6.1 Applications for PTFE

About one half of the PTFE resin produced is used in electrical and electronic applications [a.157] with the major use for insulation of hookup wire for military and aerospace electronic equipment. PTFE is also used as insulation for airframe and computer wires, as tubing and in electronic components. PTFE tape is being used for wrapping coaxial cables.

Large quantities of PTFE are used in the chemical industry in the fluid-conveying systems as gaskets, seals and moulded packing, bellows, hose and lined pipe [a.158] and as lining of large tanks or process vessels. PTFE is also used in laboratory apparatus. Compression moulded parts are made in many sizes and shapes. Unsintered tape is used for sealing threads of pipes for water and other liquids. Pressure sensitive tapes with silicone or acrylic adhesives are made from skived or cast PTFE films or thin PTFE coated glass fabrics.

PTFE coated glass fabric are used in architectural applications, such as roofing membranes for stadiums, airports, shopping centres as well as in radomes (Figure 9).

Figure 9: Radome from PTFE coated fabric.
Courtesy Chemfab Corporation.

Other applications of PTFE coated fabrics are belts for the manufacture of tiles, for food processing (baking, cooking) as release sheets on hamburger grills, as release sheets in heat sealing machines, in filters, etc.

PTFE coated aramid fabrics are used in special laminated structures for protection of military personnel against chemical agents.

Because of its very low friction coefficient, PTFE is used for bearings