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Polytetrafluoroethylene is a compound that has great chemical properties to be used in chemical industries. It is commonly known as Teflon and has great resistance to temperature and corrosion. The most common application of the chemical compound is its sealing capabilities as well as O rings.
This compound is used in residential, commercial, and industrial applications. In this article, we will be discovering how this particular compound helps in sealing across different industries. Let us understand the advantages one by one.
Cryogenic Advantages
The primary advantage of the compound is that it can easily hold its own at extreme temperatures, whether they are high or low. Sealing of ptfe parts often happens with very cool media in chemical industries, so temperature resistance is a must.
This fluoropolymer is perfect for any and all liquid media that can reach nearly absolute zero temperature. PTFE seals are made to handle temperatures that go near minus 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Other compounds are not as resistant to low temperatures and often become prone to breaking after freezing.
Perfect For High Temperatures
We have already established the resistance to brittleness and breaking when faced with extremely low temperatures. PTFE seals work extremely well at high temperatures as well and can easily operate at 600 degrees Fahrenheit. This application is particularly important in the manufacturing industry, where chemicals often raise the temperature, and the media needs to be handled with the right equipment.
Higher temperatures beyond its threshold can make the seal lose its flexibility, but it will not happen until 600 degrees Fahrenheit. The sealing can also be done with wall openings and jet propulsion engines in aircraft. The best part about this compound is that it will not melt even at high temperatures, so it makes for the perfect seal.
Friction Resistance
PTFE as a compound and a micro powder both promote effective lubrication and fight friction actively. The primary advantage of low friction is that the heat generated during machine processing will not be at a high temperature. The process can go on smoothly even if everything has to run continuously day in and day out.
Whether we are using this compound as the base material or an additive to another base material, the sealing properties will allow for little to no friction when it comes to transferring the media. Some applications regarding non-stick benefits and low friction properties include medical devices, wearable gear during rain, and cookware. Less friction helps in mobility products like strollers for newborns.
Perfect For Oil And Gas Industry
The oil and gas industry has many different chemicals that need to be transported from one place to another without any chemical reaction. Seals made of PTFE help immensely because this polymer is mostly inert and does not react with even some of the most toxic and reactive materials.
There should be chemical and temperature resistance when we talk about the oil and gas industry. However, extreme pressures also pose a significant challenge for all the equipment used. PTFE, therefore, makes for a cost of active material to seal different openings and joints within the oil and gas industry. It can easily tackle the high flow of different media and will not react chemically.
Chemical Resistance
We have touched upon the high chemical resistance of this polymer, but this advantage is not strictly limited to the oil and gas industry. PTFE material is chemically resistant to such an extent that containers and pipes are made of this polymer because of its non-reaction to many chemicals. Some of the chemicals polytetrafluoroethylenes can tolerate include hydrochloric acid, sulphuric acid, sodium peroxide, acetone, tallow, chloroform, and citric acid.
This list is not exhausted, and many other chemicals are easily handled by this compound. However, there are exceptions. Liquid alkali metals fluorine and fluorine gas are certain compounds that will react with the polymer. The manufacturing industry benefits immensely from using seals made of this compound without having to worry about a negative chemical reaction.
The Takeaway
All of these advantages are very specific, which makes PTFE a compound with set applications. The primary role of this compound is to act as a seal, and it is also used in gaskets, seals for a bank safe deposit box, and O rings. It is extremely cost-effective, which is why it is highly used in commercial and industrial applications.
The oil and gas industry, chemical industries, and manufacturing facilities all use this compound in one way or the other. High abrasion resistance and corrosion resistance are some properties that translate well as a seal, even in high temperature and pressure conditions.