Polytetrafluoroethene

Polytetrafluoroethene, commonly known as PTFE or by its brand name Teflon, is a synthetic fluoropolymer of tetrafluoroethene. It is a solid at room temperature with a high melting point. PTFE is a highly nonpolar molecule due to the electronegativity of fluorine atoms and the symmetrical structure of the molecule, resulting in a very low intermolecular force. This low intermolecular force is responsible for PTFE's remarkably low coefficient of friction and its non-stick properties.

The discovery of PTFE is attributed to Roy J. Plunkett in 1938 while working for DuPont. He was attempting to create a new refrigerant when he found that tetrafluoroethene gas in a cylinder had polymerized overnight. The resulting white powder was discovered to be exceptionally inert and slippery.

PTFE is known for its excellent chemical resistance, withstanding most acids and bases. It also possesses a very low coefficient of friction, making it an excellent material for non-stick coatings on cookware, such as frying pans and saucepans. Its electrical insulating properties are also significant, leading to its use in electrical wiring and connectors. Furthermore, PTFE exhibits a high degree of thermal stability and can operate over a wide range of temperatures. These properties make it suitable for applications in various industries, including aerospace, automotive, chemical processing, and medical devices.