Teflon Cables

Teflon is a synthetic polymer, specially fluoropolymer, which has found applications in various fields. Chemically Teflon is Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). It was first discovered by Dupont where it was given the name Teflon and then this name became popular. Due to its excellent fire resistant properties it is used in making cables which are used at those places where cables are prone to fire damage. The melting point of Teflon is very high about 327°C, so it is also used for providing insulation to the various cables.

Chemical structure of Teflon
Teflon is a polymer, constituted of infinite links of carbon (C) and fluorine (F).

But its basic unit is confirmed as like this. So its chemical name is Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

Properties and applications of Teflon cables

• Teflon has the highest dielectric strength among all the solids ever found. The magnificent dielectric properties of Teflon makes it suitable for use as an insulator in cables. This property of Teflon is more pronounced at high radio frequencies.
  
  
• It is also used as a material for printed circuit boards used at microwave frequencies.
  
  
• Its dielectric property along with high melting temperature makes it the material of choice for high performance cables. It is used in place of weaker and low melting polyethylene.

Industrial applications of Teflon cable
Due to its excellent fire resistant properties and the low coefficient of friction, Teflon cables are used in a number of fields and industries. Some most important of them are described below:

• Data communication cables
• High temperature cables

Teflon data communication cables
Data communication cabling isn't the thing to do everyday. These cables placed in the plenums above the ceiling or below the raised surface provide uninterrupted network connectivity. But they also impose a latent danger. In case of any fire, these cables can be dangerous because it can produce substantial amount of smoke and fuel load.

Other uses of Teflon

• Teflon is also used as dry film lubricants. When applied to mechanical components they reduces the metal-to-metal contact, thus minimizing the tear and wear.
  
  
• The extremely low friction of Teflon makes it suitable to be used in those places where sliding action of surfaces is required like in bearings, gears, slide plates, bushings etc.
  
  
• They are corrosion resistant and are stable over a large range of temperature.
  
  
• They are used for dielectric coatings that combine high electrical insulation with excellent heat transfer.
  
  
• It is used to apply a non-sticky layer on cooking wares.

Properties of Teflon

• It has an extremely low coefficient of friction.
• It is extremely non-reactive.