Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) exhibits excellent stability and wide application potential in high temperature environments. Its performance characteristics and actual cases are as follows:
High temperature performance
- Temperature tolerance range
-
Long-term use temperature: Most evidence indicates that the long-term use temperature range of PTFE is -200℃ to 260℃. Within this range, the physical and chemical properties of PTFE remain stable and will not soften, melt or decompose.
-
Short-term temperature resistance: It can withstand higher temperatures for a short period of time, such as 300℃ (use with caution) or 280℃ (conventional short-term).
-
Melting point and decomposition temperature: The melting point is 327℃, and the thermal decomposition temperature is about 400-420℃. Exceeding this temperature will cause obvious decomposition.
- Thermal stability and mechanical properties
- Low thermal expansion coefficient: PTFE has an extremely low thermal expansion coefficient (about 0.025×10⁻⁶/K), excellent dimensional stability at high temperatures, and is suitable for high-precision equipment.
- Anti-thermal aging: Long-term high-temperature use may cause molecular chain breakage, but reasonable temperature control can extend life.
- Other characteristics
- Chemical corrosion resistance: Almost unaffected by strong acids, strong alkalis and organic solvents.
- Low friction coefficient: The friction coefficient is only 1/5 of that of polyethylene, suitable for lubrication and anti-sticking scenarios.
- Electrical insulation: Low dielectric loss, high breakdown voltage, suitable for high-temperature electrical insulation.
Application cases
- Chemical and energy fields
-
- High-temperature reaction equipment: Used to manufacture corrosion-resistant pipes, valves, pump bodies and heat exchangers, and can withstand strong acids, strong alkalis and high-temperature environments.
- Sealing materials: used as seals (such as gaskets, annular seals) under high temperature and high pressure, and applied to chemical equipment and nuclear industry
- Aerospace and military industry
-
- High temperature resistant parts: used as rocket engine nozzles, spacecraft insulation layers and aircraft hydraulic system seals, maintaining performance under extreme temperatures.
- Lubricating materials: Low friction properties make it an ideal lubricating material for aviation bearings and gears.
- Electronic and electrical industry
-
- Insulating materials: used for high temperature cable sheaths, junction boxes and semiconductor equipment to ensure stable insulation at 260°C.
- Automobile manufacturing
-
- Engine parts: such as valve sealing rings and water pump sealing rings, taking advantage of their heat resistance and dimensional stability.
- Construction and livelihood projects
-
- Anti-stick coating: used for anti-stick coatings in bridges and large buildings, withstanding outdoor temperature differences.
Notes
- Temperature limit: Although PTFE is resistant to high temperatures, long-term temperatures exceeding 260°C may cause softening or performance degradation, and must be strictly controlled within the recommended range.
- Toxicity risk: High-temperature cracking (such as exceeding 400°C) may release highly toxic byproducts (such as fluorophosgene), so protection is required.
In summary, polytetrafluoroethylene has become an irreplaceable material in many industrial fields due to its unique high-temperature stability, but the use conditions must be optimized according to specific process requirements to ensure safety and durability.
CONTACT US FOR A FREE CONSULTATION
KINTEK LAB SOLUTION's products and services have been recognized by customers around the world. Our staff will be happy to assist with any inquiry you might have. Contact us for a free consultation and talk to a product specialist to find the most suitable solution for your application needs!
