PTFE

Polytetrafluoroethylene, (PTFE) (C2F4)n was discovered by Roy J. Plunkett (1910-1994) of Du Pont in 1938 whilst carrying out research in the USA. During the research a container of tetrafluoroethylene, used in chlorofluorocarbon refrigerant production, the container was opened after exposure to pressure to remove an amount for chlorination (using hydrochloric acid), however, nothing came out and Plunkett discovered that a white powder had formed which did not adhere to the container. The tetrafluoroethylene in the container had polymerised into polytetrafluoroethylene, the white waxy material was a solid with amazing properties such as resistance to corrosion, low surface friction, high heat resistance and is almost chemically inert to most solvents and acids, became the material now known as Teflon®.

Research engineers became aware of the new material and it gained a pedigree in the use with extreme engineering applications during the 1940’s. In 1944 the material was given the trade name of Teflon®, which remains to this day. During the following years the material gained further prominence with the general public when it was used on cookware and many other kitchen related utensils.

PTFE and it’s variants have become a solution to many problems associated with modern manufacturing and materials handling, such areas benefiting from the material are; food processing and packaging, chemical protection and as a dry lubricant in place of oils. Other specialist chemical companies have expanded the technology and developed the business, thus offering almost unlimited opportunities within the range of PTFE coatings.


Whitford WorldWide more information
Dupont more information