PTFE Coatings
What is a PTFE coating?
'PTFE' coatings are a type of technical coating that contains materials such as PTFE or Polytetrafluroethylene, FEP or Flourinated Ethlyene Propylene Copolymer, Molybdenum and Graphite.
PTFE is the original fluoropolymer. A fluoropolymer being a compound with a Fluorine atom in it. PTFE has excellent low friction properties and non-stick properties.
Although PTFE does have more porosity than other coatings in the fluoropolymer family as a rule, it does have a long and successful track record. Dry lubrication is a key performance area, either on its own or mixed with other dry lubrication coatings such as Graphite or Molybdenum Disulphide. PTFE is harder than its sister fluoropolymers PFA and FEP.
It’s chemical formula is shown below.
PTFE coatings are also often known by their familiar trade names, Teflon® Coating, Xylan® Coating, Fluoroplastic, Flouropolymer or Fluorocarbon coating. They take the form of liquid paint which is sprayed onto the material that needs to be enhanced, whether that be metal, rubber or plastic.
The exact proportions of the technical materials, resins and ingredients contained in the different coating materials depends on the desired use of the material and the properties it needs to have. It is not always the case that just a non-stick or low friction type of performance is required, there may also be a need for corrosion resistance, chemical resistance, humidity resistance, high and low temperature resistance and even colour coding for identification.
Indeed features can include:
- Non-stick or excellent release properties
- Excellent Low Friction
- Good Dry Lubricant
- Anti-Squeak
- Heat resistance up to 300 degrees Celsius
- Thin coating which does not interfere with fit
What are the common applications for PTFE coatings?
The common applications for PTFE coatings include:
- Domestic Cookware
- Baking Trays
- Sweet Moulds
- Fasteners
- Chutes
- Valves
- Rubber Seals
- Plastic Moulding cavities
- Shower components
- Hot plates
- Medical equipment
How is a PTFE coating applied?
Customers may also specify their coating to be non-stick for certain applications, for example cookware, bakeware or food moulds. These coatings also find similar applications in the moulding industry and the Oil & Gas sector, where they serve as release agents in mould tools.
Meanwhile in other industries such as Automotive, Aerospace & Defence, dry lubricants can play a vital role. They are applied to components located under the vehicle's hood, engine parts, seat components and moving parts that do not require subsequent lubrication or servicing. Low-friction coatings are used in situations where two or more parts need to move smoothly together or within each other.
There are many material formulations within PTFE coating. Here at Impreglon, we can support many formulation developments to suit specific requirements or help to create a solution to a large project if it doesn't yet exist.
For more information about Impreglon and our PTFE coating range call us on +44 (0) 1623 753 107 or complete our enquiry form.
