PTFE (Teflon): Ultimate Chemical Resistance and Low-Friction Polymer
ASTM D4894 · Published: 2026-06-03 · Updated: July 2026
PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) has the lowest coefficient of friction (0.04) of any solid material and near-universal chemical resistance — attacked only by molten alkali metals and elemental fluorine at elevated temperature. It cannot be...
PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) has the lowest coefficient of friction (0.04) of any solid material and near-universal chemical resistance — attacked only by molten alkali metals and elemental fluorine at elevated temperature. It cannot be injection molded due to its ultra-high melt viscosity (10¹¹ Pa·s) and must be processed by compression molding and sintering, similar to powder metallurgy.
Quick Facts
| Category | Thermoplastics |
| Standard | ASTM D4894 |
| Density | 2.20 g/cm³ |
| Yield Strength | N/A (cold flows under load) |
| Tensile Strength | 25 MPa |
Global Equivalents & Cross-Reference
| Alternative Standard / Grade | Action |
|---|---|
| Chemours Teflon | Compare |
| Dyneon PTFE | Compare |
| Daikin Polyflon | Compare |
Related Materials
🧮 Material Weight Calculator
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't PTFE be injection molded?
PTFE's melt viscosity at 380°C exceeds 10¹¹ Pa·s — approximately 100 million times higher than PEEK at the same temperature. Even above its melting point (327°C), PTFE remains a gel-like solid. It must be processed by cold compression molding of powder followed by sintering at 370-380°C.
References & International Standards
- ASTM International. Standard Specifications for Steel & Metal Alloys. astm.org
- International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Metallic Materials — Cross-Reference Database. iso.org
- American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). Steel Grade Designations & Equivalents. steel.org
- European Committee for Standardization (CEN). EN Steel Standards & Numbering System. cencenelec.eu