Teflon etymology

Etymology:

The word "Teflon" is a portmanteau of TEF (tetrafluoroethylene) and lon (taken from words like nylon and silicone).

Meaning:

Teflon is a brand name for a fluoropolymer with the chemical formula C2F4. It is commonly known for its non-stick properties.

Origin:

Teflon was discovered by Roy J. Plunkett, a chemist working for the DuPont Corporation in 1938. He accidentally created it while experimenting with tetrafluoroethylene gas (C2F4).

Plunkett noticed that a sample of the gas had polymerized into a white, waxy powder. This powder was initially discarded but later rediscovered and found to have remarkable properties, including:

  • High resistance to heat and chemicals
  • Low coefficient of friction (makes it non-stick)
  • Electrical insulation
  • Water repellent

DuPont patented Teflon in 1941 and began commercial production in 1945. It has since become widely used in various applications, including:

  • Non-stick cookware
  • Industrial coatings
  • Electrical insulation
  • Sealants and gaskets
  • Medical implants
  • Aerospace components

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