Seals made of PTFE material are widely used in hydraulic cylinders because of their excellent chemical resistance and low friction coefficient. These seals are typically filled with other materials such as copper powder, carbon fiber, and glass fiber to enhance their mechanical properties. In this blog post, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of PTFE seals filled with different materials from multiple perspectives.
Advantages:
Chemical resistance: PTFE material has outstanding chemical resistance and can withstand harsh chemical environments, making it suitable for hydraulic cylinders used in chemical processing and other industries.
Low friction coefficient: PTFE has a low coefficient of friction, which helps reduce wear and tear on the cylinder and extend its service life.
High temperature resistance: PTFE seals can withstand high temperatures, making them ideal for hydraulic cylinders used in high-temperature applications.
Disadvantages:
Limited extrusion resistance: PTFE material has poor extrusion resistance, which means it may deform or extrude under high-pressure conditions, leading to seal failure.
Low elasticity: PTFE has low elasticity, which means it may not conform well to the cylinder’s surface, leading to leakage and reduced sealing efficiency.
Cost: PTFE material is relatively expensive compared to other seal materials, which may increase the cost of hydraulic cylinders.
Materials for filling PTFE seals:
Copper powder: Copper powder can enhance the thermal and electrical conductivity of PTFE seals, making them suitable for hydraulic cylinders used in high-temperature and high-electrical-conductivity applications.
Carbon fiber: Carbon fiber can improve the mechanical strength and stiffness of PTFE seals, making them suitable for high-pressure applications.
Glass fiber: Glass fiber can enhance the wear resistance and dimensional stability of PTFE seals, making them ideal for hydraulic cylinders used in abrasive environments.
In conclusion, seals made of PTFE material are an excellent choice for hydraulic cylinders because of their chemical resistance and low friction coefficient. However, they also have some limitations, such as poor extrusion resistance and low elasticity. Filling PTFE seals with other materials such as copper powder, carbon fiber, and glass fiber can improve their mechanical properties, making them suitable for a wide range of hydraulic cylinder applications.
