Chemical reactions between PTFE and other substances are limited to a few exceptions: alkali metals in melted or dissolved form attack the polymerizate, causing a brown discoloration. Also, elementary fluorine and chlorinetrifluoride effects PTFE at higher temperatures and pressures.

For some years, paste compounds have been used increasingly as well. The most common compounds are PTFE-carbon, PTFE-glass, PTFEbronze and PTFE-graphite.

Pure-white material will continue to be used wherever the PTFE’s outstanding chemical and thermal resistance and adhesive properties are required. Glass-filled material is preferably used when wear resistance, which is required with industrial applications in particular, should be increased. Carbon and graphite improve the thermal conductivity of the tube in addition to some mechanical properties.

By adding bronze as a filler the creep tendency of the base material can be reduced. A filler which has been gaining continuously increasing importance is bismuth-carbonate, which is primarily suitable for medical applications. This enables tubes used in endoscopic surgery to be made visible on respective fluoroscopic monitors during surgical procedures.

The aforementioned properties are key factors contributing to the continuously increasing utilization of PTFE tubings in the chemical, electrical and mechanical industries, but also in medical technology. Standard tube dimensions range from 0.3 x 0.8 mm to 24 x 26 mm and above.

Thermal loadability

• The thermal loadability of PTFE ranges from –260°C to +300°C (e.g. no brittling in boiling helium at –269°C)
• This temperature range is not achieved by any other commercially available plastic material. The permanent service temperatures, however, depend on the respective load and stress factors
• In concrete terms this means that PTFE in case of moderate mechanical stress can be used at temperatures ranging between –200°C to +260°C

• Unfilled PTFE is physiologically neutral
• PTFE conforms to the requirements of the U.S. Food & Drug- Administration (FDA) and therefore be used with components coming into contact with foodstuffs
• A very positive factor in this context is the material’s resistance to hot vapor which means that PTFE parts are very suitable for sterilization in medical or food applications
• Conformity certifications for various pigmented tubes are available

Chemical Industry

• For analytical and measuring equipment in chromatography and lab technology as well for lining measuring sensors in chemical process technology
• For transportation of food products, oils, resins and paints
• For transportation of aggressive media such as acids, alkaline solutions, gases and solvents

Plant Machinery, e.g. Painting Lines

• In spray-painting lines in which pressureproofed tubes and tubes are used

Electrical Industry

• Insulation of high voltage cables
• Lining of electrical heating elements as protective sheathing for electroplating and micro-electronics

Medical Technology

• Cannulas
• Catheters
• Pipettes
• Endoscopes

PTFE is physiologically harmless, non-toxic and can be used in medical applications. Even a respective pre-treatment of the surface using a plasma- or wet-chemical etching process will not substantially impair the tube properties. This special additional treatment is required whenever PTFE surfaces are supposed to be bonded with accessory parts, such as ceramic tips.

Mechanical Applications

The lower friction coefficient of PTFE enables bowden cables to be lined for example. In view of the high ambient temperatures in the engine compartment and due to stricter emission standards, automotive applications have been gaining increasing importance.

Liquid Chromatography

Ultra-pure PTFE tubes without aromates which interfere with analytical processes.

Stock Dimensions of PTFE Tubings Type HN 1331, Virginal PTFE, Tolerance According to GKV Guideline

ID mm x OD mm		Part No.
0.30	1.75	062.693
0.50	2.00	062.782
0.60	1.10	062.804
0.70	2.00	062.698
0.90	1.50	062.936
1.00	1.50	062.979
1.00	1.60	063.002
1.00	1.80	063.010
1.00	2.00	063.096
1.00	3.00	063.177
1.15	1.75	063.231
1.40	2.20	063.320
1.50	2.50	063.452
1.50	3.00	063.460
2.00	3.00	063.525
2.00	4.00	063.541
2.50	4.00	063.835
2.50	4.50	063.843
2.70	3.20	063.878
2.70	3.50	066.125
3.00	3.90	064.106
3.00	5.00	064.203
4.00	5.00	064.262
4.00	6.00	064.270
4.50	6.00	216.801
5.00	6.00	064.327
5.00	7.00	064.335
6.00	7.00	064.378
6.00	8.00	064.386
7.00	8.00	064.424
8.00	9.00	386.073
8.00	10.00	064.467
9.00	11.00	064.483
9.00	12.00	224.480
10.00	12.00	064.491
14.00	16.00	064.556