With the growing world, every small part plays a big role in making it more advanced and better daily. Each industry depends on many things to function and work well, from schools to colleges, shopping malls, and grocery stores.
Talking about such things, Teflon is one of those materials used widely by several industries and is very helpful and used for many purposes. But first, let’s learn all about Teflon and Teflon coating.
What is Teflon?
It is the name for a chemical coating called polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Made in the 1930s, the purpose of Teflon coating was initially to create non-reactive and non-stick surfaces. But with time, it is also used on wires or other electrical materials to make them waterproof and safe.
All the industries that run on heavy-duty machinery demand a way so that their machines work for a long period are durable, and their parts do not rust with time. And the best option to make this happen has a Teflon coating.
Many people know that Teflon coating is mainly used in non-stick pans or utensils so that the food doesn’t stick to the surface, and cleaning becomes easier too. But Teflon coating is used in other different industries for various purposes. Further, let’s go through this extensive guide and know its uses and benefits.
Uses of Teflon Coating in Different Industries
Teflon has different uses and purposes depending on the type of industry. A few of them are mentioned below:
1. Food and Beverage:
Teflon has improved food manufacturing facilities to comply with FDA regulations.
2. Oil & Gas:
It prevents metal surfaces from seizing and fasteners from sliding against each other, preventing costly damage to parts and equipment.
3. Chemicals:
It creates mechanical bonds, improves corrosion resistance, and reduces friction in plastic parts.
4. Manufacturing:
It improves the insulation of cables used in computer hardware and other electronic equipment with low friction properties. Teflon oring is used to avoid corrosion and increase the temperature range capabilities.
5. Energy:
Its non-stick properties protect against corrosion and reduce friction on parts exposed to extreme conditions.
6. Marines:
It extends the life of o-rings used to secure and seal critical marine components during prolonged exposure to water and temperature changes. Teflon coating is also used in ship valves to work smoothly and not erode.
7. Automotive:
It reduces friction in various automotive parts and improves lubricity, performance, life, and durability.
8. Aerospace:
It provides thermal stability and radiation resistance to aerospace vehicles exposed to potentially hazardous environments outside the Earth’s atmosphere.
9. Aviation:
It protects electrical systems by improving aircraft cable insulation with a low coefficient of friction.
10. Medical Devices:
It improves the chemical and abrasion resistance of medical devices and surgical instruments following FDA regulations. The Teflon layer is also done on injection molding medical devices as it causes less friction, is heat resistant and does not get wet.
2 Major Benefits of Teflon o-rings
O-rings coated with Teflon, or PTFE, are most commonly used in industrial machinery or factories as they carry a lot of benefits. These advantages are:
Corrosion Resistance
PTFE may be the material of choice for media incompatible with typical rubber compounds and aggressive or corrosive chemicals.
Teflon is impervious to nearly all industrial chemicals, making it one of the most corrosion-resistant materials in any industry. It also plays a role when a chemical attack compromises the integrity of rubber compounds.
Long Durability
Applications requiring long life or service intervals in corrosive environments may also justify using PTFE. Some elastomers can withstand short-term or intermittent stress, but degradation over time causes long-term problems, while PTFE’s resistant properties remain indefinitely. There is likely to be. Ability to support a wide temperature range
PTFE’s temperature range of -325°F to +500°F is also well above that of most elastomers.
Applications in cryogenic or high-temperature environments such as ovens or incineration processes can also rule out elastomeric compounds, making PTFE again the best choice.
At very low temperatures, most rubber compounds’ cure and elastomeric properties are no longer present in the material. It and material shrinkage can result in a less effective seal.
PTFE remains flexible and pliable even at cryogenic temperatures.
Other Benefits of PTFE O-rings
PTFE also has some additional advantages over rubber compounds.
- PTFE does not degrade over time and is not affected by UV light, so aging control is usually unnecessary.
- It does not expand due to moisture absorption
- It is less prone to explosive decompression
- Pure PTFE is FDA Compliant
- It has good electrical features like electrical resistance and dielectric strength.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Teflon was made to increase the durability and life of machines, making the working and process easier and smooth. Its use varies from industry to industry but has proved to be of great use each time. With changing times, its purposes in different industries became more important and useful. Make sure you learn all about this chemical before you choose to use it.