Resistant to even the harshest chemicals, durable, flexible, and thermally resistant, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE Gaskets) is a great, cost-effective option when you need a high-performing seal suitable for a variety of products, equipment, and applications.
In fact, at Specialist Sealing Products, PTFE gaskets are one of our most popular sealants due to their benefits and uses.
In this post, we look at some of the most common uses of PTFE products and how these benefits can support your applications.
What are PTFE products?
Looking at the science behind the product, PTFE is an elastomer with incredible chemical resistance.
Consisting of a carbon atom chain and two fluorine atoms. It is the fluorine atoms that cover and protect the chain, creating robust bonds and a chemical structure that makes the PTFE resistant to most chemicals.
An incredibly versatile material, PTFE is an ivory-white and opaque plastic fluoropolymer suitable for various applications across several industries.
A tough, ductile material that has excellent thermal properties and high resistance to most chemicals, due to the makeup of PTFE, it is non-flammable and resistant to UV light.
However, it does have a low tensile strength, which we talk about below, and it’s important to note that PTFE is not a weldable material.
Benefits of PTFE
Some of the major benefits of PTFE gaskets and opting for these within applications include:
High strength – PTFE has a very high density, even in low temperatures.
High chemical resistance – there are no solvents that can dissolve PTFE materials at room temperature.
High wear resistance and low coefficient to friction, resulting in less wear on the part and the surface, leading to less maintenance and replacement requirements.
Offers electrical insulation – a thermally stable material, PTFE can withstand a range of temperatures without falling victim to degrading.
Can withstand extreme weather conditions.
PTFE gaskets are non-adhesive, making them a great material for cookware and kitchen products/applications.
It is a great product for use in the manufacturing and engineering sectors as it provides a barrier coating to products such as bearings and screws, which in turn helps to increase the lifespan of parts.
PTFE is water resistant, making it a great choice if you require a coating over products.
They can withstand a great temperature range, i.e., they work well in temperatures ranging from -30 degrees Celsius to +200 degrees Celsius.
PTFE gaskets have a hardness range between 70 and 85.
PTFE is non-toxic, promoting non-contamination.
When taking into account less maintenance and replacements, PTFE gaskets are cost-effective.
It’s important to understand and be aware of all of the information relating to PTFE gaskets, including understanding some of the drawbacks of the use of PTFE products.
For example, when looking at PTFE uses, it’s important to note that the slight disadvantage to this product is that during compression you may experience some creep.
However, you can prevent this problem by implementing a rubber core, bonded to support the PTFE sets, which in turn will provide the resistance necessary to counteract the compression.
Other core materials can be selected, and selection should be based on the requirement of the seal and the intended application requirements.
PTFE also has a poor resistance to high-energy radiation, causing the breakdown of the PTFE molecule.
The use of fillers can help prevent PTFE gaskets and seals from deforming.
Adding a filler can increase strength, improve abrasion resistance, add electrical conductivity, and more.
However, fillers are often not suitable for the food and drinks industry, and in some instances, depending on the filler material, they can downgrade the advantages of PTFE properties, i.e., weaken the high level of chemical resistance, so it’s essential to weigh up and be aware of all the pros and cons.
Some filler materials can include:
- Glass
- Stainless steel
- Carbon
- Graphite
Uses for PTFE
Due to the numerous benefits PTFE gaskets offer, they’re suitable for a wide selection and variety of types of applications: seals, gaskets, valves, wire insulation, bearings, chemical settings, and so much more.
PTFE Uses
Suitable for use in industries such as:
- Aerospace
- Food and drinks sector
- Pharmaceuticals
- Telecoms, and
- Electronics
To learn more about the application of PTFE gaskets, view our latest post HERE.
Why work with SSP?
As market-leading suppliers of high-performing seals and gaskets, we help to meet your exact requirements to support your application.
All of our products are verified and tested to ensure high standards, and our experienced and professional team is always on hand to answer your questions.
PTFE gaskets provide you with long-lasting, high-performance parts that help add to the efficiency of a machine or piece of equipment. With PTFE gaskets, you save money, time, and resources by reducing maintenance and replacement costs.
To find out more and to enquire about the range of gaskets and seals we have to offer, contact a member of the SSP team today at 01535 274 776 or email your requirements to sales@specialistsealingproducts.co.uk.
