What Does non-stick Mean
The adjective non-stick allows qualifying what prevents adherence : the physical union of different elements. The term is commonly used in reference to a product or substance.
In general, the concept of non-stick is used in the kitchen . Containers such as pots and pans are often non-stick to prevent food from sticking to their surface .
One of the most popular non-stick substances is Teflon . This is the name of a polymer that offers great resistance to corrosion and heat.
Scientifically Teflon is called polytetrafluoroethylene . This chemical compound stands out for its impermeability and for presenting a very low friction coefficient or friction , which means that it exerts minimal opposition to the sliding of bodies on its surface .
Non-stick pans usually have an aluminum structure , to which a Teflon-based coating is applied . Then a finish is made with titanium , stone or another material as a reinforcement of the Teflon.
It is important to mention that, long ago, Teflon contained perfluorooctanoic acid , a substance classified as possibly carcinogenic by the International Center for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organization ( WHO ). Faced with this reality, perfluorooctanoic acid was banned : in this way, non-stick pans that now carry Teflon no longer include this substance and are therefore safe.
To keep non-stick containers in good condition, the ideal is to use them with silicone or wooden utensils to avoid scratching them and wash them with mild soap once they have cooled down.