Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) Engineered Plastics

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)

PTFE is a high-performance fluoropolymer widely recognized for its exceptional chemical resistance, extremely low friction, and outstanding performance across a broad temperature range. Unlike most engineering plastics, PTFE remains stable and functional in highly corrosive, chemically aggressive, and low-lubrication environments where other materials rapidly degrade.

Its unique molecular structure gives PTFE a rare combination of non-stick behavior, thermal stability, and electrical insulation, making it an essential material for sealing, sliding, and chemically exposed components across multiple industries.

By enabling reduced friction, improved reliability, and resistance to harsh media, PTFE is often selected for applications where maintenance reduction, purity, and long service life are critical.

PTFE Properties Overview

PTFE stands apart from conventional engineering plastics due to its dominance in chemical inertness and friction control rather than mechanical strength. While it may not match reinforced plastics or metals in load-bearing capability, PTFE excels when components must survive aggressive environments while moving smoothly and reliably.

Temperature Performance
- Continuous operating temperature up to 500 °F (260 °C)
- Melting temperature approximately 620 °F (327 °C)
- Retains flexibility and performance even at cryogenic temperatures
Chemical Resistance
- Virtually inert to most chemicals, except molten sodium and fluorine, at elevated temperatures and pressure.
- Does not absorb moisture and shows negligible swelling or degradation
Low Friction & Non-Stick Behavior
- One of the lowest coefficients of friction among solid materials
- Excellent for dry-running and low-lubrication applications
Mechanical Characteristics
- Soft and flexible compared to most engineering plastics
- Exhibits creep under sustained load, which must be considered in design
- Performs best in low-to-moderate load applications
Electrical Properties
- Outstanding electrical insulation across wide temperature and frequency ranges
- Low dielectric constant and dissipation factor
FDA & EU Regulatory

PTFE Plastic Properties

Select a Material to Compare:

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)

Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK)

Polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE)

Polyimide (PI)

Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE)

Nylon (PA)

Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS)

Our Product Offering

PTFE Type	Primary Fillers	Wear Resistance	Friction	Load Capacity	PFAS	Best For	Typical Applications
Virgin PTFE	None	Low	Very Low	Low	Yes	Chemical resistance, static sealing	Gaskets, valve liners, chemical seals
Modified PTFE	Proprietary polymers	Moderate	Very Low	Moderate	Yes	Dynamic seals needing better creep resistance	Rotary seals, dynamic gaskets
Glass-Filled PTFE	Glass fiber	High	Moderate	Low Moderate	Yes	Structural support & wear resistance	Valve seats, wear rings
Carbon-Filled PTFE	Carbon / graphite	Very High	Low	High	Yes	Dry-run & electrically conductive service	Bearings, bushings, pump components
Bronze-Filled PTFE	Bronze powder	Very High	Moderate	Very High	Yes	High-load, non-food industrial service	Hydraulic seals, thrust washers
Graphite-Filled PTFE	Graphite	High	Very Low	Moderate	Yes	Low-friction dynamic sealing	Compressors, pumps, piston rings
MoS₂-Filled PTFE	Molybdenum disulfide	Moderate High	Low	High	Yes	Oscillating or sliding motion under load	Wear pads, slide bearings
Custom Specialty-Filled PTFE	Engineered blends	Tunable	Tunable	Tunable	Yes	Optimized life, wear, or compliance	OEM-specific sealing & bearing solutions

Markets Served

Aerospace
Chemical Processing
Semiconductor
Food & Beverage
Pharmaceutical
Oil & Gas
Industrial
Robotics & Automation
Electrical & Electronics
Agriculture and Construction

Typical Products and Applications

Products
Semi-finished forms: Rods, Tubes & Sheets Machined components Gaskets and seals Sleeve, flanged and thrust bearings Wear components Skived films Piston Rings V-Packings

Applications
Valves Pumps Compressors Mixers Filling Machines Bridge Bearings Hydraulic & Pneumatic Cylinders Food contact and High purity components

Limitations of PTFE

Lower mechanical strength compared to reinforced plastics and metals
Susceptible to creep under continuous load
Not suitable for high-load structural applications without reinforcement

PTFE vs Other Materials

PTFE vs PEEK
- PTFE offers far superior chemical resistance and significantly lower friction, while PEEK provides higher strength, stiffness, and better load-bearing capability.
PTFE vs UHMW-PE
- Both offer low friction, but PTFE performs better at high temperatures and in chemically aggressive environments, whereas UHMW-PE provides better impact strength.
PTFE vs Metal
- PTFE eliminates corrosion, requires no lubrication, and reduces wear in sliding applications, though it cannot replace metals in high-load structural roles.

When Should You Choose PTFE?

PTFE is typically selected when:

Chemical resistance is the primary requirement
Extremely low friction or non-stick behavior is critical
Components must operate without lubrication
High purity or contamination-free performance is required
Electrical insulation is needed across wide temperatures
PTFE may not be ideal where high mechanical loads, tight dimensional tolerances under stress, or cost optimization are the primary drivers.