Bronze-filled PTFE exhibits a compressive strength of 10.5 MPa at 1% deformation, as consistently reported across multiple references. This material modification enhances properties like dimensional stability, wear resistance, and thermal/electrical conductivity while introducing trade-offs in chemical resistance and corrosion vulnerability compared to unfilled PTFE. The bronze content (typically 40-60%) significantly improves mechanical performance for load-bearing applications but requires careful consideration of environmental factors.
Key Points Explained:
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Compressive Strength Specification
- Bronze-filled PTFE demonstrates 10.5 MPa compressive strength at 1% deformation, a key metric for engineering applications involving constant loads or pressure.
- This value reflects improved load-bearing capacity over unfilled PTFE, which is prone to creep under stress.
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Material Composition Impact
- Bronze filling (40-60% content) creates a composite material with:
- Enhanced hardness and abrasion resistance
- Reduced cold flow and creep deformation
- Higher thermal/electrical conductivity
- The trade-off includes darker coloration (dark brown) and reduced chemical resistance.
- Bronze filling (40-60% content) creates a composite material with:
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Performance Trade-Offs
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Advantages over unfilled PTFE:
- 5-10x better wear resistance
- Improved dimensional stability under load
- Maintains low friction coefficient (μ≈0.05-0.10)
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Limitations:
- Not suitable for electrical insulation
- Vulnerable to corrosive chemicals
- Higher density than pure PTFE
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Advantages over unfilled PTFE:
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Application Considerations
- Ideal for:
- High-load bushings and bearings
- Thermal management components
- Applications requiring reduced creep
- Avoid in:
- Chemical processing environments
- Electrical insulation systems
- Situations requiring FDA-compliant materials
- Ideal for:
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Comparative Properties
- Tensile strength: 280-350 kg/cm² (unfilled PTFE baseline)
- Elongation: 200-400% (reduced by bronze filling)
- Temperature resistance: -200°C to +260°C (maintained from base PTFE)
The selection of bronze-filled PTFE requires balancing its enhanced mechanical properties against environmental stability requirements, particularly in long-term load applications where creep resistance is critical.
Summary Table:
| Property | Bronze-Filled PTFE |
|---|---|
| Compressive Strength (1% deformation) | 10.5 MPa |
| Bronze Content | 40-60% |
| Wear Resistance | 5-10x better than unfilled PTFE |
| Friction Coefficient | μ≈0.05-0.10 |
| Temperature Resistance | -200°C to +260°C |
| Key Applications | High-load bushings, bearings, thermal management |
| Limitations | Not for chemical/electrical applications |
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