Created in 1938, PTFE is well known under the name TEFLON® from Dupont. Because water and water-containing substances like most foods do not wet PTFE, adhesion to PTFE surfaces is inhibited. Due to this property PTFE is used as a non-stick coating for pans and other cookware.
It is very non-reactive, and so is often used in containers and tubes for reactive and corrosive chemicals. Where used as a lubricant, PTFE reduces friction, wear and energy consumption of machinery. Main properties of PTFE are:
- High temperature resistance (+250°C)
- Low friction coefficient
- Suitable for food contact
- Excellent chemical and hydrolysis resistance
Tubes made of PTFE are marked .