Getting To Know Materials: PTFE

What is PTFE? Polytetrafluoroethylene, better known as PTFE, is a material founded by E.I. DuPont in 1938 and has become a widely popular choice of material when sealing a wide range of chemicals, acids, bases, and steam. This tough material cannot be compressed very easily, which is good for abrasion resistance but bad for properly sealing liquids. This is the main reason why PTFE is mostly used as a backup ring, seals, brushing, plugs, and washers.

Inelasticity & Leakage

PTFE is made from a super hard material that almost feels like plastic. The non rubber feeling material will not return to its original state if stretched or bent. PTFE O-Rings are generally not used as the main sealing material in liquid chemical applications as it could cause leakage. PTFE Backup Rings are generally used in conjunction of O-Rings. Other types of O-Rings like Nitrile, Aflas, and Fluoroelastomer are a rubber material and have elasticity with them and pair well with PTFE backup rings.

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