Overview of Teflon/PTFE Coating
Teflon, also known as PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene), is a high-performance fluoropolymer coating renowned for its outstanding non-stick properties, low friction, and excellent chemical resistance. The coating works by creating a thin, uniform layer that prevents substances from adhering to the surface, even under extreme temperatures ranging from -200°C to +260°C.
This makes Teflon coatings ideal for applications where easy release, corrosion protection, and reduced wear are critical, such as in food processing equipment, industrial machinery, and precision tools.
Teflon/PTFE Coating Application Process
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Teflon/PTFE Application Method
Comparison of Teflon™ Industrial Coatings
| Property | PTFE | FEP | PFA | ETFE | Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nonstick Performance | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Good | – |
| Chemical Resistance | Good | Excellent | Excellent | Very Good | – |
| Wear/Abrasion Resistance | Good | Good | Very Good | Excellent | – |
| Resistance to Salt Spray | Fair | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | – |
| Max Continuous Use Temp (°F) | 500 | 400 | 500 | 300 | ASTM D1894 |
| Max Intermittent Temp (°F) | 550 | 450 | 550 | 350 | – |
| Static Friction Coefficient | 0.12 – 0.15 | 0.12 – 0.20 | 0.20 | 0.24 – 0.50 | – |
| Dynamic Friction Coefficient | 0.05 – 0.10 | 0.08 – 0.30 | – | 0.30 – 0.40 | – |
| Hardness (Shore D) | 60 | 55 | 60 | 75 | ASTM D2240 |
| Density (Specific Gravity) | 2.2 | 2.15 | 2.15 | 1.7 | ASTM D792 |
| Melting Temperature (°F) | 627 | 500 | 575 | 520 | DTA E-168 |
| Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K) | 1.7 | 1.35 | 1.3 | 1.65 | Chemours Data |
| Dielectric Strength (V/μm) | 16 | 53 | 78 | 78 | ASTM D149 |
| Surface Resistivity (Ω/sq) | 1.0E+18 | 1.0E-18 | 1.0E+18 | 1.0E-17 | ASTM D257 |
| Volume Resistivity (Ω·cm) | 1.0E+18 | 1.0E-16 | 1.0E+16 | 1.0E-16 | ASTM D257 |
| Tensile Strength (MPa, 23°C) | 20 | 23 | 25 | 45 | ASTM D638 |
| Elongation at Break (%) | 200 – 400 | 325 | 300 | 300 | ASTM D638 |
| Water Absorption (%) | < 0.01 | < 0.01 | < 0.03 | < 0.007 | ASTM D570 |
Gas Permeability (cm³·mil/100in²·24h·atm)
| Gas | PTFE | FEP | PFA | ETFE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CO₂ | Porous | 1700 | 2260 | 250 |
| NO₂ | Porous | 320 | 290 | 30 |
| O₂ | Porous | 750 | 880 | 100 |
Note 1: Thermal conductivity values vary depending on measurement conditions.
Note 2: PTFE is classified as porous for permeability testing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily. While Teflon is a well-known brand of PTFE coatings (originally by DuPont and now Chemours), there are many high-quality alternatives available. Manufacturers like Whitford, Daikin, and other coating suppliers also produce PTFE coatings with similar properties—nonstick, chemical resistance, and thermal durability. We can recommend the most suitable PTFE coating brand based on your application and performance needs.
No, Teflon (PTFE) is an excellent electrical insulator. It does not conduct electricity and is widely used to protect components from electrical currents. This non-conductive property makes Teflon PTFE coatings ideal for electronics, wire insulation, circuit boards, and other applications where electrical isolation and protection from arcing or short circuits are critical.
Teflon coatings are highly versatile and can be applied to many substrates, including metals such as steel, aluminum, and copper, as well as plastics and glass. Surface preparation varies by material to ensure strong adhesion—for example, metals often require abrasive blasting or chemical etching, plastics may need plasma treatment, and glass typically requires cleaning and priming. Our team carefully assesses your parts to recommend the ideal coating type and pretreatment process for optimal durability and performance.
Simply contact us via email (sales@kingstarmold.com) with your project details or fill out an info table on our contact page, including part size, quantity, application requirements, and performance needs. Our team will help you choose the best coating and provide a tailored quotation.
Teflon coatings are usually applied in thicknesses ranging from about 20 to 100 microns (0.8 to 4 mils), depending on the type of Teflon used and the performance requirements of your application.
