PCTFE vs. PTFE
Compare PCTFE and PTFE to identify the best option for your project
Differences Between PCTFE and PTFE
PCTFE is a fluoropolymer material with outstanding strength, stiffness, and dimensional stability. It has excellent chemical and radiation resistance and good flammability characteristics. PCTFE has a broad temperature range, good resistance to cold flow, and it has the lowest coefficient of thermal expansion of any unfilled fluoropolymer.
PTFE (polytetrefluoroethylene) is a soft, low friction fluoropolymer with outstanding chemical resistance and weathering resistance. PTFE is stable at temperatures up to 500°F and it is often used in high temperature environments. PTFE also has excellent electrical insulating properties.
PCTFE Material Characteristics |
PTFE Material Characteristics |
---|---|
• Excellent chemical resistance • Useful temperature range: –400°F to 380°F • Dimensionally stable, rigid, and resistant to cold flow • Very low gas permeation and outgassing • Near zero moisture absorption • Radiation resistance |
• Outstanding chemical resistance • Performs well at elevated temperatures • Extremely low friction • Soft and formable • Good weathering resistance |
PCTFE Applications |
PTFE Applications |
• Seals and gaskets • Aerospace valve seats, pump parts, impellers, diaphragms, and plugs • Laboratory instruments • Cryogenic and chemical processing components • Nuclear service/high radiation exposure • Liquid oxygen and liquid nitrogen valve lining |
• Seals and gaskets • Valve and fitting components • Pump parts • Scientific equipment • Chemical resistant tubing • Manifolds • Semiconductor equipment • Bearings and bushings (bearing grades) |
PCTFE Common Brands |
PTFE Common Brands |
• Neoflon®, Kel-F®, Aclon® | • Rulon®, Fluorosint® |
Typical Properties of PCTFE vs. PTFE
Property | Units | ASTM Test |
PCTFE | PTFE |
---|---|---|---|---|
Specific gravity | - | D792 | 2.11 - 2.17 | 2.15 |
Water absorption (immersion 24 hours) | % | D570 | 0 | <0.01 |
Tensile strength | psi | D638 | 4,860 - 5,710 | 1,500 - 3,000 |
Elongation | % | D638 | 100 - 250 | 100 - 200 |
Izod impact (notched) | ft-lbs/in | D256 | 2.5 - 3.5 | 3.5 |
Flexural strength | psi | D790 | 9,570 - 10,300 | - |
Flexural modulus | psi | D790 | 200,000 - 243,000 | 72,000 |
Dielectric strength (short term) | V/mil | D149 | 500 | 400 - 500 |
Coefficient of linear thermal expansion | in/in/°Fx10-5 | D696 | 3.9 | 8.9 |
Coefficient of friction (dynamic) | - | - | - | 0.1 |
Maximum continuous service temperature in air | °F | - | 380 | 500 |
Hardness | scale as noted | D785, D2240 |
Shore D 90 | Shore D 55 |
Values may vary according to brand name. Please ask your Curbell Plastics representative for more specific information about an individual brand.
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