Virgin PTFE
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a high molecular weight polymer, one of the most versatile plastic materials known and useful for a large range of products for applications excluded to other materials.
The most outstanding characteristics are:
high heat resistance
high resistance to chemical agents and solvents
high anti adhesiveness
high dielectric properties
low friction coefficient
non-toxicity.
PTFE is generally considered a thermoplastic polymer; at 327°C it maintains a very high viscosity, thus requiring particular transformation techniques for manufacturing of finished and semi-finished goods. PTFE can be employed at any temperature from -260°C to +260°C.
PTFE is available in most forms from Electrical sleeving,tubing,rod,plate,sheet,non adhesive and self adhesive tape.
Cut pieces available on many items upon request. Please ring on 01707 325513 and ask for stock shapes sales.
Filled PTFE
PTFE, because of the properties previously described, is used in a very large number of fields. Some of its properties can be improved and/or modified by adding suitable fillers, allowing the use of PTFE in fields otherwise precluded to this polymer. The treated PTFE is generally known as filled PTFE. The fillers most commonly used are: glass fiber, carbon, bronze or graphite, in the form of powder intimately mixed with the PTFE; other fillers are: molybdenum disulphide, metal powders, ceramics, metal oxides and mixtures of two or more additives.
The addition of fillers to the PTFE improves or modifies its properties depending upon the nature and quantity of filler:
Remarkable increase in wear resistance.
Decrease of deformation under load and of creep.
Reduction of thermal expansion
Some types of filler increase the thermal and electrical conductivity.
Filled PTFE is often not as strong and resilient as virgin PTFE. The filler limits the resistance to chemical agents and the electrical properties.
To obtain more information on the vast range of fillers available please contact us on 01707 325513 and ask for the technical department.
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