Poly-(Tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE, Brand name: Teflon, Fluon, Hostaflon, and Polyflon) is a kind of strong, tough, waxy and nonflammable synthetic resin. Its structure formula is [CF2-CF2]n with a carbon backbone chain. It is produced through the free-radical polymerization of tetrafluoroethylene. PTFE has slippery surface, high melting point, and is extremely chemically inert. This property make it have a lot of applications. Its biggest application is for the wiring in aerospace and computer applications due to its excellent dielectric properties, e.g. as the insulator in cables and connector. In industry, PTFE can be applied in places where sliding action of parts is required due to its low friction such as plain bearings, gears and slide plates. PTFE is also applied in the production of carbon fiber composites and fiberglass composites. In addition, owing to its chemical inertia and high thermal resistance, PTFE is applied in places where acids, alkalis or other chemical are used, e.g. as the liner in industrial pipe lines.
