The comparison of PTFE and Daikin's M111 modified PTFE

1. Material Characteristics

PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) is the standard fluoropolymer known for its exceptional chemical resistance and low friction properties. Daikin's POLYFLON™ M111 represents an advanced modified PTFE formulation that significantly enhances several key performance aspects while maintaining the fundamental benefits of pure PTFE.

2. Mechanical Properties Comparison

Standard PTFE exhibits relatively low tensile strength (20-35 MPa) with high elongation at break (250-300%), but suffers from poor creep resistance. In contrast, M111 modified PTFE demonstrates:

- Enhanced tensile strength (up to 40 MPa)

- Exceptional creep resistance (superior dimensional stability under load)

- Maintained high elongation (approximately 500%)

- Improved surface smoothness

These improvements make M111 particularly suitable for precision sealing applications where standard PTFE would deform over time.

3. Tribological Performance

While both materials feature excellent low-friction characteristics:

- PTFE has an ultra-low coefficient of friction (0.04) but poor wear resistance

- M111 maintains low friction while significantly improving wear resistance

- M111's modified surface properties provide better performance in bearing applications

4. Thermal Stability

Both materials maintain the broad temperature range (-200°C to +260°C) characteristic of PTFE, but with crucial differences:

- Standard PTFE shows significant creep at elevated temperatures

- M111 demonstrates vastly improved high-temperature dimensional stability

- M111 maintains sealing integrity better under thermal cycling conditions

5. Processing Characteristics

The modification in M111 affects processing:

- Standard PTFE requires sintering or cold compression molding

- M111 is optimized for compression molding with better flow characteristics

- M111 produces parts with superior surface finish and dimensional accuracy

- Both remain unsuitable for conventional melt processing methods

6. Chemical Resistance

M111 completely retains PTFE's legendary chemical resistance:

- Both are virtually inert to all common chemicals

- Excellent resistance to strong acids, bases, and solvents

- No degradation in harsh chemical environments

This makes M111 suitable for upgrading PTFE applications where improved mechanical performance is needed without sacrificing chemical resistance.

7. Water and Gas Permeability

The modification process in M111 maintains PTFE's excellent barrier properties:

- Extremely low water absorption (

- Minimal gas permeability

- Superior performance in ultrapure applications (semiconductor, pharmaceutical)

8. Typical Applications

Standard PTFE finds use in:

- General chemical processing components

- Low-friction bearings and slides

- Non-stick coatings

M111 excels in more demanding applications:

- High-performance seals and gaskets

- Precision bearings in corrosive environments

- Critical components in semiconductor equipment

- Medical implants requiring enhanced mechanical properties

Key Advantages of M111 over Standard PTFE:

- Superior creep resistance for long-term sealing applications

- Better wear characteristics for moving parts

- Improved surface quality for precision components

- Maintained chemical resistance and thermal stability

- Enhanced mechanical properties without processing compromises

The choice between standard PTFE and M111 depends on application requirements - while PTFE works for general purposes, M111 provides upgraded performance for demanding engineering applications where standard PTFE would fail due to creep or wear issues.