Use
The polymerized form of TFE was discovered accidentally by researchers at DuPont in 1938. During the mid-1930s, DuPont was investigating the development of new chlorofl uorocarbons (CFCs) for use as refrigerants. DuPont joined with General Motors to form a company called Kinetic Chemicals to combine their efforts in this area. Plunkett examined the properties of the substance. He discovered that the substance was inert to other chemicals, had a high melting point, and was very slippery. Plunkett also worked on duplicating the conditions necessary to produce it from TFE. He applied for a patent for polytetrafl uoroethylene polymers in 1939, which was granted in 1941 (U.S. Patent 2230654). He assigned the patent to Kinetic Chemicals. DuPont registered the term Tefl on in 1945 and introduced Tefl on products the next year.Teflon is best known for its use in cookware, but its use in this area followed original industrial
applications in gaskets, sealers, tape, and electrical insulation. Th ese applications were a
direct result of the use of PTFE for military purposes during World War II.Poly(tetrafluoroethylene) is used in hundreds of applications in addition to cookware. Poly(tetrafluoroethylene) is used in inks, plastics, coatings, and lubricants.Poly(tetrafluoroethylene) can be molded into gaskets, seals, bearings, gears, and other machine parts. Poly(tetrafluoroethylene) is used as liners, insulation, membranes, and adhesives. Tefl on tape is commonly used in plumbing work. Poly(tetrafluoroethylene) is used to produce rainproof garments.