What's the difference between PTFE and Expanded PTFE?
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Expanded PTFE is the porous version of PTFE, offering similar properties but with the added benefit of permeability. It is soft and flexible, with a texture resembling that of smooth marshmallow. This material is utilized in various forms such as cord, sealing tape, and tubing.
Expanded PTFE shares many characteristics with PTFE, including non-toxicity, high temperature resistance, and chemical inertness. It is chemically resistant, watertight at low pressures, and has a low dielectric constant. Additionally, expanded PTFE offers different levels of porosity, ranging from low to high density.
Applications for expanded PTFE are diverse, ranging from medical devices to high-performance filters. In the oil and gas industry, it is utilised to create a smoother surface on pipe flanges for better sealing. Moreover, expanded PTFE is used in the production of implants with a mesh-like structure, allowing for seamless tissue integration. This material is also ideal for environmental filtration and fluidic purification applications.