teflon phase out

There is NO planned phase-out of Teflon.

The manufacturing industry, esp DuPont, are phasing out one old production technique. They are moving to a cleaner one.

Roger,
cleaner in what respect?
There is the often quoted problem of the presence of PFOA and similar in the production proces of PTFE and fluorocarbons in general. Has this something to do with this?
I've noticed that a number of Asian manufactueres will be showing PFOA free treatments this year (going with 6 CF groups instead of 8 if I understood well). What effect could this have on the efficacity of a DWR treatment? I seem to remember that a really effective treatment should have at least 10 CF groups (more than 10 doesn't give a real difference, less than 10 certainly does does in a negative way).

Hi Tom

Yes, the EPA has asked the industry to phase out the use of PFOA, and most of the industry is doing so, or has done so already. Not sure about China – probably a little slower to react.

One thing to emphasise: while PFOA was used in the manufacture of Teflon, finished articles show extremely little trace of this chemical. The big hazard was to the workers inside the factory, plus any effluent stream.

As to the effect of any change in the length of the polymer chain – I don't know at this stage. I think we will have to wait for some field testing :-)

Mind you, if there is a problem with the length, I am quite sure there will be some very urgent efforts going on in a number of back rooms to find better ways of cooking the stuff.

cheers