PTFE Info
|
|
Clarity |
Opaque |
Moisture Barrier |
Excellent |
Oxygen Barrier |
Excellent |
Acid Resistance |
Excellent |
Grease & Oil Resistance |
Excellent |
Maximum Utilization Temperature |
500°F |
Minimum Utilization Temperature |
-328°F |
Stiffness |
Rigid |
Impact Resistant |
Good to Excellent |
Heat Resistance |
Good to Excellent |
Cold Resistance |
Good to Excellent |
Sunlight Resistance |
Excellent |
Specific Gravity |
2.2 |
Tensile Strength |
6,240 psi |
Melting Point |
626°F |
Characteristics of PTFE - Polytetrafluoroethylene Plastics Other Characteristics of PTFE:
PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) plastics are generally opaque, and are an excellent barrier to gas, moisture, and resistance to heat. PTFE shows a remarkable chemical resistance and it is insoluble in all known solvents. It is attacked only by molten alkali metals and fluorine at high temperatures. PTFE has excellent resistance to acids, alkalis and solvents. It is very lubricous, with the lowest coefficient of any polymer. The chemically inert plastic is easy to clean and has exceptional mechanical resistance under extreme conditions. In addition, PTFE is autoclavable and non-flammable.
| Acids – Dilute | Excellent |
| Acids – Concentrated | Excellent |
| Alcohols | Excellent |
| Aldehydes | Excellent |
| Bases | Excellent |
| Esters | Excellent |
| Ethers | Excellent |
| Hydrocarbons, Aliphatic | Excellent |
| Hydrocarbons, Aromatics | Excellent |
| Hydrocarbons, Halogenated | Excellent |
| Ketones | Excellent |
| Oils, Minerals | Excellent |
| Oil, Vegetable | Excellent |
PTFE for Laboratories:
PTFE is a good choice for labware because of its many desirable characteristics. PTFE is useful because of its resistance to corrosive elements that many other plastics are unable to stand up to. The anti-stick properties and low coefficient of friction of PTFE are desirable qualities for durable labware. PTFE can be sterilized by autoclave, gas, dry heat and chemical disinfectant.
Recycling:
PTFE does not have it's own recycling code symbol. However, PTFE can be recycled into many other products. Recycled PTFE can be used for rods, tubing, tape and more. For more information regarding PTFE recycling see the Plastic Container Recycling Page.
PTFE's Role in History:
PTFE was first discovered accidentally in the 1930s by DuPont scientist Roy Plunkett. It was first used to store highly corrosive elements for the Manhattan Project during the 1940s, in which the first atomic bomb was developed. In the late 1940s DuPont commercialized PTFE as Teflon®. Since then, several companies have made advancements upon the plastic resin in many avenues, such as laboratory equipment, non-stick cooking surfaces and engineering industries.
To purchase PTFE plastic containers please visit:
Lab Supply
Other Plastic Container Material
PET Plastic Containers
HDPE Plastic Containers
PVC Plastic Containers
LDPE Plastic Containers
PP Plastic Containers
PS Plastic Containers
PETG Plastic Containers
Vinyl Plastic Containers
PMP Plastic Containers
PFA Plastic Containers
Acrylic Plastic Labware
ABS Plastic Labware
Rubber Plastic Labware
PU Plastic Labware
Epoxy Plastic Labware
Nylon Plastic Labware
Polycarbonate Plastic Labware
