if teflon is non stick,, then how do they stick it to pans?

Answer 1

Teflon is a long chain polymer molecule (PTFE - polytetrafluoroethylene) and so it is a lot tougher than some other types of polymers. It is applied in coats - the bottom layer being the stickiest followed by several layers of decreasingly sticky layers...if that makes sense!

Before they apply the layers of non stick coating, the metal is treated so that is has very small lumps and pores on it which gives the teflon a better chance of sticking to the surface.

Answer 2

Using UV Irradiation to Bond to Teflon
Linz (FWF) - Fluor polymers, better known as Teflon, can be used in a variety of applications, but they have one serious drawback: they are extremely slippery. This is an advantage in pots and pans, but a problem for science and research. Whether components, pigments or glues - nothing sticks to this material. With the financial assistance of the Austrian Science Fund (FWF), Johannes Heinz from the Johannes Kepler University in Linz has developed a new method, in which laser radiation is used to modify Teflon surfaces and make them sticky.

Everyone knows Teflon and appreciates its benefits. The fields of application range from coatings on frying pans, electrical insulation layers, sliding surfaces and medical inserts to water-repellent textiles. The great advantage of this material is its low chemical reactivity and the extremely low adhesion of liquids to Teflon coatings. But this advantage is also its greatest disadvantage. It has not been possible to modify small, specified areas on fluor polymer surfaces in such a way that glues or metallic coatings stick to them.

This circumstance has limited the use of Teflon substrates in microelectronics, where strong adhesion of contacts is required, or in medical engineering. Heinz achieved the desired effect by irradiating the surface of fluor polymers with UV light of extremely low wavelength, so-called vacuum UV light (172 nm): 'The material is modified only in those places where it will be glued or coated.

Until now, such modifications were possible only on large surface areas. The chemical reaction takes place only on the surface and the Teflon retains its major property, namely its extremely low adhesion'. The modified materials combine the new surface properties with the desired characteristics of the unmodified residual material, such as excellent electrical insulation for electronics applications, or resistance to aggressive chemicals, or thermal stability.

This is of special advantage in medical engineering, where the application of UV irradiated fluor polymers significantly facilitates the use of artificial blood vessels, grafts, cardiac valves or artificial skin. The new technology ensures tissue adhesion and compatibility on the outer surface, while preventing the blood from clotting on the inner surface. The method is also interesting for the textile industry and the microelectronics industry, where excellent adhesion of metallic objects and contacts is a major prerequisite for any material

Answer 3

Teflon is not nonstick to everything. It is only nonstick to the things commonly found in cooking. The exact primer used is a trade secret.

Answer 4

Tefflon is a 'non stick' at cooking temperatures. Tefflon coating is done at very high temperatures , may be 1000 deg C+ and coated by spraying at that temperature.

Answer 5

Non-stick means cooking won't cause most foods to stick to it.

Answer 6

It is probably non-stick only when dry, so it is likely applied by spraying it on or painting it on.

Answer 7

They don't. It just hovers around very close to pans because it likes them.

Answer 8

i wouldnt say it is non-stick as i end up with black bits of coating in my beans when i cook so it aint non-stick

Answer 9

All here for you: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teflon

Answer 10

Ahh the wonders of the world eh......