About PTFE - (polytetrafluoroethylene)

Advantages of PTFE

Heat and Cold Resistance (575F/-320F) Radiation Resistance Cold Flow Resistance Conforms well to uneven flanges Resistant to strong acids & bases

Higher Air to Cloth Ratios Chemical Resistance * Reusable and Easily Cleaned Low coefficient of friction Can be used in contact withmoving parts

* Resists Sulfuric Acid, red fuming Nitric Acid, Hydrogen Fluoride, Hydrocinnamic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, aqua regia, and anhydrous ammonia

Cold Flow Resistance - The interlocking PTFE fibers in the felt base of Armalon XT-7800 provide greater resistance to cold flow than conventional gasketing material made of TFE.  The resistance to cold flow of PTFE fibers is a result of orientation during the fiber forming process and is much improved over TFE resins.

Cold Resistance - Armalon XT-7800 was subjected to impact at –320 F(-195 C) (temperature of liquid nitrogen) without cracking or noticeable adverse effects.

Radiation Resistance - PTFE / resin exhibited no weight loss after receiving a radiation dosage of 3.3 x 107 rads in a vacuum for one hour (equivalent to about 75 years in the Van Allen Belt) and being exposed in a vacuum of 10-7 to 10-8  millimeters of mercury for 770 hours.

Heat Resistance - There is essentially no change in strength  or compressibility of Armalon XT-7800 gaskets after seven days exposure at 550 F (288 C) .  Weight loss was only 2.5%.

Chemical Resistance - The superior chemical resistance of PTFE materials such as Armalon XT-7800 are well documented.  After days of exposure to red fuming nitric acid attack, gaskets made of Armalon XT-7800 exhibited essentially no change in compressibility or strength and a weight loss of only 0.7%. Resistance to other chemicals is described in the case histories.

• CAUTION: Hazardous vapors may be given off above 400oF. Do not breathe these vapors. Use with adequate ventilation.


• This material is inert below 400oF and may be used in contact with edible substances at temperatures less than this. Before being placed in service with foodstuffs, the surface should receive a single but thorough washing down with a solution of sodium carbonate or other harmless alkali.


• At 700oF PTFE Fluorocarbon resin decomposes slowly. Minute quantities of gaseous fluorine compounds are given off at even lower temperatures (400oF). Where temperatures of these magnitudes are obtained, adequate ventilation should be provided. Operators cutting or fabricating these products should wash hands thoroughly before eating or smoking. Tobacco products should be protected from possible contamination by dust or fragments of Armalon® products.


• The above statements are based upon past experience and experimental determinations. As methods and conditions of application are beyond our control, we will assume responsibility only for uniformity of our products with respect to established standards. All responsibilities involving the use of Armalon® PTFE resin products, either generally or with respect to toxicity, are assumed by the user based upon his own experimental determinations.