Teflon is a popular polymer? So, Teflon monomers play an important role in Teflon synthesis. You might have read the name of Teflon polymer in your chemistry book. Teflon is the most used synthetic fluoropolymer with the chemical name poly. Teflon is a thermoplastic polymer with the chemical formula of (C4H4)n. The Teflon formula shows repetitive or n numbers of C2H4 units. It can maintain high strength, toughness, and self-lubrication at low temperatures and good flexibility at temperatures above 194 K. Teflon uses include, making waterproof fabric, non-stick cookware, an anti-friction device, coating medical appliances, and due to its high corrosion resistance, Teflon is used for coating the lining of laboratory appliances. Let’s head to Teflon monomers.
What Are Teflon Monomers?
Teflon monomers are called Tetrafluoroethylene monomers, which have the molecular formula CF2=CF2. The formula of Teflon monomers shows the double bond between two carbon atoms. Tetrafluoroethylene is a colorless and odorless gas. It is used to make propellants, as an intermediate, and as a copolymer. It is on the hazardous Substance List because it is rated by Dot, NTP, ACGIH, DEP, IARC, NFPA, and EPA. Tetrafluoroethylene is a synthetic flammable gas that is insoluble in water. It is used primarily in the synthesis of polytetrafluoroethylene resins. It is also used as a monomer in the synthesis of copolymers and as a propellant for food product aerosols.
When heated to decomposition, tetrafluoroethylene emits highly toxic fluorocarbon fumes. The primary route of human exposure to this compound is inhalation. Do you know? Acute inhalation exposure to Tetrafluoroethylene may result in irritation of the respiratory tract and buildup of fluid in the lungs. Contact with this gas can cause eye irritation. This chemical is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.
Now, you the monomers of Teflon. Let’s take a look at some properties of Teflon.
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Properties Of Teflon Monomers
The properties of Teflon monomers are,
- Tetrafluoroethylene is derived from ethylene in which each of the four hydrogen atoms has been replaced with fluorine.
- It is colorless, odorless, and soluble in water.
- Like all unsaturated fluorocarbons, it is susceptible to nucleophilic attack.
- In the air, Tetrafluoroethylene is prone to form explosive peroxides.
- The monomer of Teflon called Tetrafluoroethylene is stabilized and appears as a colorless and odorless gas.
- It is a fluorocarbon.
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Teflon Structure And Function
To get a deep understanding of Teflon polymer, you must have an idea of its structure and functions. Then why wait, let’s know the structure and functions of Teflon.
Teflon Structure
Teflon polymer contains a chain of carbon atoms with two fluorine atoms bonded to each carbon. The fluorine atoms surround the carbon chain like a protective sheath, creating a chemically inert and relatively dense molecule with very strong carbon-fluorine bonds. Teflon is inert to most chemicals, does not melt below 620 deg F, and has the lowest coefficient of friction of any known solid.
Teflon Function
The main function of Teflon polymer is to reduce the friction coefficient, providing anti-adherence to the substance to which it is applied. Due to this, Teflon is mainly used in the manufacturing of waterproof fabric, non-stick cookware, and anti-friction devices, for coating medical appliances. Due to the high resistance property of corrosion, it is used for coating the lining of laboratory appliances. Teflon or PTFE is more efficient than most of the other polymers such as nylon and acetal. Teflon is thermally more stable even at a very high temperature. Its chemical properties make it the ideal material for various real-world applications like electrical appliances, manufacturing, and even the textile industry as it is also used in the production of many clothing items.
Facts About Teflon
The facts about Teflon are,
- Teflon is a long chain of monomers called Tetrafluoroethylene.
- It is heat and cold-resistant.
- Teflon can resist temperatures of up to 260C and can consistently operate at this level.
- Once its temperature is exceeded it will start to soften then at around 400 Deg C will start to give off fumes.
- Teflon can be found in non-stick pots and pans, waterproof clothing and furniture, self-cleaning ovens, microwave popcorn bags, and pizza boxes.
- Teflon is not reactive to most chemicals, you don’t have to worry about your product corroding.
- This means your machinery and equipment will be safe from harm.
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FAQ
What Polymers Are In Teflon?
Teflon is a synthetic fluoropolymer made up of tetrafluoroethylene monomer. The chemical name of Teflon is poly (1,1,2,2 tetrafluoroethylene). It is a thermoplastic polymer.
What Is Teflon Made From?
Polytetrafluoroethylene, also known as Teflon®, is made with four ingredients — fluorspar, hydrofluoric acid, chloroform, and water, which are combined in a chemical reaction chamber heated to between 1094-1652°F (590-900°C).
What Are The Monomers Of Teflon And Nylon?
(ii) The monomer of Teflon is tetrafluoroethene. (iii) The monomer of Nylon-6 is caprolactum.
What Is The Monomer Of Teflon And Pvc?
(i) The monomer of polyvinyl chloride is CH2 = CHCl vinyl chloride. (ii) The monomer of teflon is CF2 = CF2 tetrafluoroethylene.
Conclusion
Reading this article gives you knowledge about what monomers react to make Teflon. In this article, you have learned about the Teflon monomer structure and Teflon polymer structure. As Teflon is not a natural polymer but a lab-synthesized polymer. It was first discovered by Roy Plunkett in 1938. The concern over using Teflon has to do with a chemical called perfluorooctanoic acid, which was used to make Teflon until 2013. Teflon is a brand name of a chemical coating, polytetrafluoroethylene shortened. It was first made in 1930 to create a non-reactive, nonstick surface. It is known for its use in cookware, although it can also be used to coat other materials like wires or fabrics to make them waterproof. Now, you know all about Teflon Monomers.
I Have Covered All The Following Queries And Topics In The Above Article
What Monomers React To Make Teflon
Monomers Of Teflon
Teflon Monomers Structure
Formula Of Teflon Monomers
Teflon Monomer Structure
Teflon Polymer Structure
Teflon Uses
What are the polymers in Teflon
What type of polymer is Teflon
