polytetrafluoroethylene teflon, also known as PTFE, is one of the most unusual fluoropolymers with many unique properties. PTFE is nonreactive, has an extremely low coefficient of friction, and is highly insulating. It is commonly used as a nonstick coating on cookware, but it can be found in medical devices, bulk chemical containers, wire insulation and as an inert ingredient of pesticides.

PTFE was discovered by accident in 1938 by Roy Plunkett, an employee of the DuPont Corporation. He was working on a chlorofluorocarbon refrigerant when an unexpected reaction caused the formation of a white substance that turned out to have amazing properties. Kinetic Chemicals registered PTFE in 1945 under the Teflon trademark, which is now owned by Chemours, a spin-off from DuPont.

Despite its exceptional qualities, PTFE is not without its drawbacks. It is expensive and difficult to work with. It does not melt when heated, so unconventional techniques are needed to mould, extrude and weld it. In addition, PTFE is not soluble in liquids and cannot be dissolved in solvents.

Despite these limitations, PTFE has been utilized in dozens of applications. For example, its resistance to heat and chemicals allows it to coat automobile parts including axels, ball bearings, exhaust systems, fasteners and gaskets. It is also used in laboratory equipment and medical devices to reduce friction and incorporate antimicrobial properties that meet sterility requirements. In addition, PTFE can be used to create pressure-sensitive adhesive backings that are applied to footwear and insoles to help relieve the friction-induced symptoms of foot ulcers.