TEFLON

Name: Teflon, PTFE, Polytetrafluoroethylene

Real Name: Polytetrafluoroethylene

Composition: C2F4

Family: Thermoplastics

Density: 2.16

Temperature Range: -269º/250ºC

Owned by: DuPont

Teflon was discovered by chance in 1938, when chemist Roy J. Plunkett, working for DuPont, was researching tetrafluoroethylene-based refrigerants. During his experiments, Plunkett observed that a cylinder pressurized with tetrafluoroethylene gas did not release its contents as expected; a waxy white powder had formed inside, which turned out to be a new polymer: PTFE. Upon analysis, it was discovered that this material was extraordinarily inert and resistant to extreme chemical and thermal conditions. DuPont patented the discovery and began commercial production in the 1940s under the trademark Teflon. Initially used in military and aerospace applications, its versatility soon opened the door to countless civilian and industrial uses.

PTFE stands out for its virtually complete chemical resistance: it does not react with most acids, bases, solvents, or oxidizing agents, even at high temperatures. It has an extremely wide operating range, withstanding temperatures from -200°C to around 260°C without degrading. Another key feature is its extremely low coefficient of friction, one of the lowest known in solid materials, giving it excellent non-stick and self-lubricating properties.

This fluoropolymer is hydrophobic and oleophobic, meaning it does not absorb water or grease and repels virtually any substance. Furthermore, it exhibits excellent dielectric stability, making it a reliable electrical insulator even under harsh conditions. Its fully fluorinated structure also gives it remarkable resistance to aging from ultraviolet radiation and prolonged environmental exposure. Although it is a difficult material to process using conventional techniques due to its high melt viscosity, it can be formed by sintering, specialized extrusion, or compression molding.

While Teflon's domestic use in non-stick cookware is widely known, the true scope of this polymer goes much further. In the chemical industry, it is used in coatings and internal linings of pipes, valves, tanks, and pumps that handle corrosive substances. In the electrical and electronics sectors, it is used as insulation in high-temperature and high-frequency cables, as well as in precision components where superior dielectric stability is required.

In the aerospace and automotive industries, PTFE is applied in seals, bearings, gaskets, and components exposed to constant friction, taking advantage of its self-lubricating properties and resistance to extreme temperatures. In the medical field, it is used to manufacture vascular grafts, catheters, and biocompatible membranes due to its purity and lack of biological reactivity. It is also essential in the manufacture of filters, packaging, and coatings in environments where contamination must be avoided at all costs.

Teflon has evolved from an accidental discovery to become an indispensable material for critical applications worldwide. Its history reflects the importance of applied scientific research, while its exceptional characteristics explain why it remains irreplaceable in numerous areas of modern engineering and everyday life. As new technologies and industrial processes emerge, PTFE continues to demonstrate its relevance as a high-performance material that combines unparalleled durability, reliability, and versatility.