PTFE stands for polytetrafluoroethylene. Nonstick material also goes by the name Teflon. It is made of low-friction materials and can resist huge temperature changes. PTFE has the characteristics of high density and strong flexibility. It is non-toxic because it is chemically non-reactive and insoluble.

All these characteristics make PTFE apt suitable for a wide range of applications, but due to its high flexibility, heavy loads can destroy it. This problem can be solved by adding fillers to PTFE.

ptfe yarn material

Filler can improve the thermal conductivity of PTFE. There are different types of fillers, the glass of which is used most of the time. Polyamide, graphite, carbon, bronze, stainless steel, or molybdenum disulfide are examples of other fillers. These fillers are selected according to the application.

Types of fillers and their advantages

  • PTFE with glass filler: Glass is the most widely used filler in PTFE. PTFEis strengthened and made more durable by glass fillers. The more glass filler, the better the compressive strength of PTFE. After glass-filled PTFE is sintered with inert gas, the porosity and creep tendency are reduced more. Because of its high wear resistance, it is used for hydraulic piston rings.
  • PTFE and molybdenum disulfide filler: when molybdenum disulfide or molybdenum disulfide is combined with bronze or glass, it becomes more solid and smooth. The filler can also improve the wear resistance and compressive strength of PTFE. Used for dynamic sealing. It also reduces the coefficient of friction.
  • PTFE and carbon filler: conductive carbon makes it statically dissipate. This conductivity of carbon also makes it suitable for appliances that require higher thermal conductivity. It is less corrosive than glass. It can be used either in powder form or in fiber form. Lowpermeability, improved wear resistance, and reduced deformation under heavy loads are some of the advantages of carbon-filled PTFE.
  • PTFE and bronze packing: Bronze is used as a packing material to reduce the chemical inertness and non-stick properties of PTFE. Bronze filler improves the wear resistance of PTFE. These fillers are very useful for applications that require good electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity. The materials used for the bearings and piston rings contain 55% bronze.
  • ptfe with stainless steel packing: stainless steel packing should be used for applications that use steam and hot liquids at high temperatures. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) with powdered stainless steel packing can withstand heavier loads. This filler is suitable for food, beverage and machinery industries.
  • ptfe and graphite filler: Graphite has self-lubricating properties and reduces friction. It is usually used in combination with glass or carbon or both. Flaky, good abrasion resistance.
  • PTFE and polyamide filler: has a low coefficient of friction. It is suitable for stainless steel, plastic, brass and aluminum surfaces because it corrodes slowly. Polyamide is a synthetic polymer. Stop start and dry running or non-lubricating applications can use polyamide filler PTFE.

There are many other types of fillers, such as calcium fluoride (CaF2), alumina (Al2O3), wollastonite, Ekonol, Ryton, etc. Teflon makes it more durable on machine parts, which is why it has many applications. Among them are aerospace machinery, food and beverage industry, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, laboratories, cooking utensils, protective clothing, etc.

Conclusion

  • Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is also known as Teflon. When used with fillers, the thermal conductivity, friction resistance and strength of PTFE are increased.
  • Glass filler is the most widely used filler in PTFE. Because of its high wear resistance, it is used for hydraulic piston rings.
  • Due to low friction, molybdenum disulfide packing is used for dynamic sealing.
  • Carbon-filled PTFE offersadvantages such as increased compressive strength, low permeability, and better resistance to wear under heavy loads.
  • Bronze-filled PTFE has good wear resistance. Bearingsand piston rings are made from it.
  • Stainless steel filled PTFE can be used in applications requiring high temperature and heavy load resistance.
  • Graphite filler has self-lubricating properties, so the corrosion rate is slow, and it has good wear resistance.
  • Polyamide filler has the lowest coefficient of friction. They are used for stop-start and dry running or non-lubricated applications.