What Is PTFE?
Answering Your Questions About PTFE
Understanding PTFE (Teflon®) and Its Benefits
North Coast Seal has the capabilities needed to mold and machine PTFE material using both automatic and semi-automatic processes. Our products range from PTFE gaskets and O-rings and PTFE back-up rings to knobs and valves. If you are looking for the right material for your unique needs, you may have questions about what PTFE is and whether it is safe for your application. Our team would like to address some of the most common questions regarding PTFE that we hear from our clients.
Is PTFE an abbreviation?
PTFE stands for polytetrafluoroethylene. PTFE is a type of fluoropolymer, which means it is a fluorocarbon-based polymer. A fluorocarbon solid has a high molecular weight compound and strong chemical resistance. PTFE has one of the lowest coefficients of friction of any solid, making it ideal for many applications. Perhaps the most commonly known use is as a non-stick coating for pans and cookware.
Is PTFE the same as Teflon®?
Teflon® is a trademarked name for a PTFE-based formula that is owned by Chemours, a chemistry company. The compound was discovered by the company—formerly known as DuPont—in 1938. The simple answer to the question is that Teflon® is a type of PTFE, so they are the same thing.
What are the advantages of PTFE?
There are many advantages to using PTFE over other elastomers, including:
- Resistance to most chemicals including acids, bases, and steam
- Corrosion resistance
- Excellent electrical properties
- Extreme temperature range capabilities (-325°F to 500°F+)
- Long shelf life with resistance properties that will last indefinitely
- With a PTFE seal in a groove or application, the equipment can be cleaned and sanitized without having to remove the PTFE seal (making it optimal in the food and dairy industry)
Is PTFE Safe?
PTFE is not toxic and is not considered to be a health risk. Virgin-grade PTFE is FDA approved and safe for food applications.
If you are interested in using PTFE (Teflon®) materials, please reach out and talk to us about your project. We look forward to working with you on your unique PTFE application.