You can freely build on The Discovery of Teflon

What this patent covers

The patent covers the polymerization of tetrafluoroethylene gas into a solid, white, waxy material. This substance is chemically inert, meaning it does not react with most other chemicals, and it possesses an extremely low coefficient of friction. The process involves subjecting the gas to high pressure in the presence of a catalyst to create long chains of carbon and fluorine atoms.

What is now free to use

All 0 claims of US 2230654 are in the public domain. Specifically:

The 0 dependent claims add narrowing limitations and are also free.

What is NOT covered

Patent expiry frees this specific invention. Separately-patented improvements made after expiry may still be protected.

• Does not cover the application of the material as a non-stick coating for cookware.

• Does not cover the manufacturing process for other fluorinated polymers like PVDF.

• Does not cover the specific chemical synthesis of the monomer tetrafluoroethylene itself.

Who is building on this today

DuPont, which acquired Kinetic Chemicals, remains the primary steward of this technology. Numerous chemical manufacturers like Chemours now produce variations of this polymer for industrial and consumer use.

Products built on expired version of this technology

How to cite this patent in your documentation

KINETIC CHEMICALS Inc. US Patent 2230654. Tetrafluoroethylene polymers. Granted 1941, expired 1959. Now in the public domain.

Note: This is a convenience citation. Consult a patent attorney for formal freedom-to-operate analysis.

PatentBrief is an educational resource and does not provide legal advice. Patent expiration information is derived from USPTO records and may not reflect continuation patents, divisional filings, or separately-patented improvements. For commercial use or production decisions, obtain a formal freedom-to-operate (FTO) opinion from a registered patent attorney.