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PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene)

PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene, often referred to as Teflon®) is a semi-crystalline fluoropolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and is a high-performance engineering plastic with excellent tensile strength, outstanding resistance to chemicals and solvents, and renowned for its non-stick properties. We supply semi-finished Virgin PTFE rod, PTFE sheet and PTFE tube in a range of diameters and thicknesses ranging from fractions of a millimetre to over 150mm, all with next-day availability to buy online.

PTFE is hydrophobic; neither water nor water-containing substances wet PTFE as hydrogen bonds to the surface. In addition, PTFE is repellent to all liquids and gases except for fluorinated hydrocarbons such as freon and chlorine trifluoride. PTFE is extremely chemically inert. It has an extremely high melting point, very high thermal resistance, and excellent chemical resistance.

PTFE Product Features;

Extremely high chemical resistance

Very good temperature resistance (-200+260°C, short-term up to 300°C)

Very low coefficient of friction

Extremely low surface tension (practically no materials stick to PTFE, difficult to adhere to or weld)

High coefficient of thermal expansion

Relatively low strength/rigidity

Low dielectric constant

Excellent sliding properties

Excellent electrical resistance

PTFE has extremely low surface energy, which means that most substances adhere to the polymer with virtually no strength and have a difficult time wetting it. Solvents can be used up to 50% by weight without dissolving or significantly affecting the performance characteristics of the material. Generally speaking, hydrocarbon-based oils are not recommended for use in contact with PTFE.

This is in contrast, however, to its low mechanical strength, and high specific gravity compared to other plastics. In order to improve the mechanical properties, PTFE plastics can be reinforced with additives such as glass fibre, carbon or bronze. Plastock also offers from stock other PTFE products available upon request.

Products in our PTFE range include:

PTFE Extruded Rod and Tube
PTFE Moulded Rod and Tube
PTFE Extruded Sheet
PTFE Moulded Sheet
Carbon Filled PTFE Rod
Glass Filled PTFE Rod
Bronze Filled PTFE Rod
PTFE Skived Tape
Self-Adhesive Backed PTFE Tape

PTFE is one of the most important and commonly used fluoropolymer materials, useful in a wide variety of applications. It is a preferred material for sliding applications, especially in environments that will expose the part to chemical stress. Typical PTFE applications include:

Fluid handling components
Bearings
Valves
Seals and gaskets
Chemical processing applications
Valve stem seals
Heat exchangers

Services

Due to its structure, Polytetrafluoroethylene is often formed into semi-finished products using a compression process and then machined with cutting/machining tools. If you can't find what you are looking for in our PTFE range, we can manufacture any PTFE product to meet the needs of the application, working with you to find a solution. Please contact us with your PTFE project and we will be happy to quote and advise on the material properties best suited to you. Our services include: