Question

Which polymer is used in non-stick cooking vessels?
(A) Polythene
(B) Isoprene
(C) Teflon
(D) Neoprene

Answer 1

Hint: Polymers are basically long chain compounds formed by attaching and forming long chains of single or multiple polymers. Different types of polymers are created keeping the practical usage of the polymer in mind.

Step-by-Step Solution:
As said before, each polymer is created keeping a set number of use cases in mind. Let us understand the use cases for the polymers that have been given in the options.
1. Polythene: Polythene is a long chain polymer of a monomer named ethylene. Polythene finds its use case in being used as a building material for durable goods. It is used for producing a wide range of products like plastic parts, films, tubes, tanks, etc. however, it is not used in non-stick cooking vessels.
2. Isoprene: Isoprene is a polymer that shows mechanical properties similar to rubber. It is also one of the major constituents of nature and is often used for the production of synthetic rubber. Hence, it is not used in non-stick cooking vessels.
3. Teflon: Teflon is also known as PTFE. It is a non-biodegradable polymer and is completely resistant to water. This makes it ideal to be often used as a coating on metals to prevent corrosion. Hence, it can be used as a coating for non-stick cooking vessels because of this hydrophobic behaviour.
4. Neoprene: Similar to isoprene, neoprene too has mechanical properties similar to rubber. Contrary to many other materials that chafe and deteriorate over long term usage, neoprene manages to maintain its shape. Hence, it cannot be used in non-stick cooking vessels.

Hence, Option C is the correct option.

Note: Along with being used as a coating in non-stick cooking vessels, Teflon is used to make various other things like waterproof clothing, coatings for wires and cables, etc.