Teflon: A Versatile Fluoropolymer - Essay Example

Running Head: TEFLON: A VERSATILE FLUOROPOLYMER Teflon: A Versatile Fluoropolymer In APA Style By Introduction Polytetrafluoroethelyne (PTFE) might sound out of this world and a scientific name for an uncommon chemical compound but its numerous applications makes it an everyday necessity. PTFE is also known as Teflon which has become one of the essentials of a modern kitchen. It is used to coat non-stick pans, woks, and other cookware. Roy Plunkett of Kinetics Chemicals accidentally discovered Teflon in 1938 while in the process of inventing a new CFC refrigerant. In one of his attempts, the perfluoroethelyne polymerized in its pressurized storage container forming a new compound with the iron in the container acting as a catalyst for the reaction (DuPont 2008). Years after its discovery, it is commercially produced and sold in 1946 while the acquisition of DuPont of Kinetic Chemicals paved way for the usage of PTFE in consumer goods (DuPont 2008). Manufacture and properties of PTFE The manufacture of Teflon is modified in order to suit the specific application where it will be utilized. Some of the processes remain proprietor secrets for manufacturers in order to safeguard their competitive advantage. Scientifically, there are two ways of making Teflon. One is through suspension polymerization while the other is through dispersion (Teflon 2008). The starting point for each of the two methods is the synthesis of tetrafluoroethelyne which is undertaken by combining its three components namely fluorspar, hydrofluoric acid, and chloroform in chemical reaction chambers. The main difference between the polymerization processes is by the amount and the strength of force used. In suspension polymerization, the next step will be the addition of water and a reaction agent inhibitor which will cause the TFE to polymerize. On the other hand, the dispersion process introduces TFE into the water-filled chamber together with the initiating chemical. The suspension process requires vigorous shaking while in the dispersion, the reaction is facilitated through gentle agitation only. Thus, tinier beads are formed in the second method making it suitable for metal and fabric coatings (Teflon 2008). The outlined manufacturing process creates a white solid substance with a density of 2.2 grams per square centimeter. Teflon is also known as the solid with the lowest coefficient of friction next to diamond carbon at 0.1 or less which gives it its most notable characteristic of being very slippery and non-stick. Teflon also has very high corrosion resistance making it non-reactive to substances like ozone, chlorine, ammonia, and others. Because of this, Teflon is also non-wetting and adhesion is less likely. Even at extreme temperatures, Teflon maintains its form because of the strong bond of the chemicals comprising it (Polytetrafluoroethylene 2008). Use of fluoropolymers The unique properties of PTFE makes it suitable for various applications in numerous fields namely cookware and medical devices. Manufacturers in these industries have long relied on the characteristics mentioned above in designing more efficient products which can be used by customers in their everyday lives. Aside from these fields, PTFE is also present in more devices and instruments which are indispensible to a typical consumer. Since Dupont holds the copyright for Teflon, cookwares with this brand of non-stick coating source their PTFE from the company. In their manufacturing plant, PTFE is applied directly in the metal surfaces pots and pans. In a normal process, two coatings are sufficient however, some manufacturers sometimes give up to three coatings to achieve the desired output (DuPont 2008). Teflon has become an essential in kitchens because of its ability to make cookware non-stick and easier to clean. The product also gains popularity because of the growing health consciousness globally. As Teflon is non-stick, it enables consumers to fry eggs or sausages without using oil or butter making each meal healthier with the elimination of fat and excess calories. On the other hand, since Teflon is noted for its chemical stability even in high heat, it is also used in coating cookware which are used for baking. Its non-stick property makes cleaning easier because no crumbs or small particles stick to the pans after cooking. The convenience offered by Teflon coated cookware makes it very significant in a modern kitchen (DuPont 2008). However, amidst this popularity and wide usage, Teflon is currently under the scrutiny of more discriminating consumers and groups because of its possible health hazards. In the manufacture of Teflon outlined above, one of the key components in the manufacturing process is perflurooctanoic acid (PFOA) which is said to be culprit in the birth defects and other health hazards in Teflon manufacturing plants (Summers 2004). However, in the case of consumers using PTFE coated cookware, the level of PFOA is only minimal and insignificant which eliminates the supposed risk of cancers. PTFE is also widely used in the medical market because of its properties mentioned in the previous section. The non-wetting characteristics of PTFE make it a perfect adhesive for wounds as it enables fluids to be transported and absorb by the other parts of the body as the wounds stays always dry. Thus, medical textiles are often coated with PTFE and are applied to open wounds, burns, and other medical applications (Lenzing Plastics 2008). Another medical application of Teflon is on radiometry because of its high resistance to ultra-violate radiation: "In optical radiometry, sheets from PTFE are used as measuring heads in spectroradiometers and broadband radiometers due to its capability of transmitting light nearly perfectly" (Polytetrafluoroethylene 2008). Thus, because the optical properties of PTFE remain constant, the diffusion of light is maintained without interruptions. PTFE has become important in the production of clear coating of optical devices such as lightweight surgical lamps, photovoltaic cell glazing, and others. PTFE has also been used in goods which are widely used in everyday living. With this highly