PTFE Chemical Resistance Guide
Chemical compatibility data for PTFE tape and film across acids, bases, solvents, and oxidisers
Last updated: February 2026
PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) is resistant to virtually all industrial chemicals at room temperature, including concentrated acids, bases, organic solvents, and oxidisers. The only substances that attack PTFE are molten alkali metals (sodium, potassium, lithium), fluorine gas at elevated temperatures, and a small number of exotic fluorinating agents. This makes PTFE tape one of the most versatile chemical-resistant materials available for surface protection, equipment lining, and corrosion prevention.
GORTEF supplies PTFE skived film tapes in thicknesses from 0.085 mm to 0.50 mm for chemical protection applications across Australia and New Zealand. For background on the material itself, see our guide on what is PTFE.
What Chemicals Is PTFE Resistant To?
The carbon-fluorine bond in PTFE is one of the strongest single bonds in organic chemistry (approximately 485 kJ/mol). The fluorine atoms form a dense protective sheath around the carbon backbone, making the polymer thermodynamically stable against chemical attack. Below is a summary of PTFE's compatibility with common industrial chemical groups.
Acids
| Chemical | Concentration | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Sulfuric acid (H&sub2;SO&sub4;) | Up to 98% concentrated | Excellent |
| Hydrochloric acid (HCl) | Up to 37% concentrated | Excellent |
| Nitric acid (HNO&sub3;) | Up to 70% (including fuming) | Excellent |
| Hydrofluoric acid (HF) | Up to 100% | Excellent |
| Phosphoric acid (H&sub3;PO&sub4;) | Up to 85% | Excellent |
| Aqua regia (HNO&sub3; + HCl) | Full strength | Excellent |
PTFE's resistance to hydrofluoric acid is particularly notable. HF attacks glass, most metals, and many polymers, but PTFE is completely unaffected. This makes PTFE essential in semiconductor manufacturing and fluorine chemistry.
Bases and Alkalis
| Chemical | Concentration | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) | Up to 50% | Excellent |
| Potassium hydroxide (KOH) | Up to 50% | Excellent |
| Ammonia (NH&sub3;) | Anhydrous and aqueous | Excellent |
| Ammonium hydroxide | All concentrations | Excellent |
Organic Solvents
PTFE does not swell or absorb organic solvents. This is unusual among polymers — most plastics will swell in aggressive solvents like dichloromethane or THF.
| Chemical | Rating |
|---|---|
| Acetone | Excellent |
| MEK (methyl ethyl ketone) | Excellent |
| Toluene | Excellent |
| Xylene | Excellent |
| Ethanol | Excellent |
| Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) | Excellent |
| Dichloromethane (DCM) | Excellent |
| Chloroform | Excellent |
Hydrocarbons, Fuels, and Oils
PTFE is resistant to all common hydrocarbons: gasoline, diesel, kerosene, mineral oils, hydraulic fluids, and crude oil. No degradation occurs at any practical concentration.
Oxidisers
PTFE resists chlorine gas (dry and wet), bromine (liquid), sodium hypochlorite (bleach) up to 12.5%, hydrogen peroxide up to 30%, and ozone. Resistance to concentrated hydrogen peroxide (90%+) is good but may show slight degradation over very long exposure at elevated temperature.
Food-Grade Chemicals
PTFE is fully resistant to all food-contact chemicals including vinegar, citric acid, lactic acid, cooking oils, fruit juices, sugar solutions, and salt brines. PTFE is FDA-compliant for food contact (21 CFR 177.1550) and meets Australian food safety standards.
What Chemicals Can Damage PTFE?
The list of chemicals that attack PTFE is remarkably short. At room temperature, no common industrial chemical damages PTFE. The known exceptions are:
| Chemical | Conditions | Mechanism |
|---|---|---|
| Molten alkali metals (Na, K, Li) | Above metal melting point | Strip fluorine atoms from the polymer chain, breaking C–F bonds |
| Fluorine gas (F&sub2;) | Above 300°C, high pressure | Fluorinates the polymer backbone at extreme conditions |
| Chlorine trifluoride (ClF&sub3;) | Concentrated, elevated temp | One of the most reactive chemicals known; attacks nearly all materials |
| Sodium-ammonia solutions | Alkali metal dissolved in liquid ammonia | Same mechanism as molten alkali metals (used deliberately for PTFE surface etching) |
It is also worth noting that PTFE is more susceptible to degradation from high-energy radiation (gamma rays, electron beams) than most engineering polymers. This is relevant in nuclear industry applications but not for typical industrial or food processing environments.
