Material PTFE – Polytetrafluoroethylene

Already discovered in 1938 by research-chemists of DuPont (USA) it was not introduced or marketed until 1946. A partly crystalline fluoroplastic that belongs to the family of thermoplastics (but not suitable for injection moulding). The remarkable chemical and thermal resistance results from the linkage force between carbon atoms and fluorine atoms and from the nearly complete shielding of the carbon chain by fluorine atoms. PTFE has a thermal resistance of -260 °C up to +300 °C (for example no brittleness in boiling helium at -269 °C). This temperature range is reached by no other commercial plastic material. Permanent temperature resistance depends on the load. This means that PTFE can be used from -200 °C to +260 °C at moderate mechanical load. PTFE labware has a white appearance, a non-adhesive surface and excellent slip characteristics. Its fabrication is done by isostatic pressing processes or by machining of extruded semi-finished PTFE material.

Trade name Teflon® by DuPont Hostaflon® by Dyneon Fluon® by ICI Fibres