Many people do not realize how many of their day to day products function by the use of fluoropolymers.  One might ask, "what is this enormous word, and what does it have to do with my daily life?"; well to start, fluoropolymers are basically a "super plastic", and have many extremely useful properties such as resistance to heat and other chemicals.  They are used in heat shrink tubing for wires and they also have non-stick properties, and are thus used in day to day kitchen items such as cooking pans, bake ware and other assorted items.

Fluoropolymers were actually discovered through an accident, by a Dr. Roy Plunkett in 1938.  He was experimenting with new refrigerants by storing tetrafluoroethylene in small containers at dry-ice temperatures; after viewing the results of his experiment, what came out was not what he expected:  a white powder.  He experimented with this new technology and discovered the powder to be extremely heat-resistant and perfect for the making of heat exchangers and FEP tubing.  Thanks to his "accidental" experimentation, he paved the way for the use and design of better technology.

Many airplane manufacturers use fluoropolymers to shield and insulate wires in their planes, thus dramatically reducing the risks of plane material catching on fire, since fluoropolymers are so heat-resistant.  Since the FEP and PTFE properties of this material are chemical resistant polymers, factory workers, dealing with dangerous hazard material such as alkaline or acidic chemicals, utilize this material in protective garments to avoid being burned or injured.  The use of fluoropolymers are used throughout our everyday lives, and many of the tools and items we take for granted directly use this technology.  Thank you Dr. Plunkett!