Teflon is a brand name of the chemical polytetrafluoroethylene, which is also known as PTFE. It is an excellent non-stick material, and is used on cookware, clothing, carpets and other products that need to be resistant to grease and staining.

The chemical structure of PTFE is similar to that of polyethylene (PE), except that the hydrogen atoms are replaced by fluorine atoms. This enables the formation of a continuous and uniform sheath around the carbon-carbon bonds, which increases its stability and chemical resistance. It is also able to provide electrical inertness, making it a popular choice for various applications.

PTFE is extremely stable under vacuum conditions, which means that it does not decompose or volatilize at very low temperatures, and even two hours of heating it at 500 degrees Celsius leads to only 30% weight loss. It is therefore one of the most stable polymers known and is commonly used in many applications where it requires a high level of safety.

It is a very tough and waxy plastic that can withstand a lot of stress, and it is also highly insulating. It is therefore used frequently in wire insulation, and it is often molded into various shapes for different applications.

It is also an incredibly durable and affordable material, which is why it is so widely used in mechanical engineering. It is often used to make slide bearings, slide plates, gears and other working parts where a very low friction surface is required. Its insulating properties make it an excellent choice for electronic circuitry, since it is a strong and reliable electric insulator that resists high voltages.