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Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) possesses many excellent properties, such as resistance to high and low temperatures, chemical corrosion resistance, and excellent electrical properties. However, PTFE also has some drawbacks that limit its wider application, such as poor abrasion resistance and significant creep under heavy loads.

To overcome these drawbacks and expand the applications of PTFE, it can be modified by filling. Different fillers and processing techniques will result in different properties in the final product. Modified PTFE retains its original characteristics while significantly improving many mechanical properties, thus broadening its application areas. This article will discuss the glass fiber reinforced PTFE sheet.

Glass Fiber

Glass fiber (also known as fiberglass) is a high-performance inorganic non-metallic material. It is corrosion-resistant and wear-resistant, and has good insulation, strong heat resistance and high mechanical strength properties.

When glass fiber is used as a reinforcing material to strengthen PTFE, its most significant characteristic is the ability to increase tensile strength of the composite material. The tensile strength of glass fiber is 6.3–6.9 g/d under standard conditions and 5.4–5.8 g/d under wet conditions, with a density of 2.54 kg/cm³ and a melting temperature of 220–275℃. Therefore, the composite material should ideally not exceed 275℃. Glass fiber has good heat resistance, do not affect the strength even temperatures up to 300℃ . Same as PTFE, it is also a high-grade electrical insulating material and can be used in thermal insulation and fireproof shielding materials. Glass fiber materials are generally only corroded by concentrated alkalis, hydrofluoric acid, and concentrated phosphoric acid.

Glass fiber reinforced PTFE sheet

Glass fiber filled PTFE sheet has significantly improved wear resistance. Compared with ordinary PTFE sheet, its wear resistance is nearly 500 times higher, its service limit PV value is about 10 times higher, and has higher density and better mechanical strength, which making it suitable for some applications with high requirements for sheet strength.

When selecting glass fiber materials, it is necessary to choose those with a certain draw ratio, uniform fiber size, and non-treated with any chemicals.

After selecting the appropriate glass fiber, it is essential to ensure that the materials and PTFE are thoroughly and uniformly mixed. Generally, the glass fiber that filled with PTFE has a diameter of 10-13 micrometers, an average length of 80 micrometers, an draw ratio of 5-10, and a filler content of 15-25%. Adding glass fiber significantly improves PTFE resin resistance to creep and cold flow, and greatly enhances its wear resistance.

When reinforcing glass fiber, it can also be compounded with graphite, molybdenum disulfide, carbon fiber, bronze powder, etc., in different component formulations. The resulting products are suitable for parts with various working requirements. Studies have shown that blends of PTFE, molybdenum disulfide, and glass fiber are ideal for applications in oil-free lubrication, friction reduction, wear resistance, and sealing.

Application fields of Glass fiber reinforced PTFE sheet 

Chemical Industry: Reinforced PTFE sheets can be used to manufacture equipment components such as storage tanks, pipelines, and pump casings for corrosive media, exhibiting excellent corrosion resistance and extending equipment lifespan.

Electronics Industry: Reinforced PTFE sheets can be used to manufacture gaskets, sealing rings, and other components for electronic parts, possessing excellent insulation and high-temperature resistance.

Soft and Hard Sealing Materials: Reinforced PTFE sheets can be used to manufacture various sealing gaskets, such as packing gaskets and flat gaskets, applicable to various sealing conditions.

Other Fields: Reinforced PTFE sheets can also be used in food processing, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, and other fields, meeting the needs of diverse industries.

For more information , please contact Uflon.