
PTFE is FDA approved resin
PTFE has UL 94 VO rating for flame resistance, does not burn
Autoclave and ETO sterilizable
PTFE resin is USP Class VI approved
PTFE tubing is easily purged and cleaned
Tubing made of PTFE fine powder resin is clear at wall thicknesses of less than 0.020” (0.5 mm) and translucent with reasonably good visibility at higher wall thicknesses
The chemical inertness and UV resistant characteristics of PTFE leads to excellent weathering and aging properties even under aggressive conditions
PTFE is adversely affected by ionizing (electron beam) irradiation; in fact irradiation is used to produce some useful products