What “the material” actually is
PTFE is sold as grades, not as a single substance. Chemistry (C2F4)n, density ~2.2 g/cm³, heat band ~327 °C.
This atlas treats PTFE as a system: mill route, coatings, tests and the cavity it sits in.
Quick facts
~327 °CTm
extremely lowμ
High LOI; fumesFire
TeflonIcon
Linings / tapeUse
polymersFamily
PTFE is one of 32 materials in this atlas, grouped under polymers: history, structure, measured properties, process routes, uses, safety and market — not a product catalogue.
Scores compare PTFE with the rest of the atlas on strength, heat, fire behaviour, insulation, workability and circularity. They are editorial, not certificates.
Seven chapters follow. Fire and insulation claims name test families (Euroclass, ASTM E84, ISO 5660, KS F) rather than inventing a single safety number.
Deep introduction
Deep dive: PTFE
PTFE ((C2F4)n) is a family of grades whose density ~2.2 g/cm³, heat band ~327 °C, and fire letter high OI but pyrolysis fumes.
Heat, fire and insulation
Conductivity note: ~0.25 W/m·K. Insulation score 32/100 is relative to 32 entries — metals lose, VIPs and aerogels win.
Fire letter in editorial use: high OI but pyrolysis fumes. Do not equate A1 with “safe in a blaze” or E with “illegal”. Assemblies decide.
How it is made and used
Origin: DuPont 1938 Plunkett, United States. The process chapter follows feedstock → conversion → forming → finish → install.
Uses span buildings to defence / safety. Pairings matter: silicone.
Market and circularity
Producers below are landmarks, not an endorsement ranking. Prices are bands, not live quotes.
Circularity mark 24/100. Ask which scrap, which certificate, which year.
The profile
Strength
22
Heat resistance
74
Fire performance
58
Insulation
32
Workability
35
Circularity
24
Seven chapters
Frequently asked questions
Is PTFE non-combustible?
Declared reaction class in this atlas: high OI but pyrolysis fumes. Assemblies still need resistance tests.
Does PTFE insulate?
Thermal mark 32/100 versus the atlas. Conductivity note: ~0.25 W/m·K.
What is the density band?
~2.2 g/cm³
How is it made?
Origin story: DuPont 1938 Plunkett (United States).
Can it be recycled?
Circularity mark 24/100 — editorial, route-specific.
Typical melting or failure heat?
~327 °C
What should it be paired with?
silicone: The other high-temp elastomer/plastic in kitchens.
Where is it specified?
Buildings, transport, energy and consumer goods — see the uses chapter.
Icons
Roy Plunkett
United States · 1938
Roy Plunkett is a reference point in the public image of PTFE.
Teflon pan
France / US · 1960s–
Teflon pan is a reference point in the public image of PTFE.
Gore-Tex
United States · 1969–
Gore-Tex is a reference point in the public image of PTFE.
Thread tape
Global · 1970s–
Thread tape is a reference point in the public image of PTFE.
Pipe liner
Global · 1980s–
Pipe liner is a reference point in the public image of PTFE.
Labware
Global · 1950s–
Labware is a reference point in the public image of PTFE.
Space suits lore
United States · 1960s
Space suits lore is a reference point in the public image of PTFE.
Bearing pads
Global · 1970s–
Bearing pads is a reference point in the public image of PTFE.
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Head-to-head
Same family or rival physics — pick a duel.
Similar materials
Closest neighbours on the six atlas axes — strength, heat, fire, insulation, workability and circularity.
🫧
Silicone
Si–O backbone elastomers and resins — bakeware, medical tubing, façade sealants and a kinder high-temp story than carbon chains.
Overall 55 🩺Nitinol
Near-equiatomic Ni–Ti that remembers shape and super-elasticates — stents, orthodontics and actuators.
Overall 48 👨🚒Nomex
DuPont’s meta-aramid — fire-fighter turnout, electrical paper and a char that does not melt-drip like nylon.
Overall 65 🏗️Concrete
The hydraulic ceramic of cities — cement, water, rock and usually steel, with a fire story better than exposed steel.
Overall 57More in Polymers
🧴
Polyethylene
The world’s volume plastic — bags, bottles, pipes and the UHMWPE cousin in medical and ballistic fibre.
Overall 40 🛞Natural rubber
Cis-1,4-polyisoprene from Hevea — tyres still drink most of the world’s latex.
Overall 44 🫧Silicone
Si–O backbone elastomers and resins — bakeware, medical tubing, façade sealants and a kinder high-temp story than carbon chains.
Overall 55