Editing Polytetrafluoroethylene (section)

== Applications and uses ==
{{more citations needed section|date=May 2017}}
[[File:Gore twisted pair cable, Passenger Experience Week 2018, Hamburg (1X7A3731) (cropped).jpg|thumb|upright|PTFE-jacketed (white) shielded [[twisted-pair cable]]s]]

=== Wire insulation, electronics ===
The most common use of PTFE, consuming about 50% of production,<ref name="vedantu2024">{{Cite web |title=Polytetrafluoroethylene - Introduction, Production, Applications, and FAQs |url=https://www.vedantu.com/chemistry/polytetrafluoroethylene |access-date=2024-04-01 |website=VEDANTU |language=en}}</ref> is for the insulation of wiring in aerospace and computer applications (e.g. hookup wire, coaxial cables).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sack |first=Harald |date=2022-06-26 |title=Roy J. Plunkett and the Discovery of Teflon {{!}} SciHi Blog |url=http://scihi.org/roy-j-plunkett-teflon/ |access-date=2024-04-01 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="vedantu2024" /> This application exploits the fact that PTFE has excellent [[dielectric]] properties, specifically low [[group velocity dispersion]],<ref name="MishraYagci">{{cite book |editor1-last=Mishra |editor1-first=Munmaya |editor2-last=Yagci |editor2-first=Yusuf |title=Handbook of Vinyl Polymers: Radical Polymerization, Process, and Technology, Second Edition |date=2008 |publisher=CRC Press |isbn=978-0-8247-2595-2 |page=574 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CoFE-itPBPgC&pg=PA574 }}</ref> especially at high [[radio frequency|radio frequencies]],<ref name="MishraYagci" /> making it suitable for use as an excellent [[Electrical insulation|insulator]] in [[electrical connector|connector]] assemblies and [[Electrical cable|cable]]s, and in [[printed circuit board]]s used at [[microwave]] frequencies. Combined with its high melting temperature, this makes PTFE the material of choice as a high-performance substitute for the weaker, higher dispersion and lower-melting-point [[polyethylene]] commonly used in low-cost applications.

=== Bearings seals ===
In industrial applications, owing to its low friction, PTFE is used for [[plain bearing]]s, [[gear]]s, [[slide plate]]s, seals, gaskets, bushings,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espemfg.com/teflon-machining-fabrication.html|title=Teflon Machining & Fabrication |website=Espemfg.com|access-date=2018-08-28}}</ref> and more applications with sliding action of parts, where it outperforms [[polyoxymethylene|acetal]] and [[nylon]].<ref>{{cite book |editor1-last=Mishra |editor1-first=Munmaya |editor2-last=Yagci |editor2-first=Yusuf |title=Handbook of Vinyl Polymers: Radical Polymerization, Process, and Technology, Second Edition |date=2008 |publisher=CRC Press |isbn=978-0-8247-2595-2 |page=573 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CoFE-itPBPgC&pg=PA573 }}</ref>

=== Electrets ===
Its extremely high bulk [[resistivity]] makes it an ideal material for fabricating long-life [[electret]]s, the [[electrostatic]] analogues of [[magnet|permanent magnets]].

=== Composites ===
PTFE film is also widely used in the production of carbon fiber composites as well as fiberglass composites, notably in the aerospace industry. PTFE film is used as a barrier between the carbon or fiberglass part being built and, in breather and bagging materials, is used to incapsulate the bondment when debulking (vacuum removal of air from between layers of laid-up plies of material) and when curing the composite, usually in an autoclave. The PTFE, used here as a film, prevents the non-production materials from sticking to the part being built, which is sticky due to the carbon-graphite or fiberglass plies being pre-pregnated with [[bismaleimide]] resin. Non-production materials such as Teflon, Airweave Breather, and the bag itself would be considered F.O.D. (foreign object debris/damage) if left in layup.

[[Gore-Tex]] is a brand of expanded PTFE (ePTFE), a material incorporating a fluoropolymer membrane with micropores. The roof of the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] in [[Minneapolis]], US, was one of the largest applications of PTFE coatings. {{convert|20|acre|m2}} of the material was used in the creation of the white double-layered PTFE-coated fiberglass dome.

=== Chemically inert liners ===
Because of its extreme non-reactivity and high temperature rating, PTFE is often used as the liner in [[hose]] assemblies, [[expansion joint#Pipe expansion joints|expansion joint]]s, and in industrial pipe lines, particularly in applications using acids, alkalis, or other chemicals. Its frictionless qualities allow improved flow of highly viscous liquids and for uses in applications such as brake hoses.

