PTFE Film, or Polytetrafluoroethylene Film, is an extraordinarily versatile and high-performance material manufactured from pure PTFE polymers. Known colloquially by the DuPont brand name Teflon®, PTFE Film boasts a unique combination of properties that make it indispensable across a vast range of demanding industrial, electrical, and consumer applications. At its core, it is a fluoropolymer film characterized by an exceptional balance of chemical resistance, thermal stability, electrical insulation, and a remarkably low coefficient of friction. Kaxite Sealing specializes in producing premium-grade PTFE Film engineered to meet the most stringent requirements for reliability and performance in critical environments.
The widespread adoption of PTFE Film is driven by its unparalleled set of inherent characteristics:
To ensure precise selection for your application, Kaxite Sealing provides PTFE Film in various standard and custom formulations. Below are detailed specifications for our core product range.
| Property / Grade | Standard Unfilled | Glass Fiber Filled | Carbon Filled | Bronze Filled |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical Fill Percentage | Pure PTFE | 15-25% Glass Fiber | 15-25% Carbon | 40-60% Bronze |
| Primary Color | White/Opaque | Brown/Tan | Black | Brown/Metallic |
| Tensile Strength (ASTM D638) | 20-35 MPa | 15-25 MPa | 12-20 MPa | 12-18 MPa |
| Elongation at Break | 200-400% | 100-250% | 150-300% | 100-200% |
| Density (g/cm³) | 2.15 - 2.20 | 2.20 - 2.30 | 2.10 - 2.20 | 3.00 - 3.50 |
| Continuous Service Temp. | -260°C to +260°C | -260°C to +260°C | -260°C to +260°C | -260°C to +260°C |
| Coefficient of Friction (Dynamic) | 0.05 - 0.10 | 0.10 - 0.15 | 0.10 - 0.15 | 0.08 - 0.12 |
| Key Advantage | Ultra-pure, best chemical & electrical properties | Improved creep resistance, wear resistance | Enhanced conductivity (electrical/thermal), wear | Superior wear resistance, high thermal conductivity |
| Typical Applications | Electrical insulation, chemical liners, laboratory equipment | Gaskets, bearings, piston rings, valve seats | Conductive gaskets (EMI/RFI), static dissipative parts | Heavy-duty bearings, thrust washers, wear pads |
The unique properties of PTFE Film from Kaxite Sealing solve complex engineering challenges across diverse sectors:
Q: What is the main difference between PTFE Film and PTFE Sheet?
A: The primary difference is thickness. PTFE Film typically refers to thinner gauges, generally below 1mm (0.040"), which are flexible and often supplied in rolls. PTFE Sheet denotes thicker, rigid panels, usually above 1mm, supplied as flat sheets. Both are made from the same base PTFE resin.
Q: Can PTFE Film be bonded or glued to other materials?
A: Due to its non-stick nature, untreated PTFE Film is extremely difficult to bond with standard adhesives. For applications requiring bonding, Kaxite Sealing offers PTFE Film with surface treatments (such as sodium etching or plasma treatment) that chemically alter the surface to allow for strong, durable adhesive bonds with epoxies, acrylics, or cyanoacrylates.
Q: Is PTFE Film safe for use in food contact and medical applications?
A: Yes, but specific grades must be selected. Pure, virgin PTFE resin is inherently inert and non-toxic. Kaxite Sealing can provide PTFE Film manufactured from FDA-compliant resins suitable for incidental food contact. For medical applications, we offer USP Class VI compliant and biocompatible grades that have passed rigorous testing for safety in human implant and fluid contact applications.
Q: How does filled PTFE Film differ from unfilled (pure) PTFE Film?
A: Fillers like glass fiber, carbon, graphite, or bronze are compounded into the PTFE resin to enhance specific mechanical properties. While pure PTFE has excellent chemical and electrical properties, it can be prone to creep (cold flow) under load. Fillers significantly improve creep resistance, reduce wear, increase hardness, and can add properties like electrical conductivity (carbon) or thermal conductivity (bronze). The choice depends on the application's priority: chemical purity or mechanical strength.
Q: What are the limits of PTFE Film's temperature resistance?
A: PTFE Film has an excellent continuous service temperature range of -260°C to +260°C (-450°F to +500°F). It does not melt but begins to slowly degrade above approximately 260°C. At temperatures above 400°C (750°F), it will thermally decompose, releasing fumes. Therefore, while it handles extreme cold perfectly, high-temperature applications must stay within its continuous use rating for long-term stability.
Q: How should PTFE Film be stored and handled?
A: PTFE Film should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Rolls should be stored flat or vertically on their cores to prevent deformation. While chemically resistant, it can be scratched or creased, so care should be taken during handling to avoid sharp objects. Clean with isopropyl alcohol or mild detergent if necessary.
Q: Can Kaxite Sealing provide custom fabricated parts from PTFE Film?
A: Absolutely. Kaxite Sealing is not just a supplier of raw film; we are a solutions provider. We offer comprehensive value-added services including precision slitting, die-cutting, skiving to specific tolerances, surface treatment, and the fabrication of custom seals, gaskets, washers, and other components to your exact drawings and specifications.
Q: How does the cost of PTFE Film compare to other plastic films?
A: PTFE Film is a premium, high-performance material and is typically more expensive on a per-kilogram basis than common industrial films like polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP). However, its unparalleled combination of properties—especially its extreme temperature range and chemical inertness—often makes it the only viable material for demanding applications. The total cost of ownership is frequently lower due to vastly extended service life, reduced maintenance, and prevention of downtime or failure in critical processes.
