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.
Repères
~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.
Introduction approfondie
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.
Profil
Résistance
22
Résistance à la chaleur
74
Performance au feu
58
Isolation
32
Ouvrabilité
35
Circularité
24
Sept chapitres
Questions fréquentes
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.
Icônes
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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Duels
Même famille, autres notes — choisissez un duel.
Matériaux proches
Voisins les plus proches sur les six axes de l’atlas.
🫧
Silicone
Élastomères et résines à squelette Si–O : cuisine, médical, mastics.
Global 55 🩺Nitinol
Ni–Ti quasi équiatomique à mémoire de forme et superélasticité : stents, ortho.
Global 48 👨🚒Nomex
Méta-aramide DuPont : tenues pompiers, papier électrique, char sans goutte fondue.
Global 65 🏗️Béton
La céramique hydraulique des villes : ciment, eau, granulats, souvent de l’acier.
Global 57