Teflon Products

Teflon is used as a trade name for a few other polymers with similar composition, such as ethylene propylene (FEP) and perfluoroalkoxy resin (PFA) The properties of these polymers are similar to those of Teflon.

FEP
FEP is softer than Teflon and is very transparent and resistant to sunlight. It is more formable than Teflon. It has an extremely low coefficient of friction and high resistance to heat. It can be used for welding, heat-sealing, and thermoforming. It is used in the design and manufacture of thermoplastics with low frictional characteristics. FEP nonstick coatings are popularly used for coating of containers used in industrial baking. FEP exists in both water-based liquid form and powder form.

to view the properties of FEP.

PFA
PFA is nonreactive in nature and has a low coefficient of friction. PFA is also used for coating industrial bake wares. However, the performance characteristics of PFA are much better than those of FEP because PFA can withstand high temperatures for a longer duration of time. In addition, it has greater toughness than both FEP and Teflon. PFA exists in powder and liquid form.

to view the properties of PFA.

Tefzel or ETFE
ETFE is a copolymer of ethylene and tetrafluoroethylene. Its commercial name is Tefzel. The molecular structure of ETFE is slightly different from that of Teflon. In Teflon, all hydrogen atoms are replaced by fluorine while in ETFE, a smaller number of hydrogen molecules are replaced. 

Source:https://www.sukoptfe.com/teflon-products

PTFE vs MPTFE (Modified PTFE)

PTFE and TFM are used for bellows in extreme corrosion resistance applications – specifically organic compounds, acids, and salts – as well as high temperature and high purity applications.  They both exhibit non-stick behavior, and have a similar wide range of usage temperatures.   However, there are significant differences between them, namely because TFM combines the best characteristics of both PTFE and PFA.  TFM is the bellows material of choice when you need extremely low gas permeation, a longer fatigue life, and a smoother surface finish.

Modified PTFE is a chemically modified version of PTFE that has new capabilities in addition to the property characteristics consistent with virgin PTFE material.

Modified PTFE has these new or improved characteristics over standard PTFE:

Part surfaces are smoother, and less porous - components stay clean since they are less likely to trap contaminants
Low micro-void content yields improved permeation resistance
Longer flex life than PTFE
Increased stiffness & improved creep resistance
Higher dielectric strength yields superior high-voltage insulation
Fusible / Weldable (Utilizing various heat welding techniques with moderate pressure)
Examples of Containers & Tubes created using APT's Modified PTFE Fusing & Machining Processes

PTFE stands for Polytetrafluoroethylene, a fluorocarbon thermoplastic that has found extensive use in engineering applications and is best known for having the lowest coefficient of friction of any solid.  It’s also known as Teflon, Dyneon TM, 1,1,2,2-tetraflouroethene or 1,1,2,2-tetraflouroethylene. 

As already pointed out, PTFE is one of the most chemically inert polymers available (Chemical Resistance Chart).  It has a continuous usage temperature range from -200°C to 250°C and is quite resistant to water absorption.  In addition, it has anti-adhesive behavior which resists the buildup of solids, making it incredibly easy to CIP (Clean In Place).   In fact, there are various grades of PTFE that are FDA approved.

Modified PTFE is chemically referred to as polytetrafluoroethylene, and by the trade name Polyflon.  It is a fascinating combination of the properties of PTFE and PFA (Perfluoroalkoxy), which is known for its superior mechanical properties.

Like PTFE, TFM is chemically inert and has a similar range for continuous usage temperature, as well as similar resistance to water absorption.  It also retains much of PTFE’s non-stick characteristics.

TFM also has a slightly higher spring rate, but noticeably better fatigue properties and exhibits better stress recovery.  In addition, it is easier to weld than PTFE and weighs less.  TFM is also resistant to both embrittlement and aging.

One factor that makes TFM special is the density of the molecular structure.  This results in a significantly lower rate of gas permeation for the same thickness of material when compared to PTFE.  This characteristic is extremely important when used in a highly corrosive environment.  With its dense molecular structure, TFM also offers a smoother surface finish that PTFE.  Also, like PTFE, there are various grades of TFM that have been FDA approved.

