PTFE and Similar Compounds
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a synthetic fluoropolymer used in various applications including non-stick coatings. Originally developed by a DuPont-General Motors joint venture, today it is commonly known by DuPont's brand name Teflon, though other producers exist producing PTFE compounds under various other names.
Processing of PTFE in the past used to include Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) as an emulsifier, however PFOA is a persistent organic pollutant and poses both environmental and health concerns, and is now being phased out of use in PTFE processing.
Non-stick coating systems often include a special treatment of the substrate. For example, Whitford Corporation's Excalibur consists of three layers of PTFE over a metallic substrate which is first grit-blasted to roughen it, then electric-arc sprayed with a proprietary stainless steel alloy. According to Whitford, the irregular surface promotes adhesion of the PTFE and also resists abrasion of the PTFE.
Read more about this topic: Non-stick Surface
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