Why doesn’t anything stick to Teflon? - Ashwini Bharathula

Summary

Teflon, known for its non-stick properties, is a brand name for polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), discovered by chemist Roy Plunkett in 1938. Its unique molecular structure, with carbon atoms bonded to fluorine, creates a slippery surface that resists adhesion. Used in various applications from spacesuits to kitchenware, Teflon's safety in cooking is ensured at moderate temperatures. However, concerns over its manufacturing process, involving the toxic chemical PFOA, have led to lawsuits against DuPont and Chemours.

Takeaways

• 🔍 John Gotti, nicknamed the 'Teflon Don', evaded justice for years due to his influence over jurors and witnesses.
• 🌕 Teflon, or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), is a non-stick material with a wide range of applications, including spacesuits, industrial uses, and household items.
• 🔬 PTFE was accidentally discovered in 1938 by chemist Roy Plunkett while working on a non-toxic refrigerant for DuPont.
• 🛡️ PTFE's chemical inertness and low coefficient of friction are due to its molecular structure, where carbon atoms are densely surrounded by fluorine atoms.
• 🧪 The strong carbon-fluorine bonds in PTFE prevent other substances from adhering to its surface, even under normal intermolecular forces.
• 🍳 PTFE coatings on pans are applied through a process involving surface roughening, primer application, and high-temperature curing.
• 🍳 PTFE-coated pans are safe for cooking at moderate temperatures, but caution is needed as higher temperatures can cause degradation and release of harmful fumes.
• 🏭 The manufacturing of Teflon has been linked to environmental pollution and health risks, with DuPont and Chemours facing lawsuits over PFOA exposure.
• 🏥 Current consensus suggests that accidentally ingesting PTFE flakes from a scratched pan is harmless, as PTFE does not break down in the body.
• 🏢 In 1992, John Gotti was convicted of multiple charges, leading to the end of his 'Teflon' reputation, as noted by the FBI.

Q & A

Why was John Gotti nicknamed 'The Teflon Don'?

John Gotti earned the nickname 'The Teflon Don' because he evaded justice for years by bribing and threatening jurors and witnesses, similar to how Teflon is known for its non-stick properties.

What is Teflon's chemical name?

Teflon is the brand name for polytetrafluoroethylene, commonly abbreviated as PTFE.

How was Teflon discovered?

Teflon was accidentally discovered in 1938 by Roy Plunkett, an American chemist, while he was attempting to develop a non-toxic refrigerant fluid for DuPont.

What makes Teflon chemically inert and have a low coefficient of friction?

Teflon's chemical inertness and low coefficient of friction are due to its molecular structure, where carbon atoms are bonded to fluorine atoms, creating a tight bond that repels other substances.

In what historical event was Teflon used?

Teflon was used in the spacesuits worn by the Apollo crew during the moon landing.

How is Teflon applied to a pan to make it non-stick?

Teflon is applied to a pan by sandblasting or etching the surface to make it rough, applying a special primer, and then spraying with liquid PTFE which is heated to solidify into a smooth coating.

What is the temperature at which PTFE starts to degrade?

PTFE starts to degrade at temperatures above 500 degrees Fahrenheit.

Is it safe to cook with Teflon-coated pans?

Yes, it is safe to cook with Teflon-coated pans if moderate temperatures are used. However, caution is needed as high temperatures can cause the Teflon to degrade and release fumes.

What is the current consensus on the safety of accidentally consuming PTFE flakes from a scratched pan?

The current consensus is that accidentally consuming PTFE flakes from a scratched pan is harmless, as PTFE does not interact well with other chemicals and is not thought to break down inside the body.

What controversies are associated with the manufacturing of Teflon?

DuPont and Chemours, companies involved in Teflon's manufacturing, face lawsuits over accusations of polluting the environment and exposing employees and communities to health risks associated with PFOA, a toxic chemical used in Teflon production.

What happened to John Gotti in 1992?

In 1992, John Gotti was convicted of five counts of murder and other charges, leading to the end of his ability to evade justice, which was humorously compared to the loss of Teflon's non-stick properties.