National Teflon Day is celebrated annually on 6th April to recognize the discovery and applications of Teflon. Teflon, also known as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), is a synthetic fluoropolymer of tetrafluoroethylene that has many applications in various fields, including chemistry labs.

PTFE is a non-reactive and inert material, meaning that it does not react with most chemicals or substances. It is also resistant to heat, making it ideal for use in high-temperature applications. These properties make PTFE an excellent choice for laboratory equipment that comes into contact with harsh chemicals or high temperatures.

3 impellers

PTFE is used to make laboratory stirrer bars. Stirrer bars are small magnetic bars that are placed inside a container and used to mix solutions. PTFE stirrer bars are particularly useful when working with corrosive or reactive substances that could damage or corrode other types of stir bars. Radleys supply a wide range of stirrer bars which can suit a variety of vessel sizes and shapes and provide powerful stirring and a deep vortex.

PTFE lid

A choice of PTFE stirring shafts, also known as impellers, are available with our Reactor-Ready and Mya 4 process vessels. Impellers allow for overhead stirring in your reaction, rather than magnetic stirring. The impellers are available in a range of style including anchor, turbine and retreat curve. Our webinar ‘How to optimise missing within your jacketed reaction vessel’ discusses the use of impellers.

The Reactor-Ready jacketed vessels and Mya 4 process vessels are available with PTFE lids. These lids are: more robust and less likely to break than glass, are ideal for use with heavy analytical probes and accept a range of removable Rodaviss sockets and compression fittings.

Heat-On Safety CoversA PTFE safety cover is available with our Heat-On blocks. This reduces the risk of users touching the hot Heat-On block, prevents spills of solvents onto hot surfaces and reduces energy consumption by 15%!

These are just a few applications, we use PTFE across our whole range, including the Easy-On caps which are used with our Carousel 12 and Carousel 6 reactions stations, components in our Mya compact overhead stirrers, the insulation plate for the Carousel 12 reaction station, the stirring guide for the overhead stirrer in our Reactor-Ready, baffles in our jacketed lab vessels – and so many more!

Overall, PTFE is a versatile material that has become an essential component of many laboratory applications. Its non-reactive and heat-resistant properties make it an ideal choice for a wide range of laboratory equipment, including stirrer bars, impellers and protective covers. National Teflon Day is a celebration of the discovery and applications of PTFE.

Happy National Teflon Day!