TFE - Teflon

TFE or PTFE, polytetrafluoroethylene, more commonly known as Teflon, is one of the three fluorocarbon resins in the fluorocarbon class composed wholly of fluorine and carbon. The other resins in this group, also referred to as Teflon, are PFA and FEP and is reviewed under that heading.

The forces binding the fluorine and carbon together provide one of the strongest known chemical linkages in a compact symmetrical arrangement of atoms. The result of this bond strength plus the chain configuration is a relatively dense, chemically inert, thermally stable polymer.

TFE resists attack by heat and virtually all chemicals. It is insoluble in all organics with the exception of a few exotics. Its electrical properties are excellent. Although it has high impact strength, its resistance to wear, tensile strength and creep resistance are low in comparison to other engineering type thermoplastics. Mechanical properties can be improved by adding fillers such as glass fibers, bronze, Delrin, carbon, and graphite.

TFE exhibits the lowest electric constant and lowest dissipation factors of all solid materials. Because of its strong chemical linkage, TFE shows very little attraction for dissimilar molecules. This results in a coefficient of friction as low as 0.05. Once again, because of this chemical bonding, TFE resins are virtually insoluble.

Inertness to most chemicals

Resistance to high temperatures

Low coefficient of friction

Excellent dielectric properties

Relatively insensitive to temperature

Relatively insensitive to power frequency

Zero moisture absorption

Excellent radiation resistance

Non lubricated bearings	Valve components
High temp electrical parts	O-rings
Packings	Seals
Gaskets	Baffles
Coaxial cable connectors	Capacitors
Transformer

All TFE extruded products sold by Polymer Plastics meet or exceed all applicable military and commercial specifications.

Extruded Rod:	Mil-P-19468
	AMS 3651
	Mil-C-17 (For type F dielectric)
Extruded hexagonal and square stock:	AMS 3651
	AMS 3656
	Mil-C-17 (for type F dielectric)
	Mil-P-19468
Extruded Sheet:	AMS 3651C
	L-P-403A
	Mil-P-22241A
Molded Sheet:	Type 1
1/4" thick and over	CS-239-63
	Grade C

Rod: .062" to 9.000"
Sheet: .032" to 2.000"
Film: .001" to .032"
Tubing: from .125" I.D. to 9.000 O.D.
Standard Color:Natural/White
Specification: AMS-3651 & Mil-P-22241