What is The Difference Between PCTFE And PTFE?

We are often asked about the difference between PCTFE and PTFE when we contact customers. These two polymer materials have their own characteristics in the selection of applications. Today we will introduce the difference between these two materials in detail.

PTFE

PTFE is a versatile material with average tensile strength. It has very good thermal properties and excellent chemical inertness, especially to strong acids. The coefficient of friction is exceptionally low and is considered lower than any other solid. PTFE is an excellent electrical insulator over a wide range of temperatures and frequencies.

?

PCTFE

PCTFE has higher tensile strength than PTFE and good thermal properties. It is non-flammable and heat-resistant up to 180°C. Due to the presence of high fluorine content, PCTFE is resistant to attack by most chemicals and oxidants. However, it swells slightly in halogenated compounds, ethers, esters and aromatic solvents. In addition, PCTFE has a low coefficient of thermal expansion and its dimensional stability makes it an attractive material for structural parts that require fluoropolymers to have high temperature and chemical resistance.

?

?

PTFE VS PCTFE

One of the main differences between PCTFE and PTFE is their processing methods. PCTFE can be easily molded, extruded, or machined into various shapes and forms, while PTFE is more challenging to process due to its high melt viscosity and low surface energy. PTFE is usually manufactured by a specialized process called paste extrusion, which involves extruding a mixture of PTFE powder and a lubricant through a die to form a preform. The preform is then sintered to fuse the particles together and remove the lubricant, resulting in a dense, homogeneous product.

?

In terms of applications, PCTFE and PTFE have different strengths and weaknesses. PCTFE is commonly used in the aerospace, chemical, oil and gas, and semiconductor industries to make seals, gaskets, bearings, valves, and electrical components that require high strength, chemical resistance, and low gas permeability. PTFE is well-known for its non-stick and anti-friction properties, and is used in cookware, bakeware, medical devices, electrical insulation, and industrial coatings.

?

Most applications involving high temperatures, corrosive chemicals, high pressures, or high wear/friction now look to PTFE as a solution. Despite this, there are still certain applications where PTFE's requirements cannot be met and compromises must be made. For example, in applications where high dimensional stability over a wide temperature range is required, PTFE tends to fall short. PTFE's high coefficient of linear thermal expansion means that it cannot maintain its dimensions as temperature changes. In this case, we have seen PEEK being adopted. While PEEK does solve the problem, it also costs 10 times more than PTFE.

?

Similarly, some cost-constrained applications require the use of POM (Delrin) or even PVC, but not PTFE. In this case, we may be giving up some of PTFE's key properties. Over the years, various new polymers have been developed to fill the performance and commercial gaps between PEEK and PTFE. These include PFA, FEP, PEK, PPS (Ryton), and PCTFE. Although not well known, PCTFE can be an ideal replacement for PTFE in some applications where PTFE does not perform adequately.

?

In summary, when dimensional stability must be maintained over the entire temperature range, PCTFE is gradually becoming the most effective alternative to PTFE, regardless of price.

If you have any inquiry or demand about PCTFE、PTFE or other fluoropolymers, please contact me freely.

Whatsapp: 008617865575855

Email: [email protected]