Question

How is Teflon prepared? Give a chemical equation?

Answer 1

We know that polymer is a huge compound formed from joining of repeating units (monomers) in a large scale. This process of polymer formation from monomers is coined as polymerization. Some examples of polymers are polyethene, nylon-6,6 etc.

Complete step by step answer: We know that Teflon is a polymer. It is produced by heating of tetrafluoroethane in presence of a persulfate catalyst at high pressure. The type of polymerization occurring in the formation of Teflon is additional polymerization. The chemical reaction of formation of Teflon is,

Additional Information:
The polymers are classified on the basis on its source, its structure, its mode of polymerization etc.
-On the basis of its source polymers are classified as natural polymer, semisynthetic polymer and synthetic polymer.
Natural polymers are those polymers which are found in animals and plants, such as, protein, cellulose, rubber, starch, etc.
Semi synthetic polymers are the polymers mostly obtained by chemical modifications of naturally occurring polymers. Some examples are vulcanized rubber, rayon, etc.
Synthetic polymers are the polymers which are made in factories, such as, Buna-S, Buna-N etc.
-There are two kinds of polymerization reactions, addition polymerization and condensation polymerization. In addition polymerization, same or different monomers joined together to result a polymers such as in case of formation of polyethene and in condensation polymerization, repetitive condensation of two bi-functional monomers occurs to form polymers, such as in case of formation of nylon 6,6.

Note: Teflon is an example of an additional polymer. It is inert chemically, that means, it does undergo reaction and thus resist the attack of other reagents. Its use in producing oil seals and gaskets is beneficial. Due to its inert nature, it is used in producing non-stick surfaces of utensils.