The scientific name for Teflon is polytetrafluoroethylene.
Teflon is a term that comes from Teflon , a registered trademark. The concept is currently used with reference to a material that has great heat resistance , is insulating and does not corrode easily.
The etymological origin of the notion derives from Greek, as it is the result of the sum of two components of said language: tetra , which means "four" , and fluoro , which can be translated as "flow" . And precisely this material, also called polytetrafluoro ethylene , contains four fluorine atoms.
Uses of Teflon
Teflon is usually used to make frying pans , saucepans , kettles , pots and lunch boxes , among other items used in the kitchen . In these cases, the non-stick properties of the material are valued (which prevents food from sticking to its surface while cooking) and that it is easy to clean.
For example: "I suggest you make the potato omelette in a Teflon pan so that the ingredients do not stick to the utensil" , "I would like to have Teflon saucepans in my kitchen, but they are very expensive" , "To prepare this recipe, "You just have to sauté the vegetables in a Teflon pot and then add the broth."
Due to its thermal resistance , Teflon is also used to coat cables, hoses, conduits and even aircraft. The material, on the other hand, can be used in dentistry and medicine in general to make prostheses .
Various kitchen elements have Teflon.
Its properties
More specifically, we can state that it is resistant to acids, hydrocarbons, various organic solvents, sun rays, humidity and even temperatures of up to 300º . All this without forgetting other of its main hallmarks such as that it is inert , that it has a low coefficient of friction or that its average melting point is 342 ºC.
Special emphasis is also placed on highlighting that it is very easy to clean and is waterproof . All these characteristics make it a material that is currently in high demand in different areas.
More applications of Teflon
In addition to all of the above, Teflon has a notable series of applications, such as the ones we present below:
- In the automotive field it is commonly found as a material that gives shape to friction bearings.
- Within the field of plumbing it is used to prevent leaks from occurring at the thread joints.
- In the printing sector, injection matrices are created with Teflon.
The concept in a few lines
Specifically, Teflon is the material whose scientific name is polytetrafluoroethylene . It is a polymer that has fluorine atoms, a feature that minimizes reactions with other substances. Flexible, Teflon acts as an electrical insulator .
The American chemist Roy Plunkett was the creator of Teflon in 1938 . Plunkett made the discovery as part of his work for DuPont . That is why Teflon is a registered trademark of this company.