PTFE Coatings on Elastomers | Zatkoff

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE or Teflon^®) is synonymous with "non-stick". PTFE combined with various binders forms dry-film lubricants with low coefficients of friction (static 0.05 to 0.20) and good corrosion and chemical resistance.

These lubricants serve in applications ranging from small rubber O-rings to room-sized metal vessels. The coatings can be applied with hand or electrostatic spraying and by dip spinning.

PTFE is a dry solid polymer that by itself does not adhere well to substrates. It must be combined in a dispersion form with other binders such as acrylic, epoxy, urethane, phenolic, or polyamide-imide. Other additives help adjust the physical properties or initiate curing.

Any process used to coat the part involves the same basic steps. A thin film of material is applied to the part surface, followed by a heat curing cycle. The process is repeated until the desired coating thickness is reached, typically between 0.0002” and 0.0004”. There is little need to change the design to accommodate the coating for anything but the tightest tolerances.