=== Tensioned membrane structures ===
PTFE architectural membranes are created by coating a woven glass-fibre base cloth with PTFE, forming one of the strongest and most durable materials used in [[tensile structure]]s.<ref>{{Cite web |title=PTFE |url=https://www.makmax.com.au/fabrics/ptfe/ |website=MakMax Australia}}</ref> Some notable structures featuring PTFE-tensioned membranes include [[The O2 Arena]] in London, [[Moses Mabhida Stadium]] in South Africa, [[Metropolitano Stadium]] in Spain and the [[Sydney Football Stadium (2022)|Sydney Football Stadium]] Roof in Australia.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-08-16 |title=Sydney Football Stadium Roof |url=https://www.makmax.com.au/project/sydney-football-stadium-roof/ |access-date=2024-07-21 |website=MakMax Australia |language=en-AU}}</ref>

=== Musical instruments ===
PTFE is often found in musical instrument lubrication products, most commonly valve oil.
=== Lubricants ===
PTFE is used in some aerosol lubricant sprays, including in [[Micronization|micronized]] and polarized form. It is notable for its extremely low coefficient of friction, its hydrophobia (which serves to inhibit rust), and for the dry film it forms after application, which allows it to resist collecting particles that might otherwise form an abrasive paste.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://interflonusa.com/what-is-micpol/#assembly|title=What is MicPol?|website=Interflonusa.com|access-date=2018-10-03|language=en|archive-date=3 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181003141443/https://interflonusa.com/what-is-micpol/#assembly|url-status=dead}}</ref> Brands include GT85, Tri-Flow and WD-40 Specialist.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.baysidemarine.co.uk/gt85-general-lubricant-with-ptfe---400ml-6284-p.asp|title=GT85 General Lubricant with PTFE - 400ml|website=Baysidemarine.co.uk|access-date=5 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Tri-Flow Superior Lubricant Aerosol – Triflow Lubricants |url=https://www.triflowlubricants.com/product/tri-flow-superior-lubricant-aerosol/ |access-date=2024-10-30 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Dry Lube PTFE Spray - Dirt & Dust Resistant Dry Lube {{!}} WD-40 |url=https://www.wd40.com/products/dry-lube/ |access-date=2024-10-30 |website=www.wd40.com}}</ref>

=== Kitchenware ===
[[File:Teflon-jar hg.jpg|alt=Two teflon jars|thumb|Two molded PTFE jars.]]
PTFE is best known for its use in [[Non-stick surface|coating non-stick]] [[frying pan]]s and other cookware, as it is [[hydrophobic]] and possesses fairly high heat resistance.

The sole plates of some [[Clothes iron|clothes irons]] are coated with PTFE.<ref>[http://pratique.leparisien.fr/fiches-pratiques/electromenager/repassage/fers-a-repasser-semelle-teflon-1600004600043011#xtref=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.google.fr%252F Fers à repasser semelle teflon - Fiche pratique - Le Parisien]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816072735/http://pratique.leparisien.fr/fiches-pratiques/electromenager/repassage/fers-a-repasser-semelle-teflon-1600004600043011#xtref=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.google.fr%252F |date=16 August 2016 }} Pratique.leparisien.fr. Retrieved on 2016-11-17.</ref>


