PTFE/PP Composite Membrane

PTFE/PP composite membrane combines a microporous expanded PTFE layer with a polypropylene support substrate. The ePTFE membrane provides hydrophobic, chemically inert filtration and venting; the PP backing adds structural integrity and handling ease. We supply this membrane for protective venting, air and gas filtration, dust collection, and moisture barrier applications. It is not a traditional flange sealing material.

At a Glance

Temperature Range

-20 °C to +90 °C continuous (PP substrate-limited); short-term excursions to ~+130 °C

Thickness Range

0.15 mm to 0.5 mm

Available Forms

Sheet (200 × 200 mm to 305 × 305 mm)Rolls (300 mm wide and wider)Discs (13 mm to 142 mm diameter)Die-cut shapes to customer specification

Colours

White (natural PTFE and PP colour)

Brands We Stock

PorexSterlitechDonaldsonGVS
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Technical Properties

Typical values across stocked grades. Specific grade data sheets available on request.

Temperature Range-20 °C to +90 °C continuous (PP substrate-limited); short-term excursions to ~+130 °C. Note: PP copolymer is more cold-tough than homopolymer; PTFE membrane alone tolerates +260 °C continuous
Pore Size Range0.1–5.0 µm (standard grades: 0.2, 0.45, 1.0 µm)
PTFE Membrane Porosity50–90% (node-and-fibril microstructure)
Water Entry Pressure270–1050 mbar (pore-size dependent; correlated with bubble point per ASTM F316)
Air Permeability (Gurley / Frazier)12–312 L/hr/cm² range typical (verify against specific manufacturer datasheet — Gurley seconds at 124 Pa or Frazier permeability at 124 Pa)
Filtration Efficiency≥99.95% at MPPS per EN 1822 / ISO 29463 (HEPA H13); 0.2 µm grade tested per ASTM F838 / IEST-RP-CC007.3 for bacterial retention
Composite Thickness0.15–0.5 mm typical
IP Protection RatingsIP64–IP67 typical when correctly installed; IP68 with selected grades and validated assembly (IEC 60529)
HydrophobicityInherent: the PTFE membrane repels water while passing air and gas

Physical Characteristics

Thermal Conductivity

Low. Primarily a barrier material rather than a thermal conductor.

Dielectric Strength

High, with both PTFE and PP acting as excellent electrical insulators

Chemical Resistance

Resistant To

  • Non-oxidising acids (dilute HCl, H₂SO₄, H₃PO₄)
  • Alkalis and bases
  • Alcohols (room temperature)
  • Most organic solvents (room temperature)
  • Aqueous solutions, salts
  • Fats and oils

Limited Resistance

  • Aromatic hydrocarbons above 60 °C (xylene, toluene), where PP weakens
  • Chlorinated solvents above 60 °C (trichloroethylene), where PP weakens

Not Recommended

  • Concentrated oxidising agents (chromic acid, permanganate) — attack the PP substrate
  • Fuming nitric acid and fuming sulphuric acid (oleum), which attack the PP substrate
  • Chlorosulphonic acid, which attacks the PP substrate
  • Halogens (chlorine gas, bromine), which attack the PP substrate
  • Nonpolar solvents above 80 °C such as decalin and tetralin, which dissolve PP

Environmental Ratings

Weather Resistance

Good. The PTFE membrane is inherently UV and weather resistant, though the PP substrate may degrade with prolonged UV exposure.

Ozone Resistance

Excellent (PTFE is fully inert to ozone)

UV Resistance

PTFE layer excellent; PP substrate limited. Use the UV-stabilised PP variant for outdoor exposure.

Standards & Certifications

Standards Compliance

ASTM F316 (pore size by bubble point and mean flow pore — primary membrane characterisation method)ASTM D737 / ISO 9237: Frazier air permeability (verify against specific datasheet)ASTM F838 (bacterial retention test, typically used for 0.2 µm sterile-grade)EN 1822 / ISO 29463 (MPPS framework for HEPA / ULPA classification)IEST-RP-CC007.3 (ULPA filter testing — current edition)IEC 60529: IP protection ratingsRoHS, REACH compliantPFOA-free (confirmed by manufacturers)

Common Applications

  • Protective venting for IP-rated electronics enclosures
  • Sterile air and gas filtration (0.2 µm pore size)
  • Dust collection and baghouse filter media
  • Chemical fume extraction and laboratory vent filtration
  • Moisture barriers preventing condensation in sealed enclosures
  • Automotive sensor protection and battery venting
  • Medical device venting (drug delivery, diagnostics, wearables)
  • Aerosol and particulate monitoring and sampling
  • Gas/liquid phase separation using hydrophobic barrier properties
  • Pressure equalisation vents for outdoor enclosures and lighting

Not Recommended For

  • Not a gasket or sealing material. Microporous by design, it does not create a fluid-tight seal.
  • Temperature limited to 80 °C continuous by the PP substrate (PTFE alone tolerates 260 °C)
  • PP substrate attacked by strong oxidising acids, halogens, and aromatic solvents at elevated temperature
  • No compressibility or recovery data, as it is not designed for bolt-loaded flanged joints
  • Very thin (under 0.5 mm), requiring mechanical support in most installations
  • Not for continuous liquid immersion in aggressive solvents

Available Grades

Brands we stock: Porex, Sterlitech, Donaldson, GVS

0.2 µm Membrane (Sterile Filtration)

Fine-pore grade for sterile air and gas filtration, bacterial retention, and cleanroom applications. Highest water entry pressure of the standard grades.

0.45 µm Membrane (General Filtration)

General-purpose filtration grade balancing particle capture efficiency with air flow rate. Suited to dust collection, fume extraction, and industrial venting.

1.0 µm Membrane (Venting / Coarse Filtration)

Coarser pore grade with higher air permeability for protective venting, pressure equalisation, and applications where maximum airflow matters more than fine particle capture.

Need PTFE/PP Composite Membrane?

We supply ptfe/pp composite membrane in sheet, roll, and custom die-cut forms. Contact our team for pricing, data sheets, or technical assistance.

Disclaimer

This resource is provided for general engineering reference only and does not constitute professional advice, specification, or guarantee of performance. Actual results depend on specific application conditions. Universal Gaskets Pty Ltd accepts no responsibility or liability for decisions made based on this information. For full terms, see our Terms & Conditions.