Plastics : What makes Teflon special

Teflon is a brand name for PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), a synthetic plastic coating famous for being extremely non-stick and slippery.

What makes Teflon special:

• Teflon is essentially a chain of carbon atoms completely surrounded by fluorine atoms. 
• This creates a surface so smooth and chemically inert that almost nothing can stick to it or react with it. 
• It's like having a molecular-level ice rink that repels everything.

Key properties:

• Ultra-slippery surface: nothing sticks to it, which is why food slides off Teflon pans effortlessly.
• Heat resistant: can handle temperatures up to about 260°C (500°F) safely for cooking.
• Chemical proof: resists acids, oils, and most chemicals that would damage other materials.
• Non-toxic when used properly: safe for food contact at normal cooking temperatures.
• Electrically insulating: doesn't conduct electricity, making it useful in electronics.

Common uses:

• Cookware: is the most familiar application that black or coloured non-stick coating on frying pans, baking sheets, and other kitchen equipment.
• Industrial applications: include machine parts, gaskets, and pipe linings where you need something that chemicals can't attack.
• Fabric treatments: like waterproof clothing and stain-resistant carpets use Teflon-type coatings.
• Medical devices: including artificial joints and blood vessel replacements because the body doesn't reject it.

Making and applications:

• Teflon starts as a powder or liquid that gets sprayed or rolled onto surfaces, then heated to high temperatures to create a hard, smooth coating. 
• The base material (like aluminium cookware) is usually roughened first so the Teflon has something to grip onto.

Safety considerations:

• Normal use is safe: Teflon cookware poses no health risks when used properly for cooking.
• Overheating danger: if heated above 300°C (570°F), Teflon releases toxic fumes that can cause flu-like symptoms. This is why you shouldn't leave empty non-stick pans on high heat.
• Pet bird warning: the fumes from overheated Teflon can be fatal to birds, whose respiratory systems are more sensitive.
• Scratching concerns: while scratched Teflon isn't toxic if ingested, it reduces the non-stick effectiveness.

Environmental impact:

• Manufacturing concerns: older Teflon production used PFOA, a harmful chemical that persists in the environment. Most manufacturers have phased this out since the 2010s.
• Disposal issues: Teflon doesn't break down naturally and is difficult to recycle, contributing to long-term waste.
• PFAS connection: Teflon belongs to a family of "forever chemicals" (PFAS) that don't degrade and can accumulate in the environment.

PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid) is known for its use in making stain- and water-resistant coatings for textiles, carpets, and non-stick cookware

Pros and cons:

Advantages:

• Makes cooking and clean-up incredibly easy
• Reduces need for cooking oils and fats
• Lasts for years with proper care
• Chemically stable and safe when used correctly

Disadvantages:

• Can be damaged by high heat or metal utensils
• Eventually wears off and needs replacement
• More expensive than uncoated cookware
• Environmental persistence concerns

Care and maintenance:

To keep Teflon working well and safely:

• Use low to medium heat only
• Avoid metal utensils that can scratch the surface
• Don't put empty pans on hot burners
• Hand wash when possible to preserve the coating
• Replace when the coating becomes significantly scratched or worn

Teflon revolutionized cooking by making non-stick surfaces practical and affordable, though modern alternatives are being developed to address environmental concerns while maintaining the convenience that made Teflon so popular.