PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) family is available as molding powders, fine powders and dispersions. These PTFE resins have a low coefficient of friction and excellent thermal, electrical, mechanical and chemical properties making them suitable for a wide variety of demanding applications requiring one or a combination of these exceptional properties. These properties are a result of extremely strong carbon-fluorine bonds and the sheathing action of the fluorine atoms in this straight chain molecule:

The fluorine atoms completely cover the carbon chain backbone and protect the carbon-carbon bond from attack. The fluorine atoms are also responsible for the low surface energy and exceptional frictional characteristics of PTFE. Because of very high melt viscosity, PTFE does not flow above its melting point. It requires special polymer processing like paste extrusion, compression molding and sintering.