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Characteristics of Polytetrafluoroethylene Plastic (PTFE)
| Clarity | Opaque | Impact Resistant | Good to Excellent |
| Moisture Barrier | Excellent | Heat Resistance | Good to Excellent |
| Oxygen Barrier | Excellent | Cold Resistance | Good to Excellent |
| Acid Resistance | Excellent | Sunlight Resistance | Excellent |
| Grease & Oil Resistance | Excellent | Specific Gravity | 2.2 |
| Maximum Utilization Temp. | 500°F | Tensile Strength | 6,240 psi |
| Minimum Utilization Temp. | -328°F | Melting Point | 626°F |
| Stiffness | Rigid |
Other Characteristics of PTFE:
PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) plastics are generally opaque, and are an excellent barrier to gas, moisture, and resistance to heat. PTFE shows a remarkable chemical resistance and it is insoluble in all known solvents. It is attacked only by molten alkali metals and fluorine at high temperatures. PTFE has excellent resistance to acids, alkalis and solvents. It is very lubricous, with the lowest coefficient of any polymer. The chemically inert plastic is easy to clean and has exceptional mechanical resistance under extreme conditions. In addition, PTFE is autoclavable and non-flammable.
Chemical Resistance:
| Acids – Dilute | Excellent |
| Acids – Concentrated | Excellent |
| Alcohols | Excellent |
| Aldehydes | Excellent |
| Bases | Excellent |
| Esters | Excellent |
| Ethers | Excellent |
| Hydrocarbons, Aliphatic | Excellent |
| Hydrocarbons, Aromatics | Excellent |
| Hydrocarbons, Halogenated | Excellent |
| Ketones | Excellent |
| Oils, Minerals | Excellent |
| Oil, Vegetable | Excellent |
Uses of PTFE:
PTFE is a good choice for labware because of its many desirable characteristics. PTFE is useful because of its resistance to corrosive elements that many other plastics are unable to stand up to. The anti-stick properties and low coefficient of friction of PTFE are desirable qualities for durable labware. PTFE can be sterilized by autoclave, gas, dry heat and chemical disinfectant.
Recycling:
PTFE does not have it's own recycling code symbol. However, PTFE can be recycled into many other products. Recycled PTFE can be used for rods, tubing, tape and more. For more information regarding PTFE recycling see the Plastic Container Recycling Page.
PTFE's Role in History:
PTFE was first discovered accidentally in the 1930s by DuPont scientist Roy Plunkett. It was first used to store highly corrosive elements for the Manhattan Project during the 1940s, in which the first atomic bomb was developed. In the late 1940s DuPont commercialized PTFE as Teflon®. Since then, several companies have made advancements upon the plastic resin in many avenues, such as laboratory equipment, non-stick cooking surfaces and engineering industries.
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*Note: Always be sure to test your products with the material/container chosen. Any information presented is for reference only, be sure to verify and test.