Coefficient of Friction (COF)
The coefficient of friction (COF) is a measure of how difficult it is to slide one material over another. The lower the COF, the more easily other materials will slide over it. Typical COFs (static) for dry, solid non-fluoroplastics are 0.3-0.6. Typical COFs for Teflon™ fluoroplastics are 0.05-0.3.
Nonstick
Nonstick is a measure of how readily substances adhere to a material. The lower a material’s surface energy, the better the nonstick characteristics. Teflon™ fluoroplastics have extremely low surface energies, therefore, excellent nonstick characteristics over a wide temperature range.
Abrasion Resistance
Teflon™ and Tefzel™ fluoroplastics have very low COFs, making them ideal for a variety of environments. Abrasion resistance can be enhanced with selected inorganic fillers (abrasive glass fibers, powdered metals). Conversely, adding PTFE micropowders to other polymers improves their abrasion resistance.
Unique Electrical Properties
Across environments, Teflon™ and Tefzel™ fluoroplastics have high dielectric strengths, low dielectric constants, low dissipation factors, high specific resistance and excellent attenuation characteristics. Using foamed fluoroplastics enhances these properties, allowing reduced insulation wall thicknesses.
FDA Compliance
Many Teflon™ and Tefzel™ fluoroplastics meet FDA regulations for use in contact with food (FDA, USDA, 3-A Sanitary Standards). Fluorogistx can assist you in selecting the fluoroplastic that best meets your needs.
Chemical Resistance of Teflon™
Teflon™ fluoroplastics have exceptional chemical resistance, outlasting most plastics, elastomerics and super-alloys, even for the most demanding containment and sealing needs. Very few chemicals (molten alkalai metals and some fluorochemicals excepted) will react with Teflon™ fluoroplastics.
Chemical Resistance of Tefzel™
Tefzel™ fluoroplastics also have excellent chemical resistance, but are affected somewhat by strong oxidizing acids, organic bases (e.g., amines), sulfonic acids and some low surface tension solvents, particularly at elevated temperatures.
