PTFE (Teflon) vs PEEK (unfilled): Both high-performance polymers — completely different roles
PTFE (Teflon) vs PEEK (unfilled)
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
PTFE (Teflon)
Polytetrafluoroethylene — the most chemically resistant polymer. Lowest friction coefficient of any solid material (~0.05-0.10). Service range -240°C to +260°C continuous. Cannot be melt-processed — must be sintered from powder (like ceramics). Very low mechanical strength. Trade name Teflon (Chemours/DuPont). Used for seals, gaskets, bearings, non-stick coatings, chemical reactor linings, electrical insulation, and lab equipment.
PEEK (unfilled)
Polyetheretherketone — the premium engineering thermoplastic. Exceptional mechanical properties maintained to 260°C continuous use. Resistant to virtually all organic solvents and acids. Biocompatible (ASTM F2026). Used as metal replacement in aerospace, automotive engine parts, medical implants (spinal cages), semiconductor wafer handling, and oil/gas downhole seals.
| PTFE (Teflon) | PEEK (unfilled) | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | — | — |
| Category | Polymers | Polymers |
| Standard | ISO 12086 | ISO 10350 |
Chemical composition (wt%) — Pro
| Element | PTFE (Teflon) | PEEK (unfilled) | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Polymer (Polytetrafluoroethylene) | 99.5–99.9% | — | — |
| Base Polymer (Polyether Ether Ketone) | — | 99–99.9% | — |
Mechanical properties — Pro
| Property | PTFE (Teflon) | PEEK (unfilled) | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 20–35 | 90–110 | MPa |
| Elongation | 200–400 | 30–50 | % |
| Elastic Modulus | 0.4–0.55 | 3.6–4.2 | GPa |
| Density | |||
| Melting Point | |||
| Continuous Use Temp | |||
| friction_coefficient | |||
| Water Absorption (24h) | |||
| Tensile Strength | |||
| Tensile Modulus | |||
| Elongation at Break | |||
| Density | |||
| Melting Point | |||
| Continuous Use Temp | |||
| Coefficient of Friction | |||
| Dielectric Constant (1MHz) | |||
| Water Absorption (24h) | |||
| Yield Strength | |||
| Glass Transition Temp (Tg) |
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Sign up free — 3 comparisons/day freeCompatibility Assessment
PTFE has lowest friction and best chemical resistance of all plastics but very low strength (UTS 25 vs 100 MPa). PEEK is a structural polymer that can replace metals. PTFE is for seals/bearings/coatings; PEEK is for structural parts at high temperature. PTFE is 5x cheaper per kg.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PTFE (Teflon) the same as PEEK (unfilled)?
PTFE (Teflon) and PEEK (unfilled) have a 25% composition overlap. Both high-performance polymers — completely different roles
Can I replace PTFE (Teflon) with PEEK (unfilled)?
Generally not recommended. The compositions differ significantly (25% overlap). These materials have different alloying concepts and are intended for different applications.
What is the difference between PTFE (Teflon) and PEEK (unfilled)?
The main differences are in the following elements: overall alloying content. PTFE (Teflon) is a Polymers grade, while PEEK (unfilled) is a Polymers grade.
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Data provided for reference only. Always verify against the applicable specification for critical applications.
All data is for reference only. Equivalents indicate similarity, not identity. Always verify against the applicable specification for safety-critical applications. materialref.com accepts no liability for decisions based on this data.