Roy J. Plunkett

“ I. The inertness of this polymer to chemical reagents, its insolubility, and its resistance to heat and to fire make its use desirable in many places. By the use of sufficiently high pressure and temperature it can be molded into articles which are relatively clear and colorless. Such articles are laboratory apparatus for handling corrosive reagents, disks for goggles used in corrosive atmospheres, such as those which pervade certain chemical plants, and the material may be extruded into fibers which can be used in the manufacture of heat-resistant clothing and the like. ”

“ D. The objects of the invention are accomplished by the compositions of matter which may be formed by the polymerization of tetrafluoroethylene. Other objects of the invention are accomplished by the process of polymerizing the fluoroethylene herein set forth.
E. I have discovered that tetrafluoroethylene will polymerize at ordinary temperatures when subjected to super-atmospheric pressure. I have also discovered that the rate of polymerization may be quickened by carrying out the polymerization under pressure in the presence of a catalyst. ”

“ C. It is an object of the invention to provide a new composition of matter which is highly resistant to corrosive influences and to oxidation, and which can be molded and spun and put to a wide variety of uses where its peculiar properties would be advantageous. ”