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What Are the Benefits of Teflon?

Teflon is the registered trademark, owned by Dupont, of a material called polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE). It is used as a coating on many products, but Teflon is most commonly recognized as a nonstick coating found on pots and pans. However, its many characteristics make Teflon useful in a wide range of applications, for instance as a stain repellent for some fabrics. Due to its versatility, Teflon has several benefits both as a coating and a material.

Nonstick
- Originally, Teflon was used because it provided a nonstick cooking surface. In cookware, it provides a coating that doesn't rust or corrode and to which very few materials, if any, will stick. Teflon is easily cleaned and nontoxic, making it safe for use with foods. These properties make it useful for medical equipment and surgical implants as well because contaminants cannot stick to the surface of Teflon equipment. Because of its slippery nature, Teflon has also been used to make blades on hockey skates. In addition to being less expensive than other materials used on hockey skate blades, Teflon blades don't need to be sharpened.Teflon is also useful in textiles as a stain-resistant material, helping to lengthen the life of many fabrics.
Durable
- Teflon is a tough and durable material. In addition to its heat resistance, Teflon can withstand extremely cold temperatures. This durability in a variety of climates makes it useful in the manufacturing of windshield wipers. Teflon wipers are said to last longer than traditional wiper materials and are stronger and thicker as well. This durability makes Teflon also useful in chemical processing applications, where it is used to line vessels, seals, gaskets, well-drilling parts and washers.
Heat Resistant
- Teflon is heat resistant, making it useful for a number of electrical applications. It can withstand temperatures up to 500 F and is unaffected by most chemicals. It is used as an insulating coating for data port cables because of its ability to withstand heat. Because of this heat resistant quality, Teflon is useful in materials and applications where fire or high heat is present. Its fire-resistance makes it ideal for electrical coatings and for the manufacturing of flame-retardant clothing and equipment.
Moisture Resistant
- In applications where moisture or chemicals are an issue, such as industrial products like fittings for machinery or in plumbing applications, Teflon offers superior performance. It is not only resistant to most chemicals, but also moisture and corrosion. This moisture-resistance means that mold and fungus are not issues where Teflon is concerned.

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