Plastics Teflon

The fluorocarbons are resistant to the action of strong acids and aqueous alkalis they are non-inflammable and attacked only by such reagents as fused caustic alkalis. The plastic teflon is polymerized C2F4 (cf. polythene which is polymerized C2H4) and is made into tubing, or into sheets to act as linings for vessels required to withstand corrosion. The liquid fluorocarbons ( fluorolubes ) are used where hydrocarbon oils would be attacked, and their non-inflammability makes them particularly useful. 

A. Glass Valves. A few of the many different styles of glass valves on the market are Illustrated in Fig. 8.10. The general design consists of a glass body housing either a glass or plastic (Teflon or Kel-F) stem. When the stem is con-... 

Mag, W-W Super, bullet Solid brass with exposed top portion coated with green plastic (Teflon) containing Cr, Ti... 

SPL, S W, round Pb bullet fully coated with plastic (Teflon), Ni-coated brass case... 

Teflon is used as thermal insulation in clothing, as a component in wall coverings, and as a protective coating on metals, glass, and plastics. Teflon s properties of very low chemical reactivity and very low friction make it valuable in the construction of artificial joints for human limbs. As you can see in Figure 9, Teflon is also used as a roofing material. 

Fluorine forms a very tight bond with carbon, and fluorocarbon chains are more stable and more inert than hydrocarbon chains. Fluorocarbon polymers are waxy, water-repellent, solvent-repellent, electrically insulating substances. A fluorocarbon plastic (Teflon) has come into use, in the 1960s, as a film to cover frying pans, which then no longer require fat for frying. 

Fluorine is used to prepare fluorocarbons— very stable carbon—fluorine compounds used as refrigerants, lubricants, and plastics. Teflon ( FIGURE 22.9) is a polymeric fluorocarbon noted for its high thermal stability and lack of chemical reactivity. 

Our knowledge of chemical bonding has allowed us to bond atoms together in new ways to form compounds that never existed before. Plastics, Teflon, synthetic fibers, and many pharmaceuticals are among some of the compounds synthesized by chemists that have significantly impacted society (5.3, 5.4). 

FLUOROCARBON An organic compound having fluorine atoms in its chemical structure, an inclusion that usually lends stability to plastics. Teflon is a fluorocarbon. 

The highly reactive nature of the active components of the permanent waving products requires rigorous control at every production stage. Cleanliness must be exemplary. Metal contaminants must be avoided and all tanks, valves, hoses, and bottling-machine parts in contact with the chemicals must be inert or lined with glass or nonreactive plastic (Teflon, polyethylene). Only high purity materials should be used and must be adequately checked prior to manufacture. 

The spacers are made of plastic (teflon) instead of amalgamated lead, thus eliminating one of the major difliculties in the assembly of sealed cells. However, they are not as tight as sealed cells, and will not hold volatile liquids for prolonged periods. 

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