How Is PTFE Tape Used for Chemical Protection?
Acid-Resistant Surface Wrapping
PTFE tape is wrapped around metal pipes, rollers, and structural members exposed to acid splash or vapour. Common in chemical manufacturing, metal pickling, fertiliser production, and battery manufacturing.
Tank and Chute Lining
Lining the interior surfaces of storage tanks, hoppers, and chutes handling corrosive materials. The PTFE surface also provides non-stick properties that prevent product buildup and improve flow.
Chemical Splash Barriers
PTFE-coated fiberglass fabric used as flexible barriers between chemical processing zones, protecting equipment and personnel areas from incidental chemical exposure.
Sensor and Instrument Protection
Wrapping or sheathing temperature probes, pH sensors, and level indicators in corrosive environments. PTFE maintains its electrical insulating properties even in chemically aggressive atmospheres.
Gasket Material in Chemical Piping
Expanded PTFE tape is used as a universal gasket material for flanged chemical piping connections. It conforms to irregular flange surfaces and works across the full pH range (0–14), eliminating the need to stock different gasket materials for different chemicals.
Laboratory Equipment
Wrapping glass joints and stopcock connections, protecting bench surfaces and fume hood interiors, and lining sample trays and reagent racks in research and analytical chemistry labs.
How Does PTFE Compare to Other Chemical-Resistant Materials?
| Property | PTFE | HDPE | 316L Stainless | Epoxy Coating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical breadth | Virtually universal | Good (fails with strong oxidisers, solvents) | Good (fails with HCl, HF, chlorides) | Moderate (fails with solvents, strong alkalis) |
| Max temperature | +260°C | +80°C | +800°C+ | +120–150°C |
| Solvent resistance | Excellent | Poor (swells in chlorinated/aromatic solvents) | Excellent | Poor (softens/dissolves) |
| Non-stick surface | Excellent | Poor | Poor | Moderate |
| Structural strength | Low (surface protection only) | Moderate | High | Low |
| Cost | Higher material, lower application | Low | High | Low material, higher application |
PTFE tape applied over mild steel or existing stainless steel gives broader chemical resistance at lower cost than upgrading to exotic alloys such as Hastelloy, Inconel, or titanium. For structural vessels and high-pressure piping, stainless steel remains necessary, but PTFE tape or lining on contact surfaces extends equipment life in corrosive environments.
Key Properties That Make PTFE Effective for Chemical Protection
- Chemical inertness — the C–F bond energy (~485 kJ/mol) makes PTFE thermodynamically stable against virtually all reagents
- Temperature range — continuous service from -73°C to +260°C, maintaining chemical resistance across the full range
- Non-porous surface — very low surface energy (~18–20 dynes/cm) prevents chemicals from wetting, penetrating, or being absorbed
- UV and weather resistance — suitable for outdoor chemical installations without additional protective coatings
- FDA food contact compliance — meets 21 CFR 177.1550, allowing use where chemical resistance and food safety are both required
- Electrical insulation — dielectric strength of approximately 60 kV/mm provides simultaneous chemical and electrical protection
- Low friction coefficient — approximately 0.04–0.10, preventing product buildup on PTFE-lined surfaces in chemical chutes and hoppers
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. PTFE is one of the few materials that withstands hydrofluoric acid at all concentrations up to 100%. HF attacks glass, most metals, and many polymers, but PTFE is completely unaffected. This is why PTFE containers and linings are standard in semiconductor manufacturing and fluorine chemistry.
PTFE maintains its chemical resistance up to +260°C in continuous service. Above 260°C, mechanical properties begin to degrade. Above 350–400°C, PTFE decomposes and can release toxic fumes. Always ensure operating temperatures stay below +260°C for long-term chemical protection applications.
Some small molecules (oxygen, certain chlorinated solvents) can slowly permeate through very thin PTFE films. However, for PTFE tape of standard thickness (0.085 mm and above), permeation is not practically significant for most chemicals at typical service temperatures.
Yes. PTFE is highly resistant to UV radiation and does not degrade from sunlight exposure. It maintains its chemical and mechanical properties in outdoor installations without requiring UV stabilisers or additional protective coatings.
For splash protection and light chemical exposure, TFT005AD (0.13 mm film tape) is sufficient. For heavy-duty lining or continuous chemical contact, use TFT010AD (0.22 mm) or TFT020AD (0.50 mm) for maximum barrier thickness and durability.
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