# **PTFE uses and advantages**

Polytetrafluoroethylene, also known as PTFE, [ptfe materials](https://www.ptfedf.com/materials/ptfe/) is an exceptional polymeric. Not only is it highly resistant to chemicals, durable, flexible, electrically and thermally resistant, but it is also an extremely cost-effective option for high-performance seals and 'O' rings. This is because it resists all of those things. This article will walk you through the various applications and characteristics of PTFE.
# To begin, what exactly is PTFE?
Polytetrafluoroethylene, more commonly known as PTFE, is an elastomer that is long-lasting and flexible, with an average tensile strength but remarkable chemical resistance, as well as excellent thermally and electrically resistive properties. PTFE can be broken down into its molecular components, which are a chain of carbon atoms with two fluorine atoms bonded to each carbon atom in the chain. These fluorine atoms are arranged in a ring around the carbon chain, which results in the formation of a compact molecule that possesses extremely robust carbon-fluorine bonds and a polymer structure that is resistant to the majority of chemical reactions, [floating barrel dock](https://www.hiseadock.com/floating-dock-beginner-guide/).
# The advantages of PTFE in certain situations
It is widely accepted that the carbon-fluorine bond is the strongest single bond in organic chemistry. As a result of the prevalence of these carbon-fluorine bonds in PTFE, the material possesses a high flexural strength and is chemically inert. In addition to these benefits, it is highly resistant to the elements, doesn't stick to anything, can withstand high temperatures, has the lowest coefficient of friction of any solid material, and provides excellent electrical insulation and dielectric strength.
In addition, PTFE has a wide temperature range in which it can be used, ranging from -30 degrees Celsius to +200 degrees Celsius. It also has a hardness range of 70 to 85 IRHD and is simple to clean. PTFE is an excellent choice for seals and 'O' rings because it is a relatively inexpensive elastomeric material. This is perhaps the most impressive aspect of this material, given all of its other positive characteristics. The fact that PTFE will creep when subjected to compression is one of the material's drawbacks for use in sealing applications. TRP has found a solution to this issue by employing the utilisation of a bonded rubber core to energise PTFE seals, which provides resistance to compression. The temperature requirement for the seal will dictate the choice of material for the seal's core.
# What kinds of applications are there for PTFE?
Because of its advantageous properties, PTFE can be utilised in a diverse array of applications, including seals (including PTFE 'O' rings), PTFE gaskets, valves, wire insulation, insulated transformers, bearings, surface coatings, chemical processing equipment, chemical transport, and PTFE rubber diaphragms, to name just a few.
# The PTFE's ability to resist chemical reactions
The ability of PTFE to withstand chemical exposure is one of the material's strongest selling points. To put it another way, at room temperature there are no solvents known to exist that are capable of dissolving PTFE. In point of fact, with the exception of a small number of chemical agents such as chlorine trifluoride and elementary fluorine, PTFE's only true Achilles heel is its relatively poor resistance to high energy radiation, which causes the breakdown of the PTFE molecule.