PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) is renowned for its exceptional thermal properties, making it a preferred material for high-temperature applications across industries. Its thermal stability spans from cryogenic temperatures up to 260°C, with a melting point around 327°C. Key thermal characteristics include low thermal conductivity (0.25 W/m·K), high specific heat capacity (1000 J/kg·K), and a significant coefficient of thermal expansion (100-160 x10⁻⁶/K). These properties, combined with its chemical inertness and low friction, make PTFE ideal for custom parts in harsh environments, though its heat deflection temperature under load (54-120°C) requires careful design consideration.
Key Points Explained:
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Temperature Resistance Range
- Lower Limit: -260°C (cryogenic compatibility)
- Upper Limit: 260°C (continuous service), with melting at 327°C
- Critical for applications like custom ptfe parts in aerospace or chemical processing, where extreme temperatures are common.
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Thermal Stability Metrics
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Heat Deflection Temperature:
- 120°C at 0.45 MPa load
- 54°C at 1.8 MPa (highlighting load sensitivity)
- Specific Heat: 1000 J/kg·K (absorbs significant heat before temperature rise)
- Thermal Conductivity: 0.25 W/m·K (poor heat transfer, useful for insulation)
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Heat Deflection Temperature:
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Expansion and Flammability
- Coefficient of Thermal Expansion: 100-160 x10⁻⁶/K (requires design allowances for dimensional changes)
- Flammability: UL94 V0 rated (self-extinguishing) with 95% limiting oxygen index (nearly non-flammable).
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Practical Implications
- Radiation/UV Resistance: Excellent for outdoor or sterile environments (e.g., medical autoclaving).
- Fume Hazard: Decomposition above 260°C releases toxic fumes, necessitating ventilation in industrial settings.
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Comparative Advantages
- Outperforms most plastics in thermal endurance but has lower mechanical strength under heat (e.g., tensile strength drops at elevated temperatures).
These properties make PTFE indispensable for seals, linings, and insulating components, though designers must account for its expansion and load limitations at elevated temperatures.
Summary Table:
| Property | Value | Implications |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature Range | -260°C to 260°C (melts at 327°C) | Suitable for cryogenic to high-heat environments (e.g., aerospace, autoclaving). |
| Thermal Conductivity | 0.25 W/m·K | Poor heat transfer; ideal for insulation. |
| Specific Heat Capacity | 1000 J/kg·K | Absorbs significant heat before temperature rise. |
| Heat Deflection Temp | 54–120°C (load-dependent) | Mechanical strength decreases under load at high temps. |
| Thermal Expansion | 100–160 x10⁻⁶/K | Requires design allowances for dimensional changes. |
| Flammability | UL94 V0, LOI 95% | Self-extinguishing; nearly non-flammable. |
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