BEST PTFE Sheets BEST PTFE Sheets BEST PTFE Sheets
PTFE Sheets: Exceptional Performance and Versatility
Often confused with Teflon sheets, our Virgin PTFE sheets are a top-tier thermoplastic, boasting an impressively low moisture absorption rate, an exceptionally low coefficient of friction, and robust dielectric strength.
Composed of a specialized fluoropolymer renowned for its low friction and outstanding resistance to chemicals and weather, our PTFE sheets come in a variety of sizes and thicknesses, ranging from 6 to 150 mm. If you require a thickness less than 6 mm, we recommend our PTFE film/foil. Our standard PTFE sheets measure 1200×1200 mm, with diverse thickness options readily available. Custom sizes can be accommodated upon request. For applications requiring bonding, we recommend utilizing our single-side etched or double-side etched PTFE sheets. Discover the exceptional versatility of our PTFE sheets today.
Key properties of PTFE sheets
| Excellent chemical resistance | Flame resistant – UL94V0 |
| Working temperature -190°C to +260°C | No stick and low friction |
| The greatest resistance to fatigue (Wöhler curve) | UV-resistant (does not age) |
| FDA approved | Not hygroscopic (water absorption < 0,01%) |
| Very good dielectric insulation properties |
Properties of PTFE sheets can be improved by adding additives as carbon, graphite, glass etc.
PTFE sheet gasket material comes in several forms. The first thing that must be determined is what type of PTFE gasket material you are looking for. The first and most common form is a virgin PTFE gasket material. Virgin PTFE is specified for medical or electrical applications. Most applications however are not medical or electrical and can easily be satisfied with mechanical grade PTFE.
Mechanical grade PTFE sheets are almost identical to Virgin and to the naked eye is very hard to differentiate. The difference is in mechanical grade reprocessed PTFE has been added. Generally, a very small percentage of the material is reprocessed. The percentage will vary however by the manufacturer.
Mechanical Properties
| MECHANICAL PROPERTIES | VALUE | UNIT | PARAMETER | NORM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shore hardness | 55 | – | Shore D | ASTM D 2240 |
| Compression strength | 5 | MPa | 1% strain | ASTM D 695 |
| Elongation at break | 220 | % | ASTM D 4894 | |
| Tensile strength | 22 | MPa | ASTM D 4894 |
Thermal Properties
| THERMAL PROPERTIES | VALUE | UNIT | PARAMETER | NORM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thermal expansion (CLTE) | 13 | 10-5*1/K | 23-100°C, long. | ASTM D 696 |
| Service temperature | 260 | C | short term | – |
| Service temperature | 260 | C | long term | – |
| Glass transition temperature | 20 | C | DIN EN ISO 11357 | |
| Thermal conductivity | 0.20 | W/(k*m) | ASTM C 177 |
Electrical Properties
| ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES | VALUE | UNIT | PARAMETER | NORM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dielectric strength | 80 | kV/mm | In air, 0.125mm thick | ASTM D 149 |
| volume resistivity | 1017 | O*cm | ASTM D 257 | |
| surface resistivity | 1016 | O | ASTM D 257 | |
| Dielectric constant | 2.1 | – | 50-109Hz | ASTM D 150 |
Other Properties
| OTHER PROPERTIES | VALUE | UNIT | PARAMETER | NORM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water absorption | 0.01 | % | 23°C | ASTM D 570 |
| Flammability (UL94) | V0 | – | corresponding to | DIN IEC 60695-11-10; |
FAQ About PTFE Sheets
What Are the Advantages of PTFE Sheets?
PTFE sheets offer remarkable high-temperature and low-friction properties, making them a valuable choice. Their benefits include being one of the least frictional solid materials known, excellent dielectric properties suitable for microwave-frequency printed circuit boards, and exceptional thermal stability. With a high melting point, PTFE sheets are a high-performance alternative to low-cost polyethylene in various applications.
What Are the Disadvantages of PTFE Sheets?
While PTFE sheets are versatile, they do come with some drawbacks to consider. Their tendency to creep and lack of “plastic memory” can be managed with filler-enhanced versions for sealing applications. Due to their softness, clamping PTFE sheets may lead to damage or distortion. They lack strength and high tensile strength and decompose above 350°C, potentially emitting harmful by-products.
How Does PTFE Sheet Perform?
PTFE-made components exhibit exceptional resilience in the face of extreme temperatures, chemical exposure, corrosion, and stress-cracking. Their electrical and low-friction properties make PTFE an ideal material for a wide range of applications and processing methods.
What Is PTFE Sheet Used For?
PTFE sheets find applications in parts-sliding scenarios, such as slide plates and plain bearings, rivaling UHMWPE and outperforming nylon and acetal in certain cases. Their high bulk resistivity makes them ideal for creating long-lasting electrets. Additionally, PTFE sheets are used in spectroradiometers and optical radiometry equipment due to their ability to disperse transmitted light. In lab settings, they serve as containers for highly corrosive substances.
What Are the Machining Characteristics of PTFE Sheets?
Working with PTFE sheets can be challenging due to their delicate nature, low friction, and slipperiness. They tend to produce long strings of swarf, which may pose challenges during machining.
Can PTFE Sheets Be Glued or Bonded?
PTFE’s low friction can complicate bonding. Proper surface preparation, such as etching with a salt and naphthalene solution in tetrahydrofuran, is necessary before using adhesives. Some companies offer specialized primers to facilitate bonding with epoxies, polyurethanes, and acrylic adhesives.
Can PTFE Sheets Be Used in Food Applications?
PTFE is a key component of Teflon® cookware lining, known for its use in food applications.
Is PTFE Sheet Chemical Resistant?
PTFE is generally resistant to most substances and elements. Only highly reactive compounds like alkaline metals, chlorine trifluoride, and elemental fluorine pose a threat at high temperatures and pressures. It does not dissolve in most solvents at temperatures over 300°C, though some highly fluorinated oils can cause temporary expansion.
In Summary
PTFE sheets are the most chemically resistant plastic known, offering exceptional thermal and electrical insulation properties. While they lack some mechanical strength compared to other plastics, they maintain their characteristics over a broad temperature range, from -240 to +260°C. Their extremely low coefficient of friction makes them challenging to bond without proper surface preparation.
