Politetrafluoroetileno

Politetrafluoroetileno, commonly known as PTFE or by its brand name Teflon, is a synthetic fluoropolymer of tetrafluoroethylene. It is a solid at room temperature and is characterized by its extremely low coefficient of friction, making it a very slippery substance. PTFE is also highly resistant to chemicals, heat, and corrosion. Its non-stick properties are a direct result of its chemical structure, where strong carbon-fluorine bonds create a very stable and inert molecule.

PTFE was accidentally discovered in 1938 by Roy J. Plunkett while working for DuPont. Its unique properties led to a wide range of applications. Perhaps its most well-known use is in non-stick cookware coatings. Beyond the kitchen, PTFE is utilized in industrial settings for gaskets, seals, and bearings due to its chemical inertness and low friction. It is also found in electrical insulation, medical devices, and even as a material for artificial blood vessels. The production of PTFE involves the polymerization of tetrafluoroethylene gas. While generally considered safe for its intended uses, concerns have been raised about the potential environmental persistence and health effects of certain manufacturing byproducts.