PTFE, notoriously known as Teflon, was not an intended exploration. In 1938, DuPont came across this exceptional material fairly by mishap, sparking a change in materials science and industrial applications.

One early morning in 1938, Roy Plunkett, a young drug store, was busy having fun with his experiments in a corner of DuPont. His task appeared basic: find a brand-new refrigerant.


(Roy and his colleagues)

Nonetheless, simply when Roy assumed it was simply a regular task, points deviated. He saved the tetrafluoroethylene gas in a cyndrical tube and stated to himself: “Okay, see you tomorrow.” The following day, when he went back to continue his experiment, he discovered that the gas had actually mysteriously disappeared, leaving just a heap of white powder. Well, this was most definitely different from the script he intended. Imagine his expression back then: half overwhelmed, half interested. Upon further examination, he discovered that this strange white powder had some great superpowers: it was hostile to nearly all chemicals, can stay trendy at severe temperatures, and was as slippery as oil. Instantly, Luo realized that while he had yet to discover a brand-new refrigerant, he had inadvertently found the secret active ingredient of the cooking area superhero of the future – non-stick frying pans. From then on, frying eggs was no longer an obstacle, and cleansing pots ended up being a breeze.

Although the discovery of PTFE was unintended, it had substantial revolutionary significance for the plastics sector and several other fields, such as aerospace, automobiles, electronics, and home appliances. PTFE is commonly made use of because of its special chemical and physical homes – very low rubbing coefficient, high-temperature resistance, chemical security, and non-stickiness. From kitchen tools to vital parts of the space shuttle, PTFE made several innovative applications feasible. But while PTFE (Teflon ®) marked a revolutionary breakthrough in materials science, it was only the beginning of a lengthy and tough roadway to commercialization and widespread application. The initial difficulty was not only to uncover a brand-new product however likewise to find out just how to accomplish large-scale production and just how to use it in different areas.

The processes of monomer synthesis and controlled polymerization of PTFE were not completely created, making it challenging to produce PTFE in huge amounts or a feasible manner. While the material’s unique residential or commercial properties were advantageous in the long run application, they also postured significant difficulties during the production procedure. Unlike various other regular plastics, PTFE is not soluble in solvents, acids, or bases and does not merge a flowable liquid. Rather, when heated up, it ends up being a hard, clear gel that does not thaw and moves like plastics.


(Roy’s Notes: Discovery of PTFE)

To conquer these obstacles, researchers and designers had a hard time to locate procedures from various other areas, such as adjusting strategies from steel and ceramic handling. To form PTFE, a process called paste extrusion was made use of, which was obtained from ceramic handling. Although typical molding and developing strategies had some trouble processing PTFE, it was possible to produce PTFE parts. By 1947, comprehensive study and trial and error had thrived, and a small production center was developed in Arlington, New Jacket. This marked the start of Teflon ®’s trip from the lab to the marketplace. In 1950, DuPont opened a brand-new plant in Parkersburg, West Virginia, considerably increasing the business manufacturing of Teflon ®. That exact same year, the modern technology crossed the Atlantic when Imperial Chemical Industries developed the initial PTFE plant outside the United States in the UK.

Vendor of PTFE Powder

TRUNNANO is a supplier of 3D Printing Materials with over 12 years experience in nano-building energy conservation and nanotechnology development. It accepts payment via Credit Card, T/T, West Union and Paypal. Trunnano will ship the goods to customers overseas through FedEx, DHL, by air, or by sea. If you want to know more about dispersible polymer powder, please feel free to contact us and send an inquiry.

Inquiry us



    By admin

    Related Post