In 1938, chemist Roy Plunkett was testing refrigerant gases when a cylinder he expected to contain a gas was instead blocked and, upon opening, lined with a white, waxy substance. That material proved to be polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), better known as Teflon, later prized for extreme stability, heat resistance, chemical resistance, and very low surface energy—key to the non-stick reputation. Its widespread industrial use grew after World War II as fluoropolymers gained traction.
Researchers say barocal could enable refrigeration without traditional greenhouse-harming refrigerants. By applying pressure to “plastic crystals,” the material shifts state and absorbs heat, potentially offering a cheaper and nonpolluting alternative to today’s cooling systems. If results scale, it could disrupt everything from home fridges to cold storage for food and drinks.
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