Virgin grade PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) is a high-performance fluoropolymer known for its exceptional chemical resistance, thermal stability, and low friction properties. It appears white and opaque, with a density of 2.15 g/cm³, a melting point of 327°C, and tensile strength ranging from 20-40 MPa. Its elongation at break is 200-500%, and it has an ultra-low coefficient of friction (0.05-0.10). Virgin PTFE is FDA-approved for food, beverage, and pharmaceutical applications, offering inert, non-toxic surfaces resistant to microbial growth. It maintains stability from -200°C to +260°C and is virtually impervious to chemical attack. However, it is prone to creep (cold flow) under sustained loads.
Key Points Explained:
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Physical Properties
- Appearance: White and opaque, making it easily identifiable in its pure form.
- Density: 2.15 g/cm³, which is relatively lightweight for its durability.
- Melting Point: 327°C (621°F), allowing it to withstand high-temperature environments.
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Mechanical Properties
- Tensile Strength: 20-40 MPa (2900-5800 psi), providing moderate strength for non-load-bearing applications.
- Elongation at Break: 200-500%, indicating high flexibility and resistance to cracking.
- Coefficient of Friction: 0.05-0.10, the lowest among solids, ideal for sliding and wear-resistant components like custom PTFE parts.
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Chemical and Thermal Resistance
- Chemical Inertness: Resistant to almost all chemicals and solvents, making it suitable for corrosive environments.
- Thermal Stability: Operates reliably from -200°C to +260°C without degradation.
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Special Characteristics
- FDA Approval: Safe for food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries due to its non-toxic, inert nature.
- Creep (Cold Flow): A limitation where PTFE deforms under sustained pressure, requiring design considerations for load-bearing uses.
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Molecular Structure
- High Molecular Weight: Long polymer chains contribute to its durability.
- Crystallinity: 50-70%, influenced by processing conditions, affecting mechanical performance.
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Applications
- Used in conveyor systems, seals, and linings where chemical resistance and low friction are critical.
- Thin films and sheets provide non-stick surfaces in baking and drying ovens.
Have you considered how these properties align with your specific application needs? Virgin PTFE’s versatility quietly underpins industries from pharmaceuticals to food processing, proving indispensable in modern manufacturing.
Summary Table:
| Property | Value/Range |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White, opaque |
| Density | 2.15 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 327°C (621°F) |
| Tensile Strength | 20-40 MPa (2900-5800 psi) |
| Elongation at Break | 200-500% |
| Coefficient of Friction | 0.05-0.10 (lowest among solids) |
| Thermal Stability | -200°C to +260°C |
| FDA Approval | Yes (food/pharma safe) |
| Key Limitation | Prone to creep under load |
Optimize your application with virgin PTFE solutions
KINTEK specializes in precision-engineered PTFE components (seals, liners, labware) for semiconductor, medical, and industrial sectors. Our custom fabrication services—from prototypes to high-volume orders—ensure material properties align with your exact requirements.
Contact our experts to discuss chemically inert, low-friction PTFE solutions for your project.
