Polytetrafluoroethylene(PTFE) is a tetrafluoroethylene synthetic fluoropolymer with various applications. It is a fluorocarbon element as it is a large molecular compound made up entirely of carbon and fluorine. It is hydrophobic: no water or water-containers react with PTFE, because of the high electronegativity of fluorine, fluorocarbons which posses London dispersion forces. It has one of the lowest friction coefficients of all solids and is used in pans and other cookwares as a non-stick coating. It shows vey less reactivity, partially due to the strength of C-F bonds and is therefore mostly used for storage of reactive and corrosive chemicals in containers and pipes.
PTFE is extensively used as a coating for Fasteners used in Oil & Gas, Marine & Offshore applications. PTFE coated fasteners stands exceptional to Salt Spray Test. It has outstanding release capabilities and can withstand a maximum use temperature of 600°F, higher than any fluoropolymer. This coating is typically applied to a thickness of 1-3 mils. Ptfe is also commonly referred by their tradename/brands, teflon, xylan, etc. These fluoro poly makes excellent choice for agressive environment. Ptfe or teflon coated fasteners are widely used in onshore and offshore engineering applications.
PTFE coated fasteners have a layer of PTFE applied to their surfaces. The coating serves several purposes:
Tensile Strength (ASTM D1708) | 3000-5000 psi |
Elongation (ASTM D1457) | 300-500% |
Impact Strength (ASTM D256) | 3.5 ft-lb/in |
Hardness (ASTM D2240) | 50-65 HB (shore D) |
Abrasion Resistance (Tabor) | 12 mg |
Coefficient of Friction (ASTM D1894) | 0.12 -0.15 static, 0.05 -0.10 dynamic |
Dielectric Strength (ASTM D149) | 450 volts per mil |
Use Temperature | 600°F max |
Melting Point | 625°F |
Thermal Conductivity | 1.7 BTU-in/h-ft 2-°F |
Chemical Resistance (ASTM D543) | Excellent |
Salt Spray Resistance (ASTM B117) | Fair |
Water Absorption (ASTM D570) | 0.01% |
Thickness | 20 - 40 Microns |