When choosing a polymer for their products, someone often questions
PTFE vs. Teflon: are these two the same?
The simple answer is yes, they are the same thing: PTFE is the acronym for Polytetrafluoroethylene and Teflon is a trade name for PTFE.
If you are looking for a high melting point, non-stick chemical resistant
material with excellent thermal and electrical insulation, look no further
than PTFE.
Let’s explore these materials and see what makes them unique.
What is PTFE?
PTFE, a short form of Polytetrafluoroethylene, is a synthetic fluoropolymer of tetrafluoroethylene.
In the chemical structure,PTFE consists of a chain of carbon atoms with two fluorine atoms attached to each carbon.
The fluorine atoms surround the carbon bonds like a continuous protective sheath, making the PTFE material chemically and electrically inert.
Also, it becomes very stable due to the strong carbon-fluorine bonds.
What are the properties of PTFE?
PTFE has some unique properties that make it a valuable commercial material in a wide range of applications. For example:
High chemical resistance:
The majority of solvents and chemicals will not damage PTFE.
Good low and high-temperature capability:
Its properties remain at a useful level over a wide temperature range of -100°F to +400°F (-73°C to 204°C).
Excellent thermal and electrical insulation properties:
It is widely used for wiring insulation in aerospace and computer applications (e.g. hookup wire, coaxial cables).
Low coefficient of friction:
The coefficient of friction of PTFE is 0.05 to 0.10, which is the third-lowest of any known solid material.
High flexibility:
Its ability to bend and flex, even at low temperatures, so it can be easily applied to a variety of surfaces.
Very high melting point:
With a melting point of typically as high as 320–342 °C, PTFE is suitable to be used in most high-temperature situations without being damaged by heat.
Water resistance:
This property makes it useful in kitchenware, wound dressings, and more.
Applications of PTFE
As mentioned above in this post, PTFE has numerous advantages, including chemical resistance, Low friction coefficient, high working temperature, strong electrical insulation, and more.
The outstanding material properties make it appropriate for a wide range of applications.
We will be discussing some of the PTFE applications as follows.
Wire Insulation
PTFE is commonly used as the insulation of wiring in electronics and computer applications, such as hookup wires and coaxial cables.
PTFE has outstanding dielectric properties and good performance at high radio frequencies, which make it a good insulator for printed circuit boards used at microwave frequencies, as well as connector assemblies.
Also, due to its high melting temperature property, PTFE is a good high-performance replacement for the weaker and lower melting-point polyethylene usually utilized in low-cost applications.
Automotive
PTFE is resistant to water, heat, and chemicals, it is ideal for the high temperatures and conditions found in an automobile.
The coating acts as a protection for gaskets, fasteners, and pistons. It
prevents them from degradation and general wear.
Applying PTFE film to ball bearings can prevent wear because it reduces friction and abrasion that ball bearings undergo.
The fasteners coated with PTFE make it less possible for biological growth
such as mold and mildew on a vehicle.
In a car, the O-rings coated in PTFE can improve the various seals and help them to last longer through wear and use.
The underbody areas of the automobile coated with PTFE can help protect it from rust, especially if the car is parked somewhere that is humid or close to the sea.
Aerospace
Because the PTFE can withstand high temperatures and resist most of the corrosive chemicals, you will find it to be used in the pneumatic and hydraulic systems of the aerospace industry.
Such as the tubing hoses, hydraulic hoses, and gasoline hoses. Those hoses
are made of PTFE and they are braided with Kevlar for increased protection.
Furthermore, PTFE film is frequently used to fabricate carbon fiber composites and fiberglass composites, the film is utilized as a barrier between the carbon or fiberglass portion and the component being fabricated.
Chemically Inert Liners
Due to PTFE’s high resistance to almost all chemicals and high operating temperature, it is commonly used as the liner in hoses for transferring chemicals, especially in applications involving acids, alkalis, or other corrosive chemicals.
Furthermore, PTFE liners are found in the application of expansion joints, refrigeration systems, and steam pipelines.
Kitchenware
Anyone who has cooking experience knows that the food tends to stick to the pots, pans, and other similar surfaces.
Formerly, oils and sprays were applied to the cookware surface to eliminate the food to adhere, but since the PTFE was discovered, it provides a new choice for treating kitchen utensils, the PTFE-coated cookware creates a non-stick surface that allows all traces of food to be cleaned easily.
Also, PTFE can withstand high temperatures and maintain its initial properties, with the PTFE coating, the pots and pans only need minimal washing for them to be used again, which makes it very valuable in fast food restaurants.
Medical industry
Because the PTFE can provide good sealing, and strength, and is easy to clean, it is widely used in medical systems.
Moreover, due to its chemical inertness and very stable chemical properties, the PTFE meets and even surpasses the high standards of the material used
in the medical industry, it is the ideal material for fabricating artificial body parts.
Teflon – What is it
Teflon is a synthetic polymer containing carbon and fluorine called polytetrafluoroethylene, it was discovered by Chemours which is an American chemical company as a spin-off from DuPont.
A scientist called Dr. Roy Plunkett discovered the Teflon by accident, he was working for Dupont trying to develop a new refrigerant when he was aware that the TFT gas had flowed out of the bottle, but the bottle was not weighing empty. He is curious about what caused the weight, so he investigated the interior of the bottle and found that there is a waxy-like coating, it is slippery and very strong, which we now know to be Teflon.
What is the difference between PTFE and Teflon?
Essentially, they are the same and the only difference is in the name. PTFE is
the shortened name of polytetrafluoroethylene, and Teflon is the brand name of the same polymer.
PTFE and Teflon FAQs:
1. What is PTFE and Teflon?
PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) is a synthetic polymer made of carbon and fluorine, known for its non-stick properties. Teflon is a brand name for PTFE, commonly used for non-stick cookware.
2. What is the difference between PTFE and Teflon?
PTFE and Teflon are essentially the same material, with Teflon being the trademarked brand name for PTFE. They both offer low friction and are widely used in various applications.
3. How does PTFE’s coating work?
The PTFE coating works by creating a smooth, slippery surface that prevents substances from sticking to it. It is chemically inert and has a high melting point.
4. Who discovered PTFE?
PTFE was discovered by Roy Plunkett in 1938 while working for DuPont. It revolutionized the industry due to its non-stick and low friction properties.
5. What are the key characteristics of PTFE?
PTFE is a fluoropolymer of tetrafluoroethylene known for its low friction, corrosive resistance, and high melting point. It is often used in machinery due to its durability.
6. How is PTFE used in cookware?
PTFE cookware typically consists of fry pans or other kitchen utensils coated with PTFE to create a non-stick surface, making cooking and cleaning easier.
7. What is the difference between PTFE and Teflon coatings?
There is no significant difference between PTFE-coated and Teflon-coated products, as Teflon is simply a brand name for PTFE coatings used in various applications.
If you need to custom make any PTFE parts , please don’t hesitate to let us know.
Reference:
Wikipedia.