PTFE Tape for threaded joints

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), is an engineering plastic known for its low coefficient of friction, inertness to chemicals, and resistance to heat. With a low friction surface second only to ice, PTFE also boasts outstanding electrical, isolative and dielectric properties. This unique combination of materials commonly referred to as PTFE or tape is also resistant to tears, punctures and abrasions. For these reasons, they are widely used in water, compressed air and gas installations.

The tape is wrapped around the exposed threads of a pipe before it is screwed into place. One of the defining characteristics of PTFE is how good it is at defeating friction. The use of PTFE tape in tapered pipe threads performs a lubricating function, which more easily allows the threads to be screwed together, to the point of deformation, which is what creates the seal.