Structure and properties of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) fibers

Structure and properties of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) fibers were characterized thoroughly by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analyzing (TG) and water contact angle measurement. It was found that the longitudinal surface of the fiber was not smooth and was full of grooves. The cross sections of fibers were sheet-like and irregular. The infrared spectrum of PTFE fibers was the same as that of PTFE films except the 626 cm-l bands which were associated with the helix-reversal defect. The range of fineness distribution (2.09–11.50 dtex) was wide and the average strength was 1.37 cN/dtex. PTFE fibers began to be decomposed at 508.6°C and showed excellent thermal stability. The water contact angle of fibers layers was 120° indicating it to be a hydrophobic material. All these results provide a theoretical foundation for applications of PTFE fibers.