PTFE tubing is a high-performance solution widely used in chemical, pharmaceutical, semiconductor, and industrial applications. It combines exceptional chemical resistance, thermal stability, mechanical flexibility, and electrical insulation, making it suitable for demanding fluid transfer and corrosive environments.
Chemical Resistance
PTFE is inert to almost all chemicals, including strong acids, bases, and solvents. This allows it to safely transport corrosive liquids and gases without degradation, contamination, or reaction with the medium. PTFE tubing is suitable for continuous contact with aggressive chemicals at both ambient and elevated temperatures.
Chemical Compatibility Table for PTFE Tubing:
|
Chemical Type |
Resistance |
Notes |
|
Hydrochloric Acid |
Excellent |
Stable at all concentrations |
|
Sulfuric Acid |
Excellent |
Suitable for long-term exposure |
|
Sodium Hydroxide |
Excellent |
High alkali resistance |
|
Organic Solvents |
Excellent |
Compatible with alcohols, ketones, hydrocarbons |
|
Oxidizing Agents |
Very Good |
Surface may be affected at very high temperatures |
Thermal Properties
PTFE tubing can operate across a wide temperature range, from cryogenic conditions to high heat. It maintains structural integrity and chemical resistance under extreme thermal conditions. Its thermal expansion is low for a polymer, ensuring dimensional stability in piping and fluid systems.
Thermal Properties Table:
|
Property |
Value |
Notes |
|
Continuous Use Temperature |
-200°C to 260°C |
Suitable for both cryogenic and high-temperature applications |
|
Maximum Short-Term Temp |
315°C |
Occasional peaks without degradation |
|
Melting Point |
327°C |
Semi-crystalline polymer |
|
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion |
12–24 ×10^-5 /°C |
Low expansion ensures consistent flow rates |
Mechanical Properties
PTFE tubing is flexible, with moderate tensile strength and high elongation, allowing it to bend without cracking. Its low friction surface prevents sticking and allows smooth fluid flow. PTFE tubing has moderate creep resistance, which should be considered in high-pressure or long-term load applications.
Mechanical Properties Table:
|
Property |
Value |
Notes |
|
Tensile Strength |
21–35 MPa |
Adequate for tubing and low-pressure systems |
|
Elongation at Break |
200–400% |
High flexibility for bends and curves |
|
Hardness (Shore D) |
55–65 |
Soft polymer suitable for tubing flexibility |
|
Coefficient of Friction |
0.05–0.10 |
Very low; supports smooth fluid flow |
|
Creep Resistance |
Moderate |
Evaluate for long-term high-pressure applications |
Electrical Properties
PTFE tubing is an excellent electrical insulator. It retains high dielectric strength and low dissipation even under high temperatures and chemically aggressive environments. This makes it ideal for tubing in electronic or high-voltage systems.
Electrical Properties Table:
|
Property |
Value |
Notes |
|
Dielectric Strength |
60–200 kV/mm |
Strong insulation for high-voltage applications |
|
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz) |
2.1–2.2 |
Stable over wide frequency range |
|
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) |
0.0002–0.0004 |
Very low loss |
|
Volume Resistivity |
1×10^18 Ω·cm |
Maintains insulation under high humidity |
Physical and Dimensional Properties
PTFE tubing has low density, low moisture absorption, and a non-stick surface. It is chemically inert and hydrophobic, ensuring long-term purity for fluid transfer. PTFE tubing is available in a wide range of inner diameters, wall thicknesses, and lengths for flexible system design.
Physical and Dimensional Properties Table:
|
Property |
Value |
Notes |
|
Density |
2.12 g/cm³ |
Slightly heavier than typical plastics |
|
Water Absorption |
<0.01% |
Ideal for high-purity fluid systems |
|
Surface Energy |
18 mN/m |
Non-stick, low fouling |
|
Color |
White, translucent |
Some colors available on request |
|
Standard OD Range |
1–50 mm |
Custom sizes available |
|
Standard Wall Thickness |
0.5–5 mm |
Depending on pressure rating |
Processing and Fabrication
PTFE tubing cannot be melt-processed like most thermoplastics. It is typically produced through paste extrusion or ram extrusion, followed by sintering. PTFE can be machined to high precision after sintering, and expanded PTFE (ePTFE) tubing offers microporous structures for filtration and gas permeation applications.
Processing and Fabrication Table:
|
Method |
Application / Feature |
|
Paste/Ram Extrusion |
Tubing with precise OD/ID and wall thickness |
|
Sintering |
Improves mechanical stability and chemical resistance |
|
Machining |
Custom lengths, bends, or components |
|
EPTFE Expansion |
Porous tubes for filtration and membranes |
Short List Applications
PTFE tubing is widely used where chemical inertness, thermal resistance, low friction, and electrical insulation are required:
- Chemical Processing: Transporting aggressive acids, alkalis, and solvents
- Pharmaceutical & Semiconductor: High-purity fluid transfer lines
- Electrical & Electronics: Insulation for wires, cables, and high-voltage systems
- Mechanical Applications: Bearings, slides, seals, and gaskets
- Laboratory & Food Industry: Corrosion-resistant, non-stick fluid paths