Non-stick Coatings
A non-stick coating may be applied to a substrate to produce such a surface. One common application of non-stick coatings is cookware. Until recently PTFE (under the brand name "Teflon") dominated this market; however, due to health concerns regarding both the material (see Polymer fume fever) and its processing and application (see below regarding PFOA) its use has declined in recent years. Other coatings, including anodized aluminium and ceramics, have become popular.
Non-stick coatings are also used in lubrication applications.
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.
Teflon
Teflon is a trademark of DuPont used to refer to their non-stick products. While mainly being used as a trade name for PTFE, it is also used to market Perfluoroalkoxy (PFA, as "Teflon PFA") and Fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP, as "Teflon FEP") compounds. DuPont's current line-up of non-stick coatings for cookware is (arranged in order of decreasing price and durability): DuPont Autograph, DuPont Teflon Platinum Pro, DuPont Teflon Platinum, DuPont Teflon Select, DuPont Teflon Xtra, DuPont Teflon Classic and DuPont Teflon with Radiance Technology.
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