Teflon is a thermoplastic polymer made from tetrafluoroethylene polymerization and is in solid form.
Teflon has different types: PTFE, FEP, ETFE, and PVDF.
The chemical PTFE is known commercially as Teflon, given by DuPont Company.
Tetrafluoroethylene polymerization yields the thermoplastic polymers Teflon and PTFE, which exist in solid form.
Therefore, PTFE is the scientific name, and Teflon is the Trademark name for the same material.
Elements making PTFE and Teflon
PTFE and Teflon have the same chemical element since they refer to the same material.
PTFE and Teflon have the following elements:
Fluor
Teflon and PTFE have a lot of fluorine atoms in them.
Die Kohlenstoffkette ist von einer Schutzhülle aus Fluoratomen umgeben, wodurch ein chemisch inertes, relativ dichtes Molekül mit extrem starken Kohlenstoff-Fluor-Wechselwirkungen entsteht.
Kohlenstoff
Jedes Kohlenstoffatom ist mit zwei anderen Kohlenstoffatomen in einer langen kettenartigen Anordnung von Kohlenstoffatomen verbunden.
Physikalische Eigenschaften
Since Teflon and PTFE mean the same material, the following are their physical properties:
- Aussehen
Both polymers are white and in solid form.
- Dichte
The density of PTFE and Teflon is approximately 2200 kg/m3.
- Glatt und antihaftbeschichtet
PTFE and Teflon have smooth surfaces because of the fluorine surrounding their molecules. Because of these fluorine atoms, Teflon and PTFE resist practically all other materials sticking.
- Geringe Reibung
Their low coefficient of friction is contributed by the fluorine coating on the two polymers.
- Schmelzpunkt
They have a high melting point of up to 327 °C
- Elektrische Isolierung
PTFE and Teflon are not easily porous to electrical energy and can endure high volts without degrading.
- Hydrophobie
They are water-resistant polymers.
Chemische Eigenschaften
The chemical properties of PTFE and Teflon are similar; they include the following:
- Trägheit
PTFE and Teflon are exceptionally resilient when attacked chemically by bases, acids, and other corrosive chemicals.
Most solvents do not affect them, and even potent acids and bases don’t readily react with them.
- Beständig gegen Abbau
Due to the presence of carbon atoms and fluorine, PTFE and Teflon have excellent resistance to degradation.
- Reaktivität
These polymers are typically non-reactive and hence do react with other compounds.
- Chemische Beständigkeit
They are very resistant to bases, acids, and caustic chemicals attacking them chemically.
Mechanische Eigenschaften
Teflon and PTFE show similar mechanical properties, which include the following:
- Verlängerung
PTFE and Teflon have a high extension of up to 500%.
- Kompressibilität
These polymers have low compressibility as a result of their molecular structure.
Under very high temperatures, PTFE and Teflon cannot change their volume and shape.
- Zugfestigkeit
They have a high tensile strength of approximately 10-43MPa.
- Vielseitigkeit
Because of their molecular composition, they are adaptable and can flex or bend without deforming.
- Härte
These polymers have very low hardness as they are soft.
Vorteile
Teflon and PTFE’s particular properties impact their advantages and are considered for their various applications.
The following are the advantages of PTFE and Teflon:
- Beständig gegen Chemikalien
They are highly resistant to water, solvents, bases, acids, chemicals, and other corrosive substances.
- Elektrische Isolierung
PFOA, just like Teflon, is an excellent electrical insulator as it can endure high volts without damage and is not easily permissible to electric energy.
- Non-stick and smooth
They are very smooth and not sticky hence preferred for non-stick applications such as cookware.
- Oberfläche mit geringer Reibung
Both have a very low friction coefficient and are preferred for engineering applications.
- Beständig gegen hohe Temperaturen
They are suitable for use even in high temperatures as they can withstand up to 260°C without damage.
- Resistant to the harsh environment and weather conditions
The polymers can withstand extreme weather conditions and are considered primarily for outdoor applications.
Nachteile
Despite PTFE and Teflon having excellent benefits which make them suitable for their applications, they also have their limitations which include the following:
- Kosten
Polymers are considerably costly because of processing and manufacturing.
- Eingeschränkte Hochdruckanwendungen
They are inappropriate for high-pressure applications as their compressive strength is relatively low.
- Nicht verrottend
They can stay for very long in the environment without damage or decay because they are non-biodegradable.
- Bindungsschwierigkeiten
Teflon and PTFE have low surface energy and do not quickly bond with other materials.
- Einschränkung der Farboptionen
They are white and hence may not be suitable if they are needed in other color options.
Anwendungen
The mechanical, physical, and chemical properties of PTFE and Teflon make them suitable for various applications in the industry.
The following are the applications of PTFE and Teflon:
- Automobilindustrie
They are used in power steering and transmission, linings for fuel valve stem seals, gaskets, O-rings, and shaft seals.
- Maschinenbau
They are used in construction components such as pipe coatings, fittings, bearings, seats and plugs, and valve and pump parts.
- Elektrik und Elektronik
They are used to manufacture electrical and electronic components such as circuit boards, electrical insulation, wire insulation, and semiconductors.
- Medizinische Anwendungen
Polymers are used to make medical implants such as heart patches, replacement ligaments, and vascular garments.
- Antihaftbeschichtungen
Surfaces for cookware, bakeware, and food processing equipment are coated with PTFE and Teflon.
Abschluss
PTFE and Teflon are the same chemical compounds or materials.
Both are synthetic polymers with the same chemical composition and physical, mechanical, and chemical characteristics.
The difference between the two is that Teflon is the Trademark name for PTFE, owned by a company known as DuPont.
Weitere Ressourcen:
PTFE-Anwendungen – Quelle: HANSA
Teflon – Quelle: Wikipedia
PTFE-Herstellungsprozess – Quelle: HANSA
Gefülltes PTFE – Quelle: HANSA