Source:https://www.sukoptfe.com/ptfe-vs-mptfe-modified-ptfe

PTFE Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic

PTFE membrane is a thin, highly porous film that behaves as an absolute retentive membrane. Their inherently hydrophobic nature make PTFE membranes ideal for applications such as filtering gases, aqueous aerosols, protecting vacuum pumps, or sterile venting fermentation tanks. PTFE is inert to most chemically aggressive solvents, strong acids and bases and can be used for solvent clarification and HPLC sample prep.

PTFE membranes are available unsupported and supported. PTFE membranes with a laminated polypropylene web support to one side offers improved handling characteristics. Chemical and thermal limitations are imposed by the backing.

One of the important characteristics in membrane selection is whether you want a membrane that is Hydrophobic or Hydrophilic. Here we'll define these terms, as well as provide some examples of membrane materials and applications for both types. Hydrophilic literally means “water loving.” Hydrophilic membranes will attract water, and in the process push away other molecules in order to allow water access to the membrane. This keeps contaminants away from the membrane allowing it stay clean and functioning for a longer period of time. Because of this trait hydrophilic membranes are especially well suited for medical applications and biological assays. Hydrophobic on the other hand, literally means “afraid of water.” 

These membranes will block the passage of water and are commonly used for applications involving separation of water from other materials, such as venting gases. Here is a helpful table that compares membrane materials and common uses for hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties:

Source:https://www.sukoptfe.com/ptfe-hydrophilic-and-hydrophobic

Applications of Teflon (PTFE)

Teflon is nonstick in nature and has low friction and good dielectric properties. As a result, Teflon is used for many purposes. 

A few application areas of Teflon are listed below:

Cookware: The nonstick property of Teflon has been used in the manufacture of cookware ever since the discovery of this material. Its extremely low frictional properties and high heat resistance have made Teflon cookware very popular.

Machine parts: The extremely low friction of Teflon makes it ideal for making machine parts, such as gears, bearings, pipe linings, joints, slide plates, bushings, O-rings, and saw blades. There is a lot of sliding action in the working of such machine parts. The low friction and self-lubricating property of Teflon decreases wear and tear and increases the life of machinery.

Fabric and carpet industry: The nonstick property of Teflon is also used in fabrics and carpets for improving their stain-resistant qualities.

Insulator: Teflon has excellent dielectric properties, especially at high radio frequencies. This property is useful for its use as an insulator in cables and connector assemblies.

Medicine: The chemical inertness of Teflon makes it apt for making artificial body parts.

Armor-piercing bullets: Teflon is used to coat specific types of hardened armor-piercing bullets. This coating helps decrease the wear and tear on the firearm's rifling.

Electrets: Electrets are electrostatic analogs of magnets. Teflon has a very high bulk resistivity. This property is responsible for the use of Teflon in the manufacture of electrets. Electrets made of Teflon have...

Source:https://www.sukoptfe.com/applications-of-teflon

Black PTFE Sheet Film

PTFE Sheet Film features:Unaffected by almost all chemical;Continuous use at high temperatures;Slippery non-stick surface;Outstanding dielectric properties;Outstanding chemical resistance;Superb electrical insulating properties;A wide working temperature range from -180 °C + 260°C.....

Black PTFE Sheet Film:34.25" L X 12.75" W, X .004" Thick or custom.

PTFE Film is manufactured by suspend PTFE resin after molding. It has the best ability to anti chemistry corrosion, and non-aging, and can be used under -180C ~ +260C without load, and it has the lowest fiction coefficients in known solid materials.

PTFE sheet film of advantages:

Unaffected by almost all chemical;Continuous use at high temperatures;Slippery non-stick surface;Outstanding dielectric properties;Outstanding chemical resistance;Superb electrical insulating properties;A wide working temperature range from -180 °C + 260°C;A very low coefficient of friction, resulting in unique non-stick behaviour;High dielectric properties;Non-toxic;Virgin White PTFE film, plastic pure teflon film of properties.

Source:https://www.sukoptfe.com/ptfe-sheet/black-ptfe-sheet-film