PTFE Gasket Sheet
If you have mating surfaces requiring airtight sealing, then consider PTFE gasket sheets. In most cases, the PTFE sealing is also called a Teflon gasket sheet. Even though the names are synonymous, Teflon is a trademark name for DuPont products.
Over the years, PTFE gasket sheets have proved suitable for specialty applications where:
- Operating temperature is high–PTFE sealing maintains optimal performance at high temperatures of +260°C. Additionally, at cryogenic temperatures (-200°C) the PTFE gaskets will still maintain desirable performance characteristics.
- Chemical resistance is a priority – PTFEis chemically inert and abrasion resistant. Therefore, it can resist possible damage due to chemicals.
- Electrical or thermal insulation is required– polytetrafluoroethylene has superior dielectric properties making gaskets perfect insulators. Usually, Teflon gaskets are best for superior thermal insulation.
- Zero particle or static charge build-up is required– PTFE gasket material has a low coefficient of friction alongside non-stick properties due to fluorine molecules in the structure.
- Water-repelling sealing is needed– PFTE gasket sheets exhibit low surface energy. Consequently, they are highly hydrophobic (repel water).
- Food or medical products are processed– you must use food-grade PTFE gaskets that meet the FDA approval standards.
As a synthetic material, the performance of Teflon gasket sheet matches silicone gaskets or EPDM rubber gaskets. That is, for high-temperature applications.
Types of PTFE Gasket Sheets
- Virgin PTFE Gasket Sheets
The gaskets are made from polytetrafluoroethylene material which is 100% pure. They have a very high resistance to chemicals. Virgin PTFE gasket materials are FDA approved. Such materials are suitable for food, medical and electrical industries.
- Filled PTFE Gasket Sheets
To prevent thinning and enhance strength when installing gasket material, you can add fiberglass filler. The filler materials such as glass and carbon fibers help improve the strength of industrial-grade PTFE materials.
- Mechanical grade PTFE Gasket Materials
These PTFE gasket materials are a blend of 100% virgin PTFE and reprocessed material. It is an affordable alternative to virgin PTFE gasket material.
- Expanded PTFE Gasket Sheets
The gaskets work well where you need tight sealing. To achieve a degree of compression, you will make the gasket sealing from pure PTFE material. The PTFE sealing works well where excessive bolt load may cause havoc. However, this material makes most soft PTFE gasket sheets.
Available Sizes and Shapes of Polytetrafluoroethylene Gasket Sheets
The PTFE gaskets are available in many shapes and configurations. There are oval, circular, square, irregular, or custom shapes. Always request the manufacturer to provide their PTFE gasket datasheet. Again, the thickness may vary from 0.5mm to 10mm depending on where you plan to use PTFE gasket material. For very thin Teflon gasket material, skiving molded sheet offers a sustainable solution.
Remember, these variations in the specification will determine the ultimate Teflon gasket sheet price. Although PTFE gasket sheets exhibit optimal performance characteristics, they are inelastic. Therefore, once deformed or used, the Teflon gaskets cannot return to their original shape. Additionally, at some point, these PTFE sealing may cause high leakages.
