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Sealing material

PTFE

Polytetrafluoroethylene (thermoplastic fluoropolymer) — virtually universal chemical inertness and the widest temperature range — a rigid fluoropolymer, not a true elastomer.

Chemically inert to nearly all media, with the lowest friction of any solid — used as backup rings, envelope gaskets and O-ring encapsulation.

Service temp -328°F to +500°F (-200°C to +260°C)

Overview

What PTFE is best at

PTFE is a thermoplastic fluoropolymer (not an elastomer): chemically inert to nearly all media, spanning an extreme temperature range with the lowest coefficient of friction of any solid. Because it doesn’t recover elastically and can cold-flow, it’s used as backup rings, chevron/lip seals, envelope gaskets, and as an encapsulating jacket over a silicone or FKM O-ring core — combining PTFE’s chemistry with an elastomeric spring.

Standout resistanceHeatLow temperatureOzone & weatherOil & fuelAcidsSolvents / ketonesWater & steamAlso strong inAbrasion
Continuous service temp-328°F to +500°F (-200°C to +260°C)
Hardness~50–65 Shore D (rigid)
Tensile strength2,000–5,000 psi
HeatExcellent
Low temperatureExcellent
Ozone & weatherExcellent
Oil & fuelExcellent
AcidsExcellent
Solvents / ketonesExcellent
Water & steamExcellent
AbrasionGood
Compression setPoor

Typical published ranges — final properties depend on the specific ARC compound, cure system and fillers. Request a compound-specific data sheet for design values.

Where it's used

Typical applications by industry

Chemical Processing

Envelope/lined gaskets, valve seats and seals for aggressive or universal media.

Pharmaceutical

Sanitary encapsulated O-rings and seals for CIP/SIP and high-purity service.

Oil & Gas

Backup and anti-extrusion rings, chevron/V-ring stacks, valve seals.

Semiconductor

High-purity, low-outgassing seals and low-friction components.

Choose PTFE when

  • Universal chemical inertness or extreme temperature where no elastomer suffices
  • As a backup ring, encapsulation jacket or low-friction dynamic element

Consider an alternative when

  • Applications needing elastic recovery under compression → FFKM, FKM or an encapsulated O-ring
  • Self-energizing rubber sealing behavior → elastomer O-rings

Need PTFE parts to spec?

Send your service conditions or drawing — our engineers will confirm the right PTFE compound and a path to production.

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