Teflon
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ScribdTranslationsTeflon
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ScribdTranslationsTEFLON (Polytetrafluoroethylene)
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a synthetic fluoropolymer of tetrafluoroethylene.
that has numerous applications. The best known brand name of PTFE-based formulas
isTeflon by DuPont Co., who discovered the compound. PTFE gains its properties
from the aggregate effect of carbon-fluorine bonds, as do all fluorocarbons. The only
chemicals known to affect these carbon-fluorine bonds are certain alkali metals and
fluorinating agents such as xenon difluoride and cobalt(III) difluoride.
History
Polytetrafluoroethylene was discovered by Roy Plunkett (photo, right), an American
chemist from New Carlisle, Ohio in 1938. In an experiment to try and make a new
CFC refrigerant, the tetrafluoroethylene polymerized with the container it was in to
make a white waxy substance called polytetrafluoroethylene, later patented in 1941,
and then commercially sold as Teflon in 1946.
Type of Bond
It has a covalent bond. A covalent bond is the electrostatic attraction between electrons.
and the nuclei of adjacent atoms. In this case 2 carbon atoms share electrons with 4
flourine atoms. It also forms a long chain because it is a polymer.
Properties
PTFE is a thermoplastic polymer, which is a white solid at room temperature.
According to DuPont, its melting point is 600 K (327 °C, 620 °F). It maintains high
strength, toughness and self-lubrication at low temperatures down to 5 K
(−268.15°C, −450.67°F), and good flexibility at temperatures above 194 K
(-79°C, -110°F). It is non-stick.
Why is it non-stick?
In a molecular form, fluorine becomes very inert. It only prefers other fluorine atoms.
repels other types of molecules. This can be shown in the diagram above. PTFE's
resistance to van der waals force means that it is the only known surface to which a
gecko cannot stick. For this reason, PTFE is used in everyday appliances such as
a frying pan.
