Polytetrafluoroethylene is a high molecular weight compound consisting of carbon and fluorine. It is dense and has an extremely low coefficient of friction. It has excellent dielectric and chemical resistant properties along with a much higher melting temperature than most other conventional plastics making it ideal for high heat applications. However it is relatively soft and as a result has low mechanical properties compared to other industrial type plastic materials. Common uses include: non-stick coatings, gears, slide plates, bearings and ball valves.
