fluoropolymers
Slippery synthetic resins
Fluoropolymers are synthetic plastics containing fluorine atoms bonded to carbon chains, making them exceptionally resistant to heat, chemicals, and friction.
Teflon is the most familiar fluoropolymer, used for nonstick cookware coatings.
Industrial applications include wire insulation, gaskets, and linings for pipes and tanks that handle corrosive substances.
Fluoropolymer with low friction
- PVDFFluorinated thermoplastic resin
- copolymerMulti-monomer molecular chain
- polymerizationMonomers bonding into chains
- fluorocarbonCarbon-halogen compound, very stable
thermoplastic · halogenated · synthesis · crystallinity · fluorination
Resists food adhesion
- panShallow cooking vessel
- skilletShallow pan for frying
- bakewarePans for oven use
- griddleFlat metal cooking surface
coating · scratch-resistant · frying · utensils · kitchenware
Repels aqueous substances
- dielectricPolarizable electrical non-conductor
- inertnessState of non-reactivity
- weatherabilityResistance to outdoor elements
- flame-retardantInhibits ignition and burning
non-reactive · biocompatibility · impermeability · self-lubricating · anti-fouling
Rings that prevent leakage
- sealsAquatic whiskered mammals
- tubingHollow cylindrical conduit
- pipingTubes for fluid transport
- valvesFlow-controlling mechanisms
pumps · linings · coatings · membranes · filtration · bellows
Persistent fluorinated synthetic compounds
- bioaccumulationPollutant concentration in tissues
- regulationOfficial rules governing conduct
- phase-outGradual discontinuation process
- contaminationIntroduction of impurities
disposal · microplastics · EPA · remediation · alternatives
Gore-Tex
Waterproof breathable fabric membrane
- DuPontHistoric American chemical company
PTFE
Fluoropolymer with low friction
- PVDFFluorinated thermoplastic resin
- copolymerMulti-monomer molecular chain
- polymerizationMonomers bonding into chains
fluorocarbon · thermoplastic · halogenated · synthesis · crystallinity · fluorination
nonstick
Resists food adhesion
griddle · coating · scratch-resistant · frying · utensils · kitchenware
hydrophobic
Repels aqueous substances
- dielectricPolarizable electrical non-conductor
- inertnessState of non-reactivity
- weatherabilityResistance to outdoor elements
flame-retardant · non-reactive · biocompatibility · impermeability · self-lubricating · anti-fouling
gaskets
Rings that prevent leakage
valves · pumps · linings · coatings · membranes · filtration · bellows
PFAS
Persistent fluorinated synthetic compounds
- bioaccumulationPollutant concentration in tissues
- regulationOfficial rules governing conduct
- phase-outGradual discontinuation process
contamination · disposal · microplastics · EPA · remediation · alternatives
fluoropolymerspolyethylene
Thermoplastic from ethylene gas
polypropylene · natural rubber · cellulose · biopolymers · polysaccharides