Did you know Teflon is used by the NASA space program? Not only do they use it on their aircraft, but in their clothes as well. Teflon is a very versatile product that works in almost any industry.

It can be a lifesaving material to an item used on common household products. Its uses are endless!

You hear the name thrown around a lot, but what is Teflon? In this article, we’ll explore what Teflon is and its benefits.

What Is Teflon?

When thinking about what Teflon is, it’s not actually a product. It’s the brand name for a product. The actual product is called polytetrafluorethylene, or PTFE for short.

In 1938, Roy J. Plunkett, a chemist at DuPont, discovered PTFE. The company Kinetic Chemicals gave PTFE the brand name Teflon in 1945.

The funny thing is, PTFE was discovered by accident! It’s amazing how simple accidents can create such amazing products. Originally, they were trying to create non-toxic refrigerants.

What you may not realize is that it’s is a type of plastic. It’s used to coat products/equipment.

It’s sprayed onto the product and then baked. This process helps the product become waterproof, non-stick, non-reactive, and non-corrosive. It creates a barrier between your product and any outside elements that could cause it harm.

You may know about Teflon being used in the cooking industry. Yet, you may not know it’s used for many other applications.

The product started as a coating for valves and seals, using it in the cooking world wasn’t even a thought. The idea didn’t come to life until a French engineer’s wife asked her husband to test the product on her pans.

It wasn’t until 1961 that Teflon pans were introduced to America. The pan had been named “The Happy Pan”.

Some products Teflon is commonly used on are pipes, wiring, gears, and cabling. Moreover, large industries tend to use it. For example, the automotive, construction, aerospace, and manufacturing industries.

Below we’ll explore the reasons why so many industries use this product.

Heat and Cold Resistant

Teflon is great as it can withstand extreme heat and cold. It works smoothly from -454 to 600 degrees Fahrenheit (-270 to 315 degrees Celsius). You can go to higher temperatures, but the Teflon can only sustain it for short periods of time.

Due to its high melting point, it’s great not only for home cooking but for industrial cooking as well.

Its durability against lower temperatures prevents your equipment from cracking. Moreover, it helps prevent ice from forming.

Chemical Resistant

Teflon is great as a coating material as it protects your products from most chemicals. Keep in mind that not all Teflon is created equal. Check the grade level to see which type you need.

Since Teflon isn’t reactive to most chemicals, you don’t have to worry about your products corroding. This means your machinery and equipment will be safe from harm. This is why Teflon is great for valves and pipes that transfer corrosive gasses and liquids.

It’s Non-Stick and Water Resistant

Due to its non-stick properties, it’s is very easy to clean. You could even say it cleans itself.

Dirt won’t stick to it and water (and other liquids) will roll right off it. There is no scrubbing required when it comes time to clean the inside of your equipment. This means you’ll be saving time, which means you’ll be saving money.

Moreover, since the water doesn’t stay on its surface your products won’t become saturated.

On top of that, you don’t have to worry about replacing your equipment due to rust. Its water-resistant abilities help prevent water from affecting your equipment.

Low Friction

The coating helps make your products slide smoothly. This means you don’t have to worry about much resistance when you’re moving parts with Teflon coating on them.

When reviewing the coefficient of friction of plastics, Teflon ranks as the third-lowest. BAM comes in at number one, and the second is diamond-like carbon.

High Dielectric Strength

Teflon’s ability to be non-conductive comes from its high dielectric strength. This means it works great as an electrical insulator. The insulating material is used to protect your equipment from breakdowns from electricity.

The thickness of your insulation and how you’re testing the product both play a role. They’ll determine how much voltage your product can withstand.

Extremely Durable

It’s is a product that will last you a lifetime. It’s extremely durable against the elements.

It’s not affected by ultraviolet rays, oxidation, discoloration, or embrittlement. Be aware that it can be affected by gamma irradiation.

You also shouldn’t have to worry about cracking, crazing, and deformation. Teflon isn’t likely to weaken so there isn’t much that affects it, even with continuous use.

Due to its long-lasting nature, you’ll save money in the long run.

It’s Time to Invest in Teflon

What is Teflon to you? Is it your cooking pans that are critical to your restaurant? Perhaps it’s for your automotive parts for the cars your industry is creating. No matter what industry you’re in, Teflon is an amazing and must-have product to have.

Hopefully, this article has helped you realize the usefulness and practicality of Teflon. It’s time for you to get on the Teflon bandwagon. We can help you any time, day or night, with our 24-hour services.

Review our blog to learn about more applications for Teflon.