Sheet in PTFE CP20 MoS² 600x600x5 mm natural

PTFE CP20 MoS² is a special formulation of carbon-filled PTFE where molybdenum disulfide has been added as a dry lubricant. The base material is the same as CP20, a PTFE with about 20 percent carbon that gives high compressive strength and low tendency to creep. The MoS² addition optimizes the wear profile further; friction drops, the mating surface wears less and the breakaway torque in a plain bearing gets noticeably lower.

In terms of temperature the sheet handles continuous operation up to around 260 degrees and works far below zero, down toward cryogenic levels. The fire rating is V0 according to UL 94, as in the other PTFE-based materials. The density is somewhat above pure PTFE because both the carbon and the MoS² are heavier than the base matrix.

Chemically, CP20 MoS² is much like its PTFE siblings. Acids, bases, alcohols, ketones, chlorinated solvents and oxidizing agents pass without attack; only molten alkali metal and elemental fluorine are real exceptions. Water absorption is negligible. MoS² is stable in dry and neutral environments; in strongly acidic environments the additive can oxidize over time, so for aggressive pH values a pure carbon filling is the better pick.

What separates the MoS² grade from a pure CP20 is the wear economy. In a sliding pair against steel or a hard chrome plated surface the wear gets lower, the friction more even and the heat at the contact surface smaller. That makes the grade interesting for dry or semi-dry plain bearings, wear strips with long movements and shaft seals where you do not want an oil film in the contact.

In sheet, PTFE CP20 MoS² is often used as:

slide plates in tipping carts, lift tables and linear guides without continuous lubrication;

wear strips in presses, mold tools and calenders;

cups and axial sealing washers with high sliding speed;

blank material for milled bearing housings, slide bushings and slot-milled parts.

Machining calls for sharp carbide tools. The combination of carbon and MoS² wears the cutting edges noticeably faster than pure PTFE, so sharp inserts, low feeds and frequent tool changes pay off in a series. The material is tough and does not want to be clamped hard; broad support in the fixture holds the dimensions. Gluing only works against an etched surface or a plasma treated surface layer.

The stock range covers both thin sheets and thick blocks, depending on whether the sheet is to become a gasket or a turning blank. When choosing thickness you count in a little extra for final cutting and flattening because PTFE moves slightly when the stress is released.

Do you want to know whether the MoS² addition gives you anything in your particular design? Get in touch and we will go through mating surface, speed and operating temperature together.

The small thin sheet at 600x600x5 mm in natural suits single slide washers that take a little wear and lubricate themselves.