technologically advanced modern world, the use of personal computers, notebooks, and other computing devices is now essential. Because of its low frictional properties, PTFE is has been widely utilized for the feet of the computer mice. This property allows the mice to glide and move across the surface of the board easily allowing efficient and effortless navigation of user. This application has been utilized by manufacturers like Logitech for their Logitech G5 and G7 computer mice series(Polytetrafluoroethylene 2008). In addition, the typical dental floss is now also replaced or coated by PTFE in order to improve their performance. An example of this is the product manufactured by Lenzing Plastics called Profilen dental floss which "gently glides between teeth without damaging the gums and without chafing, thus, preventing gingival irritations" (Lenzing Plastics 2008). The slippery surface created by the coating of PTFE is also utilized by manufacturers in pest and insect control. Currently, there are products in the market which prevent insects such as ants in climbing up surfaces. Because of the slippery surface, these insects cannot get a grip and will easily tend to fall off. Lastly, Teflon has also now been introduced in the fashion industry as a fabric protector against all types of stains. DuPont claims that "Teflon fabric protector provides an invisible molecular barrier around the individual fibers of fabrics" enabling "liquid spills bead up and roll off, and ground-in stains are released during cleaning" (DuPont 2008). In cooperation with major apparel manufacturers, PTFE is now becoming widely embraced by consumers because of its benefits. Cookware safety As mentioned in the previous section, there is a waging debate on the safety of cookware coated with Teflon. The primary concern in using these products is the exposure of individual consumers to PFOA through emission during the cooking process. It should be noted that PFOA is added in PTFE manufacturing process and is said to be released during the cooking process. The emitted PFOA while cooking is supposed to heighten the risk of individuals getting cancers, birth defects, and other health hazards. From a study utilizing cats and mice, the high level of exposure to PFOA facilitates the development of brain tumors. In human beings, these could hint the possible development of cancer (Costello 2005). Other cases have shown that exposure to PFOA in industrial setting increases the risk of birth defects and other health hazards (Summers 2004). The concern in safety of cookware coated with Teflon could be resolved by using some practical scientific explanation about its nature. In fact, a leading market research firm Consumer Guide concludes that the risk in using non-stick pans is very low and is getting lower after testing Teflon coated cookware from manufacturers and testing their PFOA emission at 240 degrees Celsius temperature. According to the research, emission is very, very minimal in this level. On the other hand, Health Canada released a statement verifying that non-stick coatings are safe to use under 360 degree Celsius temperature (Laumer 2007). However, some might question the possibility of exceeding this temperature during the cooking process. Note that it is often impossible to cook at this high temperature because of excessive smoke emission which will disable the user to cook (Laumer 2007). In the manufacturing process, the addition of PFOA is also done in minimal quantities only. Through the processing which uses high heat, the baking-on heat in the manufacture of cookware manufacture drives bulk of these chemicals in a fume vent system. Thus, PFOA in cook ware is almost always entirely eliminated during the manufacturing process. Only a minute residual quantity is left in cookware which eliminates the possibility of emission during cooking (Laumer 2007). Benefits of using cookware coated with Teflon With the recent findings about the safety of using Teflon coated cookware, it can be concluded that this invention has made a positive impact in individual's everyday life. Cookware coated with Teflon supports a healthier lifestyle through limiting and even eliminating the amount of oil in the food cooked. This leads to lower fat and calorie in-take which lessens the possibility of obesity and heart diseases. As another benefit, food cooked in non-stick pans also retains most of their flavor. Teflon coated pans also adds convenience in cooking as it allows easier cleaning thus, saving time and effort which can be devoted to more worthwhile and profitable activities. Conclusion The accidental discovery of Teflon has brought about a host of opportunities in different industries which translates to a host of products which improves the life of consumers through improved performance. Notwithstanding the debate and controversy about the safety of Teflon coated cookware, it can be concluded that Teflon is a significant component of the modern kitchen by allowing consumers to cope with their busier and healthier lifestyles. Lastly, the wide acceptance and popularity in the market also showcases how chemistry impacts our daily life. True enough, the term polytetrafluoroethelyne might sound a bit intimidating but in fact, our daily encounter with this substance in our daily life will give this a new and friendlier meaning. Biography DuPont 2008, Teflon.com. Retrieved 02 November 2008, from http://www.teflon.com Laumer, J. 2007, "Consumer Reports Debunk the Teflon Pan/PFOA Myth," Retrieved 02 November 2008, from http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/06/consumer_report_1.php Lenzing Plastics 2008, Medical Applications, Retrieved 02 November 2008, from http://www.lenzing.com/plastics/en/ptfe/656.jsp Polytetrafluoroethylene, 2008, Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia, Retrieved 02 November 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polytetrafluoroethylene Summers, C. 2004, "Teflon's sticky situation," Retrieved 02 November 2008, from http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/3697324.stm Teflon, 2008, eNotes.com, Retrieved 02 November 2008, from http://www.enotes.com/how-products-encyclopedia/teflon Read More