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Non-stick surface technology

By Hilda Kafui Nuworku [3min read]


Non-stick is a surface engineered to reduce the ability of other materials to stick to it.

Non-stick is often used to refer to surfaces coated with Polytetrafluroethylene (PTFE), but in the 21st century other coatings have been marked as non-stick, such as anodized aluminum,  ceramics, cast iron, carbon steel and many others.

Cast iron, carbon steel, cast aluminium and steel cookware may be seasoned by applying fat to the surface and heating to polymerize the fat.




This produces a dry hard smooth, hydrophobic coating, which is non-stick when food is in it.

Polytetrafluroethylene is a synthetic fluoropolymer or tetrafluoroethylene that has numerous applications.

Its well known brand is Teflon®, by Chemours,  a polymer company.


PTFE molecular structure. PC: susbtech.com


Properties of PTFE:
  • It's a fluorocarbon solid, with a high molecular weight.
  • It's hydrophobic due to the high electronegativity of Fluorine.
  • It has one of the lowest coefficient of friction of any solids.
  • It is non reactive partly due to the strength of the carbon- fluorine bond.

Uses of PTFE
  • It is frequently used as coating on Catheters, interfering with the  ability of bacteria and other non infectious agents to adhere to catheters.
  • It is often used in containers and pipe works for reactive and corrosive chemicals.
  • It is also most commonly used as coating in saucepans and other cooking utensils, thus preventing food from sticking to the otherwise raw surface of the utensil.

Editor's note
Materials Science and Engineering is always at the forefront of making life more convenient and comfortable by improving existing materials and developing new ones that advance technology.

With current materials technology trends such as Nanotechnology, Smart Materials, Supercapacitors, Flexible Electronics and the miracle material, Graphene, MSE is fast changing the face of science and technology as we accelerate into the future.

Want to take a Materials and Metallurgical Engineering (MSE & METE) tour at KNUST? Visit our department website, mateng.knust.edu.gh. At DMSE KNUST, we provide the foundation in MSE and METE, which, when coupled with your creativity and daring, can cause a material change in our world.



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