Long before cooks the world over bowed in humble gratitude to the miracle non-stick pan coating, Teflon, it was kept secret by the U.S. military and used to store U-235, the principle component of the nuclear bomb.

Shortly before World War II, chemist Dr. Roy Plunkett discovered Teflon by accident while tinkering with coolant gases. One morning, Plunkett was shocked to discover he did not have a cold gas as expected, but a waxy solid. Tetrafluoroethylene was born.

Given the trade name Teflon, this virtually impermeable plastic is now used for countless purposes, including as a coating on a variety of kitchen appliances and utensils, as well as conveyor belts.

The term Teflon is also used as a metaphoric for someone who blunders but seems to escape criticism.

©Lori S. Anton