Non-stick materials are essential in industries such as food, textile or medical, but choosing the right one depends entirely on your application. At
The answer to this question always varies: coating bakery trays is not the same as optimizing an industrial machine. If you also have this doubt, read on. We will explain you how to select it according to the project and working conditions, take a look!
What are non-stick materials?
When we talk about these materials, we are referring to those whose surface has a very low friction index, such as non-stick cast iron with surface treatment. Thanks to this property, substances in contact are prevented from sticking.
These materials are therefore particularly useful in the food industry. However, they are also widely used in the medical and textile industries and even in the plastics sector.
Properties of non-stick materials
When evaluating a non-stick material, there are key properties that determine its effectiveness. These are the most relevant:
- Low surface energy.
- High chemical and thermal resistance.
- Low friction coefficient.
In addition, these materials form smooth surfaces free of porosity and allow intense and prolonged use. Both properties translate into ease of cleaning and durability over time.
What are the non-stick materials?
Before determining which industrial non-stick material is best, it is necessary to know which ones are available on the market. These are the most commonly used with their most outstanding features:
- Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). It stands out for its high thermal resistance and resistance to exposure to chemical products.
- Silicone. It is characterized by its wide flexibility and resistance to daily use.
- Polyimides. Its thermal and chemical resistance is exceptional, as are its mechanical properties.
- Ceramic. It contains no chemicals such as PTFE and PFOA, and is environmentally friendly.
- Fluoropolymers. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures, both low and high, and to function as electrical insulators.
This range of materials facilitates the choice according to the need. It is all a matter of assessing in detail the performance of each one and checking whether they meet the requirements of the job.
Most commonly used industrial nonstick material
PTFE is currently the most widely used non-stick material in the industrial sector for several reasons. The first is its extremely high thermal resistance, since it is capable of withstanding up to 260°C without deteriorating or altering its properties.
The second is their appropriate reaction to chemical products. In the industrial sector, various substances capable of damaging some of these materials are used. When PTFE is used, there is nothing to worry about in this regard.
Common applications of non-stick materials
When we talk about the application of these materials, we most commonly think of the food industry. Many molds, bakery equipment, frying pans, baking trays and industrial kitchen tools are made of them. In this context, non-stick aluminum is good.
However, these materials are used in many other industries sectors industrial sectors. One example of this:
- Automotive industry. They are used in parts that will be kept in constant friction and in very high temperature environments.
- Medical industry. Laboratory equipment, tubing, syringes, among other materials, are used in both the medical and pharmaceutical industries.
- Electronics and aeronautics industries. Both industries handle very sensitive components, and to protect them, they use this type of material.
The textile industry also benefits from these coatings to optimize the properties of fabrics. They are also used in equipment to prevent residues from accumulating and affecting the performance of the equipment.
How to choose the best non-stick material
Now that you know the most commonly used non-stick materials and their most outstanding features, it is time to decide. To do so, we advise you to take into account the following information:
- Working temperature. Make sure that the material will withstand the thermal demands to which it will be subjected in the process.
- Interaction with substances. Will the material be in contact with chemicals it can withstand? Also check if it will be exposed to constant humidity, grease, etc.
- Cleanliness. Does the material need to be cleaned very often? Keep in mind that some do not withstand constant cleaning without deteriorating.
Also, don’t forget that, before choosing, you must verify that it complies with the regulations of your sector. Certain industries, such as medical, pharmaceutical or food, have very strict parameters that must be met.
At Reklin we specialize in high performance industrial non-stick and anticorrosive coatings, especially for the food industry. To learn more about this topic we invite you to stay tuned to our next publications.