You’re choking back tears of frustration as you scour technical articles for information on Teflon and PTFE gaskets. Don’t you know gaskets are supposed to stop the waterworks?
Over the years, Strouse has helped design and build millions of gaskets. Today, we’d like to help guide our readers when they’re searching for the right materials.
By the end of this piece, you will understand the relationship between Teflon vs. PTFE, their gasketing and sealing use cases, and where to find them.
PTFE and Teflon
PTFE is a fluoroplastic commonly used in chemical labs and non-stick cookware, such as domestic frying pans. One of the most common questions about PTFE and Teflon is, “Is there any difference between the two?”
The truth is, Teflon is the brand name for a type of PTFE. A good way to think about it is the difference between a Kleenex and a tissue. Both PTFE and Teflon are polytetrafluoroethylene. However, PTFE is a single material, while the Teflon brand includes other fluoropolymer materials (including PFA and FEP).
Ultimately, you may choose PTFE or Teflon for your gasket design depending on which fluoropolymer best fits your ideal temperature range, chemical resistance, or price.
The Properties of PTFE Gaskets
PTFE properties, such as temperature range, will vary when spliced with other materials. However, virgin PTFE should exhibit properties similar to the following:
| Factor | PTFE Performance |
|---|---|
| Temperature rating | -400 to 500°F -240 to 260°C |
| Melting point | 635°F 335°C |
| Chemical resistance | Resists most acids, alcohols, detergents & solvents |
| Dielectric strength (1/8” thick, short-term) |
285 V/mil |
| Density | 0.078 lb/in³ 2.16 g/cm³ |
| Tensile strength | 3,900 psi |
| Compressive strength | 3,500 psi |
TLDR (in short);
✅ Heat Resistance, including an extremely high melting point
✅ Chemical Resistance, with high corrosion resistance
✅ Electrical insulation abilities
✅ Extremely low coefficient of friction, giving it a slick and viscous feeling with anti-stick properties
❌ Non-elastic, rigid parts that can’t easily revert to their original shape
❌ Challenging to process at times due to its lack of elasticity
If you’re unsure whether PTFE suits your product, consider a rapid manufacturing prototyping program such as our Sample Express service. This service allows you to test design configurations using different materials until you find the most effective yet cost-efficient version.
What are PTFE Gaskets Used For?
Because PTFE can withstand heat and chemicals, its gaskets can be used in many situations.
1. Chemically resistant seals- O-rings and valve stem seals
- Fuel hose linings
- External aircraft fittings
- Dust collection systems
- Solar panel bonding
- Transportation
- Dielectric insulators
- Electrical component/circuit board protection
- Substitute for lower-melting-point PE materials in high-heat applications
Due to its chemical inertness and anti-stick properties, PTFE has many other applications, such as chemical processing or Teflon-coated materials. Still, its project compatibility generally depends on the temperature range and the purpose for which you use it.
Where Can I Find PTFE?
The truth is, it depends on what you’re looking for.
Do you want the branded Teflon, or are you looking for other types of PTFE? The branded Teflon can only be bought from Dupont and its distributors. However, several other suppliers of generic PTFE are available. You might want to check out 3M, Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics, Acton Technologies, and Adhesive Research.
CUSTOM PTFE GASKETS
If you want to build custom gaskets, you’ll likely be better off working through a converter than supplying your own material.
Working alongside a converter helps the material selection, design adjustments, and production planning to happen simultaneously, allowing you to plan a more efficient and cost-effective part.
Contact Strouse to discuss your custom gasketing goals. We can help you turn your design into a high-quality product.
Are you interested in learning more about other gasketing materials? You can find more information on gasketing and sealing in our Learning Center.
Originally published: July 12, 2023
