Properties of Teflon
This handy reference explains the discovery, properties, application, and products of teflons, including the harmful effects of teflon.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Properties of Teflon
Chapter 1: Properties of Teflon
Teflon is an organic polymer that belongs to the chemical class of flouropolymers. It has an interesting combination of properties that makes it useful for a wide range of applications. For example, Teflon finds wide use in the cookware industry because it is one of the most reliable nonstick materials available.
This handbook discusses the properties and applications of Teflon.
Discovery of Teflon
Dr. Roy J. Plunkett of Dupont Research Laboratories discovered Teflon on April 06, 1938. He was trying to prepare a new Chloro Fluoro Carbon (CFC) refrigerant using some Freon gases. In the process, one of the perfluoroethylene samples stored in a container had polymerized into a white, waxy solid. This solid was found to be polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which later became popular as Teflon.
Teflon became a patented product in 1941 and was registered under this name in 1944. It was first sold commercially in 1946. Another product, which is similar to Teflon but gives a better and more durable finish than Teflon is Silverstone. This product also belongs to the chemical family of fluoropolymers.
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