Teflon: A Happy Accident
It was an accidental discovery that became a part of everyday living. Dr. Roy Plunkett, a chemist for DuPont, was conducting an experiment with a new refrigerant on April 6, 1938, when the right combination of pressure and temperature created a slippery substance that was resistant to solvents, acids and corrosion. The new substance turned out to also be perfect for cooking. And under the brand name Teflon, kitchen products coated with the substance hit the market in 1946. Teflon can be found in everyday products from fabric protectors to tape to pharmaceuticals and also is used by the space program.
