Many buyers mix up PTFE and rubber. Both are used in seals and gaskets, but they behave very differently. Knowing the difference avoids costly mistakes.
PTFE is a rigid plastic fluoropolymer with high chemical and temperature resistance, while rubber is an elastic elastomer with flexibility, rebound, and sealing under dynamic conditions.
I often meet customers who ask me if PTFE is a type of rubber. I always explain that they are built on different chemistry, which defines their use in industry.
What is PTFE?
PTFE stands for polytetrafluoroethylene. It is a synthetic fluoropolymer of tetrafluoroethylene. Its non-stick nature, wide temperature tolerance, and chemical inertness make it unique.
PTFE is a plastic material used for chemical resistance, non-stick properties, and high temperature tolerance.
PTFE does not compress or rebound like rubber. It deforms under pressure but does not spring back. That is why it works in static seals but not in dynamic flexible seals.
Key Features of PTFE
| Property | PTFE1 |
|---|---|
| Type | Fluoropolymer plastic2 |
| Elasticity3 | Very low |
| Temperature range4 | -200°C to +260°C |
| Chemical resistance5 | Excellent, almost universal |
| Applications | Food, chemical, aerospace, medical |
What is rubber?
Rubber is a general name for natural or synthetic elastomers. It is elastic, flexible, and compressible. These traits make it ideal for O-rings, gaskets, hoses, and seals.
Rubber is an elastomeric material with high flexibility, elasticity, and rebound, used for dynamic and static sealing.
In my production, I see rubber parts every day. They stretch, compress, and return to shape. This property is what makes rubber useful in HVAC and automotive seals.
Key Features of Rubber
| Property | Rubber |
|---|---|
| Type | Elastomer (natural or synthetic) |
| Elasticity3 | High |
| Temperature range | -60°C to +230°C (depends on type) |
| Chemical resistance | Varies, weaker than PTFE |
| Applications | HVAC6, automotive7, hydraulic systems8 |
PTFE vs Rubber: Side-by-side comparison
To decide between PTFE and rubber, I look at the application. If a client faces aggressive chemicals, I suggest PTFE. If they need flexibility and rebound, rubber wins.
PTFE offers rigidity and resistance. Rubber offers flexibility and sealing. The choice depends on environment and function.
Direct Comparison Table
| Feature | PTFE | Rubber |
|---|---|---|
| Material type | Fluoropolymer plastic | Natural/synthetic elastomer9 |
| Elasticity | Poor | Excellent |
| Sealing mechanism10 | Cold flow, deformation | Elastic rebound |
| Chemical resistance | Almost universal | Limited, varies by formulation |
| Heat resistance11 | Up to +260°C | Up to +230°C (silicone) |
| Cost | Higher | Lower to medium |
| Best use | Static, chemical, extreme conditions12 | Dynamic, flexible, general sealing13 |
I once supplied PTFE gaskets for a chemical project where rubber seals degraded in days. In HVAC projects, rubber gaskets remain the best choice because of their elasticity and cost.
Conclusion
PTFE is a rigid plastic built for resistance, while rubber is an elastic material built for flexibility. Both are essential but serve very different sealing needs.
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