Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) for the Automotive Industry
In competitive industries like automotive, innovation is imperative to staying on the cutting edge of technology. The automotive industry relies on discovering and using new solutions to improve the efficacy and performance of existing systems. TTG is your partner for securing high-performance solutions in venting, sealing and protection, particularly with ePTFE.
Overall Benefits of ePTFE
ePTFE has far-reaching and expansive potential in automotive industry applications. The material has useful natural properties and benefits that make it a perfect to match for the extreme adaptability necessary in core vehicle systems:
- High tensile strength and durability, more so than traditional PTFE membranes
- Excellent chemical resistance thanks to inert reactions
- High temperature resistance with reliable tolerance and low reactivity
- Lightweight, flexible composition
- Hydrophobic and oleophobic characteristics for water and oil resistance
- Low friction and nonstick properties without the use of lubricants
- Microporous material for strong air and gas permeability
Why Is ePTFE Beneficial in the Automotive Industry?
In the automotive industry, ePTFE can be used for seals and gaskets, air or fluid filtration, noise damping and electrical applications such as inside fuel cells to reinforce polymer electrolyte membranes (PEM). It’s so beneficial that working with ePTFE will soon be necessary for auto manufacturers to retain a competitive advantage.
Some of the benefits of using ePTFE in vehicles includes:
- Superior seals for gaskets and interior components.
- Better venting membranes for automotive shafts or tubing.
- Vibration dampening for various tubing, seals or components.
- Hydrophobic membranes for headlamps and lighting.
- Strong resistance to high temperatures for pressure venting and housings.
- Improved automotive vents for electronics.
- Better collision resistance in impact and shock absorption systems.
Use Cases of ePTFE in Vehicles
ePTFE solutions are becoming more widespread and important in the automotive industry. Some common use cases include:
Electronic Control Units (ECUs)
A fantastic real-world example is using ePTFE breathable membranes for electronic control units (ECUs) and sensors within the electronic systems and engine. These sensors are especially important for autonomous vehicles and the driverless systems that are growing more popular.
An ePTFE-composed membrane provides a protective shell for the electronics inside a vehicle. ePTFE boosts resistance to nearly every extreme condition or exposed element that exists inside a vehicle’s engine chassis and within proximity of operational machinery.
Battery Packs
Hybrid and electric vehicles are also becoming more common. ePTFE is an ideal solution for hybrid and electric vehicles’ battery packs because it manages heat, humidity and pressure changes.
Cabin Insulation
ePTFE naturally absorbs and dampens sound waves, which can reduce common road noises inside a vehicle’s cabin. Its thermal-insulation properties also help provide greater energy efficiency inside the vehicle.
Airbags
The automotive industry can use ePTFE to create airbags. The material absorbs energy, which helps cushion riders when airbags deploy to reduce potential injuries.
Why You Need a Custom ePTFE Partner
While ePTFE is an excellent material for many applications, including the automotive industry, it often requires custom-tailored solutions. If you’re looking to use ePTFE in automotive solutions, you need a skilled partner with vast knowledge and experience using the material. TTG’s custom ePTFE services are the perfect answer. We specialize in developing products that are unique and ready to use for your specific applications.
We create premium ePTFE products in our state-of-the-art environmentally responsible production facility. We specialize in manufacturing membranes and laminates that are used in a variety of industries, from medical and microventing to consumer markets and automotive. Our extensive experience and history in creating ePTFE membranes will lead to greater success, especially when developing the unique applications that automotive systems rely on.
We specialize in:
- Custom ePTFE solutions for many industries.
- Direct materials manufacturing services.
- Oleophobic treatment opportunities.
- Thermal lamination.
Why Choose TTG?
At TTG, we understand the foundational structure of ePTFE and its best use cases because of our real market expertise.
Our team is highly collaborative and we make it our mission to work within the parameters and specifications you set. We’ll use our innovative development methods to significantly enhance the products and solutions we create for you. TTG has also earned the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001 certification, proving that we provide consistent high-quality products.
We also adhere to zero-emission, zero-waste practices, while optimizing our use of energy and water. That means you can count on sustainable manufacturing and business practices.
Request a Quote for Your Project
If you’re ready to explore ePTFE for automotive uses, contact us today to request a quote. Our team can help meet your ePTFE needs.