Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a high-quality synthetic fluoropolymer that provides numerous applications. PTFE is most commonly known by the DuPont brand name Teflon. PTFE comprises the properties and behavior of fluorocarbons. Therefore, water and water-containing substances like most foods have no effect on PTFE. Due to this property solely, PTFE is used as a non-stick coating for cooking pans and other cookware accessories. This polymer is stable and the coats never wear off making it ideal for cookware. It displays very low reactivity; therefore, it is often used in containers and pipework against reactive and corrosive chemicals. It is also used as a lubricant, as PTFE reduces friction, wear, and energy usage of machinery.
PTFE is famous for being used in bulletproof vests because of its high tensile strength and resistance to wear and tear. Manufacturing this is simpler compared to manufacturing high-quality metal alloys and hence is more preferred to metals for the production of quality equipment.