tefló

Teflon is a brand name for a type of plastic known chemically as polytetrafluoroethylene, or PTFE. It is a synthetic fluoropolymer of tetrafluoroethylene. PTFE is a solid polymer at room temperature, exhibiting a high melting point. One of its most notable properties is its extremely low coefficient of friction, making it very slippery. This non-stick characteristic is the primary reason for its widespread use.

PTFE was accidentally discovered in 1938 by Roy J. Plunkett while working for DuPont. Its first commercial application was in the Manhattan Project during World War II due to its chemical inertness and resistance to corrosion. Later, in the 1950s, it began to be marketed for cookware under the Teflon brand name, revolutionizing kitchenware with its easy-to-clean surfaces.

Beyond cookware, Teflon's unique properties lend themselves to a variety of industrial and consumer applications. It is used as a lubricant, in seals and gaskets, as electrical insulation, and in medical devices. Its chemical resistance makes it valuable in laboratory equipment and in the chemical processing industry. It is also found in high-performance fabrics and waterproof coatings. While generally considered safe for its intended uses, environmental concerns have been raised regarding some related compounds used in its manufacturing process.