Poly-Tetra-Fluoro-Ethylene is a fluorocarbon-based polymer and is commonly abbreviated PTFE. The Teflon® brand of PTFE is manufactured only by DuPont.
Several other manufacturers make their own brands of PTFE which can often be used as substitute materials. This fluoroplastic family offers high chemical resistance, low and high temperature capability, resistance to weathering, low friction, electrical and thermal insulation, and "slipperiness".
(Teflon® PTFE and Teflon® FEP & PFA Specifications) PTFE's mechanical properties are low compared to other plastics, but its properties remain at a useful level over a wide temperature range of -100°F to +400°F (-73°C to 204°C). Mechanical properties are often enhanced by adding fillers (see paragraph below). It has excellent thermal and electrical insulation properties and a low coefficient of friction.
PTFE is very dense and cannot be melt processed -- it must be compressed and centered to form useful shapes.
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