=== Others ===
{{trivia|section|date=August 2023}}
[[File:PTFE tapes with pressure-sensitive adhesive backing, rolls of 15 and 25 mm widths.jpg|thumb|right|PTFE tapes with pressure-sensitive adhesive backing]]Other niche applications include:
* It is often found in [[ski binding]]s as a non-mechanical AFD (anti-friction device) 
* It can be stretched to contain small pores of varying sizes and is then placed between fabric layers to make a waterproof, breathable fabric in outdoor apparel.<ref name="gore">{{cite web|url=https://www.infinitymotorcycles.com/news/a-motorcyclists-guide-to-gore-tex/119|title=A Motorcyclist's Guide To Gore-Tex|publisher=Infinity Motorcycles|access-date=17 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150705134857/https://www.infinitymotorcycles.com/news/a-motorcyclists-guide-to-gore-tex/119|archive-date=5 July 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* It is used widely as a fabric protector to repel stains on formal school-wear, like uniform blazers.<ref name=CutterAndTailor>{{cite web|url=http://www.cutterandtailor.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=852|title=Advantages and Disadvantages of Teflon-coated Covert Cloth|work=The Cutter and Tailor|access-date=22 May 2015|archive-date=3 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150703221827/http://www.cutterandtailor.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=852|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* It is frequently used as a lubricant to prevent captive insects and other [[arthropod]]s from escaping.
* It is used as a coating for medical and healthcare applications formulated to provide strength and heat resistance to surgical devices and other medical equipment.<ref name=DeltaCoatingsandLinings>{{Cite web|url=https://www.deltacoatingsandliningsbr.com/ptfe|title=PTFE & Industrial Non-Stick Fluoropolymer Coating Services &#124; Delta Coatings & Linings, Inc.|website=Deltacoatingsandliningsbr.com|access-date=5 March 2022}}</ref> 
* It is used as a film interface patch for sports and medical applications, featuring a pressure-sensitive adhesive backing, which is installed in strategic high friction areas of footwear, insoles, [[ankle-foot orthosis]], and other medical devices to prevent and relieve friction-induced blisters, calluses and foot ulceration.<ref name=FilmInterfacePatch>{{cite web |url=http://www.oandp.org/jpo/library/popup.asp?xmlpage=2006_04_093&type=image&id=f11 |title=Film Interface Patch |publisher=American Academy of Orthotists & Prosthetists}}</ref>
* Expanded PTFE membranes have been used in trials to assist [[trabeculectomy]] surgery to treat glaucoma.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Park |first1=Junghyun |last2=Rittiphairoj |first2=Thanitsara |last3=Wang |first3=Xue |last4=E |first4=Jian-Yu |last5=Bicket |first5=Amanda K |title=Device-modified trabeculectomy for glaucoma |journal=Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews |date=13 March 2023 |volume=2023 |issue=3 |pages=CD010472 |doi=10.1002/14651858.CD010472.pub3 |pmc=10010250 |pmid=36912740 }}</ref>
* Powdered PTFE is used in [[pyrotechnic composition]]s as an [[oxidizer]] with powdered metals such as [[aluminium]] and [[magnesium]]. Upon ignition, these mixtures form carbonaceous [[soot]] and the corresponding metal [[fluoride]], and release large amounts of heat. They are used in [[infrared decoy flare]]s and as [[igniter]]s for [[solid-fuel rocket]] [[propellant]]s.<ref name=koch>{{cite journal |last1=Koch |first1=Ernst-Christian |title=Metal-Fluorocarbon-Pyrolants: III. Development and Application of Magnesium/Teflon/Viton (MTV) |journal=Propellants, Explosives, Pyrotechnics |date=November 2002 |volume=27 |issue=5 |pages=262–266 |doi=10.1002/1521-4087(200211)27:5<262::AID-PREP262>3.0.CO;2-8 }}</ref> Aluminium and PTFE is also used in some [[thermobaric]] fuel compositions.
* Powdered PTFE is used in a suspension with a low-viscosity, azeotropic mixture of siloxane ethers to create a lubricant for use in [[twisty puzzle]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thecubicle.us/lubicle-p-9146.html|title=Lubicle 1|website=TheCubicle.us|language=en|access-date=2017-05-20}}</ref>
* In optical [[radiometry]], sheets of PTFE are used as measuring heads in spectroradiometers and broadband radiometers (e.g., [[illuminance]] meters and [[Ultraviolet|UV]] [[radiometer]]s) due to PTFE's capability to diffuse a transmitting light nearly perfectly. Moreover, optical properties of PTFE stay constant over a wide range of wavelengths, from UV down to near [[infrared]]. In this region, the ratio of its regular transmittance to diffuse transmittance is negligibly small, so light transmitted through a [[diffuser (optics)|diffuser]] (PTFE sheet) radiates like [[Lambert's cosine law]]. Thus PTFE enables cosinusoidal angular response for a detector measuring the power of optical radiation at a surface, e.g. in solar [[irradiance]] measurements.
