What is the difference between PTFE vs that of TFE? I am trying to use CHEMGRIP TEFLON BONDING KIT. The literature states that it is for TFE and does not mention PTFE.
There is no difference, however both must be sodium etched before any adhesive will bond. You can find more information on PTFE, Teflon at our website.
PTFE is the chemical description for polytetrafluoroethylene, or better known as DuPont's Teflon. Many other suppliers also manufacture PTFE grannular and free flow resins.
TFE is the chemical name for tetrafluoroethylene, which is a colorless and taseless gas, extremely toxic and ultimately deadly.
Don't confuse the two, although the plastics industry has misused these terms over the years interchangably.
If you waant more information check out the SPI, FPD web site. It offers a booklet on the Safe Handling of PTFE which is very beneficial.
TFE is the precursor monomer for making PTFE. So I'm guessing they just didn't bother with the 'P'. FEP and PFA are two other common variants of Teflon. They are melt processable while PTFE is not. All of the variants are typically difficult to bond to. The typical tricks used to make it bond are chemical etching(probably what you are attempting), plasma pre-etching, corona treatments, etc.
Chemgrip is a tradename from the old Norton company for etching PTFE. In the brochure they speak about TFE but they mean PTFE.
By the way, a better way to bond PTFE with other materials is etching with Sodium in ammonia.
Best regards,Ernst