PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene)

P.T.F.E is an inert, non toxic fluorocarbon resin containing many unique characteristics. High thermal stability and a high crystalline melting point combined with toughness and flexibility at low temperatures, outline the materials versatility. Chemical inertness, excellent electrical resistance and non stick low friction properties inevitably mean an engineering polymer unique to many applications.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Principle Properties

Chemically Resistant – Only molten alkali metals and a few fluorine compounds at elevated temperatures and pressures will attack its surface.

 

Solid Dielectric – Has low dielectric constant and high dielectric strength. P.T.F.E is non tracking.

 

Unaffected by Weathering and Ageing – Is not wetted by, or absorbs water.

 

Low Coefficient of Friction – Dynamic and Static coefficients are equal. Comparable to wet ice on wet ice.

 

Non Stick – A material to which very few substances will adhere.

 

Temperature Range – From -250° to +260°C - constant chemical properties over the range.

Isostatic

Elekem has progressively developed isostatic moulding as the preferred compression method, allowing the production of more complex shapes including long thin walled tubes and encapsulation of metal components. Elekems’ production expertise combined with the extra ordinary properties of P.T.F.E materials result in a broad range of applications.

 

 

Bespoke Products

 

Food Contact

Food contact approval combined with non stick properties combine to provide an ideal solution for bakery and food processing contact machinery inclusion.

 

Advantages of non stick PTFE sleeving:

 

 

Elekem can offer complete supply of rollers or re-sleeving with PTFE up to 16mm thickness.

 

 

 

Electrical Insulations

PTFE electronic and electrical insulation covers and sleeves.

 

Since PTFE is non wettable and its water absorption is negligible, high resistivity in damp and polluted environments is retained and the non stick material characteristics prevent accumulation of conductive deposits.  These properties make the material a good electrical insulator and Elekem has for many years supplied electrical traction motor manufacturers and repair shops with Isostatically moulded thin walled insulation sleeves for commuter Vee ring protection and Brushgear insulation.

 

 

 

Electronic Control Circuit Protection

Oil and gas exploration companies are pushing the boundaries further and further, drilling deeper and deeper in the search for resources.  As the drill goes deeper then the environment gets hotter and more hostile for the equipment used at these depths. Electronic circuits guiding the drill need protection from the ever increasing temperatures and PTFE in the form of Elekem isostatically moulded bespoke potting covers are used by a world leading geosteering company to help fulfil this proctection role.

 

The items are isostatically moulded to required internal profile with closed ends obviating the need for further expensive and wasteful machining in this area.  The final product resembles a semi-circular closed end PTFE tube having a wall thickness of 0.6/0.8mm.

 

 

Etching

There are many applications where PTFE based materials, whilst needing to take advantage of the non stick properties on one surface, requires fixing or bonding to a support plate or housing on the other surface.

 

For bonding of the PTFE to be effective it is necessary to chemically treat the surface to be bonded to allow suitable adhesives to ‘wet out’ and key themselves to what is an otherwise non stick material.

 

We use this etching process for production preparation.

 

For items needing to be bonded by the customer at the assembly stage.

 

As a service provided to customers free issue material.