Contrary to popular belief, Teflon™ is not a product, but a brand name for a family of plastics called fluoropolymers. It is a commercialized name for Chemours’ product line of fluoropolymer coatings. Teflon™ is a type of plastic sprayed on various materials before being baked or heated to create nonstick, waterproof, non-corrosive, and nonreactive surfaces. It is a barrier between the product or material and the potentially harmful external elements.
Since 1981, Plas-Tech Coatings has been a Chemours’ Licensed Industrial Applicator (LIA), an elite group of qualified companies selected for having high-quality workmanship, extensive knowledge, and experience in recommending and applying Teflon™ fluoropolymer industrial coatings.
To learn more about Teflon™ coatings and fluoropolymer products, contact us or request a free quote today, and our team of experts will be happy to assist you.
The Basic Components Of Teflon™ Coatings
Teflon™ coatings are specially formulated finishes that are based on fluoropolymers, a family of plastics including, Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), Perfluoroalkoxy Alkane (PFA), Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP), and Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) fluorocarbon resins.
These coatings are classified into two types: one-coat systems and multi-coat systems, typically including a primer, a mid-coat, and a top coat. There is also a related family of Teflon™ fluorocarbon coatings containing binding resins that enable a coated material to increase its hardness and abrasion resistance.
What To Consider Before Using Teflon™ Coatings
The exact formula for Teflon™ coatings, or alternate fluoropolymer coatings, will depend on the material it is applied to, the required characteristics, and the specific use of the material. These factors may also determine whether the Teflon™ fluoropolymer industrial coatings are applied as liquid or powder forms and how the layers are applied.
There are some factors to consider before using fluoropolymer coatings or when selecting the best Teflon™ coating service provider to ensure you will achieve the desired properties and results:
- Surface to be coated (metal or non-metal)
- Required chemical resistance
- The toughness of the final product
- Desired coefficient of friction
- Appropriate abrasion resistance
- Operating environment
- Application (industrial, manufacturing, consumer, etc.)
Why Use Teflon™ Coatings?
The unique composition of fluoropolymer coatings gives it the nonstick, low friction, and electrical and thermal insulating properties that make it useful in many applications. Furthermore, Teflon™ coatings are made of fluorocarbon solids, which means that the fluoropolymers have a high molecular weight and are entirely composed of carbon and fluorine. As a result, the fluoropolymers become hydrophobic, have a low coefficient of friction, and can have other valuable properties making the product line in demand in many industries and suitable for various applications.
With a growing public preference for natural products, fluoropolymers have come under scrutiny, prompting some to question their safety. The answer is indisputable “Yes!” And to understand this, you must first understand how fluoropolymers behave at different temperatures.
Teflon™ fluoropolymers can begin to pyrolyze (i.e., thermal decomposition) or burn without oxygen at around 500°F. The good news is that this temperature is far beyond the smoke point of most oils, meaning it’s implausible that consumer-grade applications of PTFE would ever begin to degrade in this way when appropriately used.
With proper knowledge, use, and application, Teflon™ fluoropolymer coatings are generally safe and effective.
Types of Teflon™ Coatings
Teflon™ PTFE
PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) nonstick coatings are typically two-coat (primer/topcoat) systems. These products have the highest operating temperature of any fluoropolymer (290°C/550°F), an extremely low coefficient of friction, good abrasion resistance, and good chemical resistance.
Teflon™ ETFE
ETFE is a copolymer of Ethylene and Tetrafluoroethylene and is also sold under the Tefzel™ trademark. Although not fully fluorinated, ETFE has excellent chemical resistance and can operate continuously at 150°C/300°F. This resin is the toughest of the fluoropolymers and can be applied at film builds up to 1,000 micrometers (40 mils) to provide a highly durable finish.
Teflon™ FEP
FEP (Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene copolymer) nonstick coatings melt and flow during baking to provide non-porous films. These coatings offer excellent chemical resistance. In addition to low friction, FEP coatings have excellent nonstick properties. The maximum use temperature is 205°C/400°F.
Teflon™ PFA
Like FEP, PFA (Perfluoroalkoxy) nonstick coatings melt and flow during baking to provide non-porous films. PFA offers the additional benefits of higher continuous use temperature (260°C/500°F), film thicknesses up to 1,000 micrometers (40 mils), and more outstanding toughness than PTFE or FEP. This combination of properties makes PFA an excellent choice for various uses, especially those involving chemical resistance.
Teflon-S™ One Coat
These solvent-based liquid coatings are formulated with unique blends of fluoropolymers and other high-performance resins to improve toughness and abrasion resistance. Because the film components stratify during baking, most fluoropolymer properties (such as low friction and nonstick) are retained. The resins provide adhesion and abrasion resistance and can sometimes be applied to smooth, clean metal. The bake requirements vary, depending on the specific coating, from 165°C/325°F to 370°C/700°F.
Silverstone SUPRA®
Silverstone® is a specialty line of superior nonstick finishes produced by DuPont. Silverstone® coatings are three-coat (primer/ mid-coat/ topcoat) systems formulated with PTFE and PFA. Characteristics of Silverstone® coatings are similar to other PTFE coatings; however, durability is significantly increased. A reinforced version with higher scratch and abrasion resistance is also available. The maximum continuous use temperature is 260° C/500° F.
Best Teflon™ Fluoropolymer Products & Services By Plas-Tech Coatings
Teflon™ has been a popular brand name, is in demand in many industries, and is suitable for various applications. With proper know-how and appropriate application, fluoropolymers are safe and effective.
To know precisely how Teflon™ fluoropolymer coatings can be applied to your particular products or how to use them for your manufacturing project, consult with industry experts like Plas-Tech Coatings. We offer the complete array of Teflon™ coatings, fluoropolymers, and other industrial coating products and services.
Plas-Tech Coatings is a Chemours’ Licensed Industrial Applicator specializing in high-quality, cost-effective Teflon™ coatings for various industrial applications. For pricing on our Teflon™ coatings, fluoropolymer products, and other coating services, submit a free request for a quote today.