Important polymers: PE, PVC, Teflon, nylon, Bakelite, terylene
Polymers · Chemistry
Study notes
Why is Teflon non-stick but PVC isn't? Step 1: Teflon: –[CF₂–CF₂]ₙ– — C–F bonds are strong, fluorine shields carbon. Step 2: Fluorine's low polarizability → almost no van der Waals attraction to food. Step 3: PVC: –[CHCl–CH₂]ₙ– — C–Cl polar, attracts other molecules. Step 4: Surface chemistry decides — fluorine's inertness makes Teflon slippery!