PTFE Polytetrafluoroethylene is a high-performance multifunctional fluoropolymer composed of carbon atoms and fluorine atoms. Fluoropolymers are a group of plastics with a wide range of properties and benefits. PTFE is one such fluoropolymer whose discovery forever revolutionized the fluoropolymer group and paved the way for a variety of applications.
One of the common applications of PTFE materials includes nonstick coatings for kitchen cookware. Because of its non-reactivity, in part due to the strength of the carbon-fluorine bond, it is often used to make pipes and containers for reactive and corrosive chemicals.
How is PTFE made
PTFE is manufactured much like any other polymer. It is manufactured by free radical polymerization technology using TFE addition polymerization in a batch process in aqueous media.
The chemical structure of PTFE is the same as polyethylene; the only major difference is that the hydrogen atoms are completely replaced by fluorine. However, PE and PTFE are prepared in very different ways.
The large size of fluorine atoms forms a uniform, continuous sheath around carbon-carbon bonds, providing the molecule with good chemical resistance, electrical inertness, and stability.
An interesting history of PTFE
Like many other great discoveries, PTFE was discovered by accident. It was first discovered in 1938 by Roy J. Plunkett. At the time, he was working for Dupont in New Jersey. Plunkett's original purpose was to create a new chlorofluorocarbon refrigerant. However, the flow of PTFE gas in the pressure bottle stopped before the weight of the pressure bottle reached the "empty" signal.
But when Plunkett measured the amount of gas used by weighing the bottles, he became interested in the source of the weight and eventually decided to take the bottles apart.
He discovered that the inside of the bottle was coated with a white, waxy smooth material. It was later named polymerized perfluoroethylene, and the iron inside the container acted as a catalyst.
The new material was patented by the Kinetic Chemical Company in 1941 as a new fluorinated plastic, and the Teflon trademark was registered in 1945. By 1961, the first American-made PTFE-coated pan was available in the United States called "The Happy Pan." Since then, nonstick cookware has become one of the most common household products produced by thousands of manufacturers around the world.
PTFE characteristic
PTFE comes in three main forms-granules, water-based dispersions, and fine powders.
Granular PTFE materials are produced by suspension polymerization in an aqueous medium using little or no dispersant. Granular PTFE materials are primarily used in compression, isostatic pressing and plunger extrusion methods.
Water-based PTFE dispersions use the same water-based polymerization with more dispersant and agitation. Water-based dispersions are primarily used in coatings and film casting methods.
Finely powdered PTFE is a small white particle produced by controlled emulsion polymerization. PTFE Fine powder can be processed into flakes through paste extrusion or additives to improve wear resistance.
Other notable properties of PTFE include excellent high and low temperature resistance, electrical insulating properties, chemical inertness, low coefficient of friction (static 0.08 and dynamic 0.01), and non-stick properties over a wide temperature range (-260 to 260°C).
Common Problem
Does PTFE cause cancer?
PTFE has been shown to be toxic to human health because it contains a carcinogen called PFOA. However, there is no need to worry as PTFE non-stick coatings no longer contain this substance.
What is PTFE pipe used for?
PTFE tubing is most commonly used as laboratory tubing, where chemical resistance and purity are most important. PTFE has an extremely low coefficient of friction and is known as one of the "slipperiest" substances known.
What kind of plastic is PTFE?
PTFE is a thermoplastic polymer that is a fluoropolymer composed of carbon atoms and fluorine atoms.
What is the use of polytetrafluoroethylene board?
PTFE sheets are used in a variety of applications such as PTFE encapsulated gaskets and PTFE packing. It has excellent resistance to gases, water, chemicals, fuels and oils.
