Expanded PTFE – Biomedical Polymer Material
Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a novel medical polymer material derived from polytetrafluoroethylene resin through stretching and other specialized processing techniques. It possesses a white, elastic, and flexible nature, featuring a network structure formed by interconnected micro-fibers that create numerous pores. This unique porous structure allows the expanded PTFE (ePTFE) to be bent freely over 360° while exhibiting excellent blood compatibility and resistance to biological aging. Consequently, it finds extensive application in the production of artificial blood vessels, heart patches, and various other medical products. From a medical perspective, it represents an optimal substitute for biological tissues due to its exceptional biocompatibility and microporous architecture. Notably devoid of toxic or carcinogenic properties as well as allergenic effects, human tissue cells and blood vessels can grow into its micropores to establish tissue connections akin to autologous tissues.
Medical Function
The expanded PTFE surgical soft tissue patch, also known as the e-PTFE surgical patch, is composed of a long chain of carbon atoms enveloped by fluorine atoms. Its unique molecular structure grants it exceptional physical and chemical stability, making it an artificial material with remarkable properties. Moreover, after being implanted in various parts such as artificial blood vessels, artificial dural membranes, and heart patches for over 40 years and in 6 million clinical cases, no instances of clinical rejection have been reported. This extensive evidence fully demonstrates the excellent biocompatibility of this material.
Application Principle
The expanded PTFE (ePTFE) is produced from a dispersion resin of polytetrafluoroethylene through specialized processing techniques, resulting in an ultrastructure characterized by “junctions and fibers.” By controlling the spacing between these junctions, inward growth of tissue cells can be induced. Consequently, the key distinction between using ePTFE as a filling material and previous alternatives lies in the mechanism of tissue healing. Specifically, ePTFE promotes tissue regeneration through cellular growth, whereas traditional silicone rubber facilitates healing via fiber encapsulation. As a result, soft tissue augmentation procedures utilizing this material offer advantages such as enhanced realism and natural appearance, minimal prosthesis displacement or degradation, and reduced risk of complications. Additionally, due to limited infiltration of cellular tissues into its micropores, removal of the material when necessary is relatively straightforward.
Multi-field Application of e-PTFE
High performance fabric
Revised sentence: GORE™ films are lightweight, durable, waterproof, windproof and can be processed into a wide variety of permeable or “breathable” fabrics. This results in a unique high-performance fabric that offers both comfort and protection. With extensive experience in the field of thin films, GORE produces a range of fabric laminates including well-known products such as GORE-TEX® and WINDSTOPPER® fabrics. These fabrics have been widely used by medical personnel, firefighters, military and emergency personnel as well as individuals engaged in hiking, skiing, biking, golfing and other indoor/outdoor activities.
Medical Implant
Due to its pure inertness, expanded PTFE (ePTFE) used in GORE’s medical products exhibits exceptional biocompatibility and does not elicit any rejection response from the body. The multi-microporous structure of GORE ePTFE enables its application in various rehabilitation solutions, such as artificial blood vessels, soft tissue regeneration meshes, and surgical sutures for vascular, cardiac, general, and orthopedic surgeries. Consequently, these advancements benefit both healthcare professionals and patients by seamlessly integrating with the body’s natural organization and restoring normal physiological function.
Fluorine-contained Polymerisate Fibre
Gore’s expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) fiber boasts high strength, minimal shrinkage, exceptional wear and UV resistance, ensuring its stability and integrity in even the most extreme environments. Its versatility allows it to be woven, spun, braided or sewn into a wide range of fabrics including compression packaging materials, sewing threads, construction fabrics and dental floss.
Gaskets and Sealants
The expanded PTFE (ePTFE) exhibits excellent chemical resistance, wear resistance, and exceptional high and low temperature tolerance, making it highly suitable for the transportation and sealing of industrial liquids. GORE offers a range of gaskets and seals, including flat plates, thin strips, and field-formed sealants that are available in various sizes or specifications for flanges.
Industrial Film Technology
GORE expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) films can be processed into a variety of unique microstructures to produce a range of high-performance filter media with micropores that effectively block various particles while allowing air to pass through. The exceptional chemical inertness and thermal stability of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) make it an ideal choice for filtration applications involving harsh chemicals and high temperatures. GORE offers a comprehensive range of pollution control and treatment solutions, including filter bags, filter boxes, microfiltration films, filter holes, and adsorption products. These industrial-grade solutions find extensive use in diverse sectors such as chemical plants, incinerators, food and drug manufacturing facilities, casting operations, among others.
Advanced Dielectric Materials for Electronic Devices
The inherent low loss and dielectric constant of expanded PTFE (ePTFE) render it an ideal insulating material for wires and cables. Its unique porous structure minimizes signal loss and distortion, facilitating near-light-speed transmission while maintaining thermal stability and mechanical flexibility. Additionally, ePTFE can effectively reduce the overall interconnection’s size and weight, making it a favorable filling medium material. Gore’s extensive range of electronic products, encompassing copper and fiber optic cables, cable systems, printed circuit board materials, conductive interface products, and shielding gaskets are widely employed in various demanding fields such as telecommunications, computers, test and measurement equipment, defense industry as well as aerospace markets.