[Chemistry Class Notes] on Teflon Pdf for Exam

Teflon is a synthetic fluoropolymer made up of tetrafluoroethylene monomer. The chemical name of Teflon is poly (1,1,2,2 tetrafluoroethylene). It is a thermoplastic polymer. Teflon chemical formula is (C2F4)n. The Teflon formula shows repetitive or n numbers of C2F4 units. It has an ability to maintain high strength, toughness, and self-lubrication at low temperatures (around 5 K), and good flexibility at temperatures above 194 K. 

History of Teflon

Teflon was first discovered in 1938s by Roy Plunkett, an American chemist, who was working for E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Company at that time. At the time of world war, it was used as a corrosion-resistant coating. After the war, In 1960, DuPont released the first non-stick cookware coated with Teflon.

(Image to be added soon) (Image to be added soon)

(Image to be added soon) (Image to be added soon) 

Structure of Teflon

(Image to be added soon) (Image to be added soon)

Properties of Teflon

• It is a white solid compound at room temperature.

• Its density is about 2200 kg/m3 2.2 g/cm3

• Its melting point is 600 K.

• It is a chemical resistance compound, the only chemicals that can affect these compounds are alkali metals.

• It shows good resistance towards heat and low temperature.

• It has a low water absorption capacity.

• It has an anti-adhesion ability due to which it is used as non-stick kitchen utensils.

Uses of Teflon

• It is used in making waterproof fabric.

• It is used in making non-stick cookware.

• It is used in making an anti-friction device.

• It is used for coating medical appliances (surgical devices).

• Due to its high resistance to corrosion, it is used for coating the lining of laboratory appliances.

Production of Teflon

Teflon is produced by a free radical mechanism. The net reaction for the production of Teflon is given below:

nF2C=CF2→ -(F2C-CF2)n–

(Image to be added soon)

To aid this reaction, a sulphate catalyst is used with high-pressure heating. During the reaction of the production of the Teflon or Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTTE), the polymer tetrafluoroethylene decomposes into tetrafluoromethane and a carbon atom. 

Advantages of Using Teflon

The major advantages of using the polymer Teflon over the other compounds or polymers are listed as follows. 

1. Teflon or PTFE is more efficient than most of the other polymers such as nylon and acetal.

2. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTTE) or Teflon are thermally more stable even at a very high temperature. Its chemical properties make it the ideal material for various real-world applications like electrical appliances, manufacturing, and even the textile industry as it is also used in the production of many clothing items.

3. The durability of Teflon is much more compared to other coating materials hence are used in the coating of electrical wires and also non-stick cookware or pans.

Did You Know?

• Teflon cookware when putting empty on high flame produces harmful health effects like fever, sore throat, and coughing.

• Teflon foils are used in laser printers.