2008 Woodie Awards
Researchers work on safer cookware
New nonstick coating to be ready in three years
Carrie Sands
Issue date: 8/7/08 Section: ARTS & LIFE
|
The current nonstick coating consists of polymers made with the element fluorine. It is popular because of its nonstick ability and easy cleanup, but there is concern over the use of the nonstick substance.
When the coating is scratched or exposed to high heat, it can release a toxic adhesive between the polymer and the pan that can be harmful and may cause cancer. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, consumer products made with fluoropolymers (nonstick cookware) do not pose a concern.
"People try not to scratch pans for appearance, but if they make deep scratches it can release the toxin," said Witold Brostow, of the materials science faculty, who is leading the researchers at UNT's Laboratory of Advanced Polymers and Optimized Materials
Fifteen UNT students ranging from doctoral to Texas Academy of Math and Science students are conducting the research. The laboratory acts independently, and the research is not being funded by the university or outside companies.
"Since there is not a company that paid us for the development, when we develop the new polymer, we can patent it and then be in a position of strength to sell it through UNT," Brostow said.
Brostow said the research started in 2000. There are materials that are more scratch resistance than Teflon, but adhesion is still an issue.
Teflon is a registered trademark and patent of the DuPont Co., the main manufacturer of products made from three types of fluorine-containing polymers.
"It's safer to use [Teflon] up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, but if a piece was to flake off, it's inert and passes through the system," a representative from DuPont said.
The researchers want to find a coating to go over the metal in the pans, or an adhesive that is not toxic. The research takes two forms: lab experimentation and computer simulation.
"Polymer research is a new idea based on previous work, and my role is figuring out the properties of the polymer," graduate student Madhuri Dutta said.
Seifollah Nasrazadani, of the engineering faculty, is working on the corrosion aspect.
"We are hoping we will get polymeric coating that can perform at high temperatures, at great adherence and great wear resistance," Nasrazadani said.
He said health risks could occur when the coating is scratched, leaving the food exposed to the metal at high temperatures.
Brostow said he expects to have developed the new polymer in the next two to three years.
Be the first to comment on this story