Laminates

laminat1Laminates are reinforced PTFE, consisting of a PTFE film, sheet or plate on one hand and a substrate on the other. The layers of material are firmly bonded to each other. Possible substrates include fabrics, fibers or knitted fabrics as well as films or sheets. They consist of glass, metal, ceramics, elastomers or high-performance polymers. Constructions with up to 7 layers are not uncommon.

Structure and applications of laminates based on PTFE and modified PTFE illustrated by the example of a tank lining.

Laminates based on standard PTFE excel with regard to the following properties:

  • Outstanding resistance to a wide range of chemicals
  • Very broad service temperature range. Upper limits are merely set by the resistance of the adhesive used
  • Very good anti-adhesion properties
  • Resistance to deformation and stress cracking
  • No embrittling, no aging

laminat2When using modified PTFE as a film or sheet material these properties are improved further by:

  • Polymer structure with higher density and fewer pores
  • Lower permeability
  • Better weldability