Oxygen Compatibility of PTFE

Oxygen is singled out due to its propensity to facilitate auto-ignition of organic material including plastics. Fluoropolymers are extensively used for oxygen services because of their low flammability. Oxygen does not interact with polytetrafluoroethyl-ene under most circumstances. 

Limiting oxygen index (LOI) of PTFE is greater than 95% under ambient conditions. This means that PTFE does not bum without an ignition source in an atmosphere containing less than 95% oxygen. LOI is not a complete predictor of all practical conditions in which oxygen and PTFE may interact. A number of considerations apply. 

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