Polytetrafluoroethylene – usually abbreviated to PTFE – is an extremely versatile fluoropolymer characterized by its non-wetting properties and high-temperature performance. PTFE also has an exceptionally low coefficient of friction (0.05 – 0.10) owing to its unique chemical structure. In this article, we will explore why this is the case and why PTFE film is the ideal material for low-friction tapes.

PTFE Films: Understanding the Unique Chemistry of PTFE

PTFE films are comprised of fluorocarbon (C2F4) n molecules in which the carbon is essentially encapsulated by fluorine, which has the greatest electronegativity of any element. This is important as electronegativity defines how likely an atom is to attract a bonding pair or electrons, making it highly unreactive. Additionally, as the carbon atoms are inaccessible, they have a negligible impact on reactivity too.

So, PTFE films have such a low coefficient of friction because they exhibit limited intermolecular reactions with contacting materials. Objects easily slide off PTFE. In fact, PTFE is the only material with non-stick properties good enough to resist the van der Waals forces of Gecko setae, meaning it is the only substance that a Gecko cannot stick to.

Beyond the Non-Stick Properties of PTFE Film

Although the non-stick properties of films used for the exterior of low-friction tape are critical, they must perform on multiple fronts to meet key performance indicators. Fortunately, PTFE films offer a range of additional benefits that enable their use in a range of applications.

• PTFE has an extremely low dielectric constant (2.0) and high insulation resistance owing to its symmetric macromolecular structure, making it ideal for high-frequency signal cabling and standard electronics applications. 
• PTFE film has robust non-wetting properties, making it the ideal flexible sealing solution for sealing applications, particularly around joints and pipe threads.

Alongside the above benefits, PTFE films also exhibit notable high- and low-temperature performance. Combined with its exceedingly low reactivity and non-stick properties, low-friction PTFE tapes can be reliably deployed in harsh environments associated with corrosive compounds, ensuring long-term performance where it matters most.