PTFE (Polyetrafluorethylene)

Most PTFE seals, in order to retain their toughness and flexibility, are fortified with short glass fiber, bronze flashes, carbon, graphite, or a combination of these fillers. Because of a lack of resilience (memory) in PTFE, an energizer is most often employed to obtain the desired fit. Benefits are chemical inertness, high heat resistance, low temperature flexibility, low running friction, and non-adhesive characteristics. Temperatures to +500° F are obtainable but are often reduced by the filler or energizer employed.

PTFE is used in high heat applications because it is inflammable. They can be used in cryogenic as well as high temperatures (up to 300 ºC). A wide variety of fillings like carbon, glass fiber, polymers, and more can be made available with PTFE seals. PTFE seals offer thermal stability, the lowest known coefficient of friction (of nay solid), and extreme chemical resistance.