the metal the positive pole (anode) in a
solution of sulfuric acid, and so forcing the
oxidation of its surface to make a thick
protective oxide layer.
Nonstick Coatings and Silicone “Pans”
The materials for nonstick coatings were
developed around the middle of the 20th
century by industrial chemists, and
nonstick utensils were introduced in the
1960s. Teflon and its relatives are long
chains of carbon atoms with fluorine atoms
projecting from the backbone. They
produce a plastic-like material with a
smooth, slippery surface, and are as inert
as ceramics at moderate cooking
temperatures. Above about 500ºF/250ºC,
however, they decompose into a number of
noxious and toxic gases. Nonstick utensils
therefore need to be used with care to
avoid overheating. The coatings have the
additional disadvantage of being easily