What is polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)?

PTFE is polymerized from tetrafluoroethylene, in which all hydrogen atoms of PE have been exchanged for fluorine atoms (comparable to PVDF). PTFE is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic with high crystallinity and a density of 2.140 – 2.200 g/cm³. With good toughness, PTFE has medium strength and hardness. PTFE is particularly well known for its apolar anti-adhesive character, which severely limits the adhesion of other materials to PTFE. PTFE is more precisely known as Teflon® from DuPont. In addition to good electrical insulation, PTFE also has a very wide temperature range from -200 to +260 °C. It is also very chemically resistant, even to aggressive acids such as aqua regia. PTFE is practically incombustible, but has a relatively high gas permeability. The trade names are registered trademarks of the respective manufacturer.