PTFE (POLYTETRAFLUOROETHYLENE) coatings have among the lowest coefficient of friction values of any material, and exhibits exceptional chemical resistance.

Teflon™ from Chemours is one of the best-known brands of PTFE, and several other brands like Kluber, PPG-Whitford and Daikin are also available.

The most prevalent uses of Teflon™ coatings are in the cookware/bakeware, automotive, and aerospace industries.

PTFE for Nonstick Uses

When cured or sintered, PTFE migrates to coating surfaces, creating the nonstick properties. The more PTFE on the surface, the more nonstick it develops. The most important factors determining how much PTFE accumulates on a surface are temperature and the length of heating time during the curing process.   Normally, two or three-coat systems are applied and cured at around 400°C ( 752°F ) for several minutes.

PTFE for Dry Film Lubrication

Dry film lubrication coatings take advantage of PTFE’s lubricating properties like hardness and wear-resistance.   This combination provides excellent coefficient of friction values - as low as 0.02. Normally, a DFT between 10 to 25 microns is used - meaning the coating is sprayed to reach these tolerances.   In some cases other lubricants, such as molybdenum disulfide or graphite are used, either in combination with or instead of PTFE.

PTFE is inert and is normally approved for contact with food, but coatings formulated with a binder and additives are often not sanctioned for direct contact with food.  Please consult with an Adelhelm representative about your specific product.

Letters documenting suitability for food uses under the United States Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and applicable regulations including 21 CFR 175.300 can be provided, based on specific temperatures, substrates, and end uses.   Depending on the specific product, food-use approval letters for the EU can also be provided.

Other benefits of PTFE coatings

Depending on the type of binder used, PTFE coatings have a high-temperature tolerance of between 212°F and 500°F.

Different substrates such as elastomers, plastics, aluminum, steel, stainless steel, or other metals can be coated with PTFE, but the binder cure temperatures must be chosen carefully to achieve the target performance. This is where Adelhelm LubriCoat’s years of experience can help you make the optimal decision for your coating needs.

PTFE coatings can be either one, two, or three layers, depending on the end use.   One-coat systems are often used for dry film lubrication and easy-release coatings (DFT from 15 to 30 microns).  Two-coat systems, with a DFT of 25 to 40 microns, are ideal for nonstick applications as the second coat is primarily PTFE. Three-coat PTFE systems are often internally reinforced, increasing wear resistance, and have a DFT of between 35 and 60 microns.  Easy-clean coatings can also be used when the total amount of PTFE is low or the cure temperature of the coating is minimal.

PTFE coatings are normally spray-applied, but can also be applied by dip-spin, dipping and drum coatings.

At Adelhelm LubriCoat, physical testing – including coefficient of friction and film thickness measurement and Bruker Tribometer - plays a critical role in ensuring quality coatings customized for performance in their specific use.