* [[Teflon-coated bullet]]s are coated with PTFE to reduce wear on the [[rifling]] of firearms that uncoated projectiles would cause. PTFE itself does not give a projectile an armor-piercing property.<ref>{{cite journal|url=http://www.guncite.com/ktwint.html|title=Interview with an inventor of the KTW bullet|journal=NRAction Newsletter|volume =4|issue =5 |date=May 1990}}</ref>
* Its high corrosion resistance makes PTFE useful in laboratory environments, where it is used for lining containers, as a coating for magnetic stirrers, and as tubing for highly corrosive chemicals such as [[hydrofluoric acid]], which will dissolve glass containers. It is used in containers for storing [[fluoroantimonic acid]], a [[superacid]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.realclearscience.com/blog/2013/08/the-worlds-strongest-acids.html |title=The World's Strongest Acids: Like Fire and Ice |last=Pomeroy |first=Ross |date=2013-08-24 |access-date=2016-04-09 }}</ref>
* PTFE tubes are used in gas-gas heat exchangers in gas cleaning of waste incinerators. Unit power capacity is typically several megawatts.
* PTFE is widely used as a [[thread seal tape]] in plumbing applications, largely replacing paste thread dope.
* PTFE membrane filters are among the most efficient industrial air filters. PTFE-coated filters are often used in [[dust collection system]]s to collect [[aerosol|particulate matter]] from air streams in applications involving high temperatures and high particulate loads such as coal-fired power plants, cement production and steel foundries.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.baghouse.com/2012/05/28/industrial-air-permits-new-clean-air-regulations-and-baghouses/|title=Industrial Air Permits - New Clean Air Regulations And Baghouses|date=28 May 2012|publisher=Baghouse.com}}</ref> 
* PTFE grafts can be used to bypass [[stenosis|stenotic]] [[artery|arteries]] in peripheral vascular disease if a suitable autologous [[vein]] graft is not available.
* Many bicycle lubricants and greases contain PTFE and are used on [[bicycle chain|chains]] and other moving parts subjected to frictional forces (such as [[Bicycle wheel#Bearings|hub bearings]]).
* PTFE is used for some types of [[dental floss]].
* PTFE can also be used when placing [[dental fillings]], to isolate the contacts of the adjacent tooth so the restorative materials will not stick to the adjacent tooth.<ref>{{cite journal|url=http://www.dentistrytoday.com/restorative-134/1864--sp-1460991174|title=Using Plumber's Teflon Tape to Enhance Bonding Procedures|first=Dennis E. | last=Brown, DDS|journal=Dentistry Today|date=January 2002 |volume=21 |issue=1 |pages=76–8, 80–1 |pmid=11824121 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|title=Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tape as a matrix in operative dentistry.|last=Dunn|first=WJ|display-authors=etal|journal=Operative Dentistry|pmid=15279489|volume=29|pages=470–2|year=2004|issue=4}}</ref>
* PTFE sheets are used in the production of [[butane hash oil]] due to its non-stick properties and resistance to non-polar solvents.<ref>{{cite book |title=Beyond Buds |first=Ed |last=Rosenthal |publisher=Quick American Archives |edition=Revised |date=21 October 2014 |isbn=978-1936807239}}</ref>
* PTFE, associated with a slightly textured laminate, makes the plain bearing system of a [[Dobsonian telescope]].
* PTFE is widely used as a non-stick coating for food processing equipment;<ref name = surface/> dough hoppers, mixing bowls, conveyor systems, rollers, and chutes. PTFE can also be reinforced where abrasion is present – for equipment processing seeded or grainy dough for example.<ref name = surface>{{Cite news|url=http://www.surfacetechnology.co.uk/surface-coatings/fluoropolymer-coating/ |title= Fluoropolymer PTFE coating services from Surface Technology UK|work=Surface Technology|access-date=2018-02-26|language=en-US}}</ref>
* PTFE has been experimented with for [[electroless nickel plating]].
* PTFE tubing is used for Bowden tubing in [[3D printing|3D printers]] because its low friction allows the extruder stepper motor to push filament through it more easily.
* PTFE is commonly used in aftermarket add-on mouse feet for [[gaming mice]] to reduce friction of the mouse against the mouse pad, resulting in a smoother glide.
* PTFE foils are commonly used with laserprinters everywhere, in their fuser unit, wrapped around the heater element(s) and as well on the opposite pressure roller to prevent any kind of sticking to it (neither the printed paper nor toner waste)
* PTFE is also used to make body jewellery as it's much safer to wear compared to materials like acrylic, that release toxics into the body at 26.6&nbsp;°C, unlike PTFE at 650–700&nbsp;°C.
* PTFE is used to make bookbinding tools for folding, scoring and separating sheets of paper. These are typically referred to as Teflon bone folders.
* PTFE is commonly used for the tip of [[Desoldering#Pumps|desoldering pumps]] due to its high melting temperature.