PTFE O-rings are highly specialized sealing components known for their exceptional chemical resistance, temperature stability, and low friction properties. These white, round-profile seals exhibit a hardness of 60-65 Shore D, tensile strength between 3625-4496 psi, and elongation capabilities of 300-400%. Their unique molecular structure with fluorine-carbon bonds enables performance in extreme conditions (-200°C to +260°C) where most materials would fail, making them ideal for demanding industrial applications.
Key Points Explained:
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Material Composition & Structure
- PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) is a synthetic fluoropolymer with fluorine atoms bonded to a carbon backbone
- The exceptionally strong Fluorine-Carbon bond provides:
- Unmatched chemical resistance (except to alkali metals)
- Thermal stability across extreme temperatures
- Non-reactivity with most substances
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Physical Characteristics
- Color/Form: White color with round cross-sectional profile
- Hardness: 60-65 Shore D durometer (significantly harder than elastomeric O-rings)
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Mechanical Properties:
- Tensile strength: 3625-4496 psi
- Elongation: 300-400% minimum
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Surface Properties:
- Lowest friction coefficient among solids (0.05-0.10 against steel)
- Minimal surface tension prevents adhesion
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Performance Advantages
- Temperature Range: -200°C to +260°C continuous service
- Chemical Resistance: Withstands virtually all acids, bases, and solvents
- Electrical Properties: Excellent dielectric characteristics
- Non-stick Nature: Prevents material buildup and eases cleaning
- Dimensional Stability: Maintains shape under stress better than elastomers
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Manufacturing Considerations
- Cannot be melt-processed like conventional plastics
- Requires compression molding and sintering
- Often used with ptfe backup rings to prevent extrusion in high-pressure applications
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Comparative Advantages
- Outperforms most plastics in chemical/thermal resistance
- Superior to metals in corrosion resistance
- More dimensionally stable than rubber O-rings
- Longer service life in abrasive environments
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Application Limitations
- Higher hardness reduces sealing effectiveness at low pressures
- Requires precise machining for optimal performance
- Not suitable for dynamic sealing in most cases
- Poor radiation resistance compared to some alternatives
Have you considered how these properties make PTFE O-rings particularly valuable in industries like semiconductor manufacturing or pharmaceutical processing, where both chemical purity and temperature extremes are common challenges? Their unique combination of characteristics enables solutions where no other single material can perform reliably.
Summary Table:
| Property | Value/Characteristic |
|---|---|
| Material Composition | Synthetic fluoropolymer (PTFE) |
| Color/Form | White, round cross-sectional profile |
| Hardness | 60-65 Shore D |
| Tensile Strength | 3625-4496 psi |
| Elongation | 300-400% |
| Temperature Range | -200°C to +260°C |
| Friction Coefficient | 0.05-0.10 against steel |
| Chemical Resistance | Resistant to most acids, bases, and solvents |
| Electrical Properties | Excellent dielectric characteristics |
Upgrade your sealing solutions with PTFE O-rings from KINTEK!
PTFE O-rings offer unmatched performance in extreme conditions, making them ideal for semiconductor, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications. Whether you need standard sizes or custom fabrication, KINTEK delivers precision-engineered PTFE components tailored to your requirements.
Contact our experts today to discuss how our PTFE O-rings can solve your most challenging sealing problems—from prototypes to high-volume orders.