Roy J. Plunkett (1910–1994)

Roy J. Plunkett was an American chemist best known for discovering polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), later trademarked by DuPont as Teflon, a fluoropolymer whose exceptional chemical inertness, heat resistance, and low friction revolutionized materials science and numerous industries.

Early Life and Education

Born on June 26, 1910, in New Carlisle, Ohio, Plunkett earned a bachelor’s degree from Manchester College (Indiana) in 1932 and a Ph.D. in chemistry from The Ohio State University in 1936. He joined DuPont shortly thereafter.

Discovery of PTFE

In 1938, while working at Kinetic Chemicals—a DuPont/General Motors joint venture in Deepwater, New Jersey—Plunkett was investigating tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) as a potential refrigerant. During an experiment, TFE gas in a pressurized cylinder had spontaneously polymerized into a white, waxy solid. Tests revealed extraordinary properties: resistance to chemicals and heat, electrical insulation, and an extremely low coefficient of friction. DuPont commercialized the material as PTFE, and in 1945 registered the Teflon trademark. Early critical uses included corrosion‑resistant seals and gaskets for handling reactive chemicals, notably in wartime and nuclear applications, before widespread adoption in cookware, aerospace, electronics, and industrial processing.

Career and Legacy

Plunkett spent his career at DuPont in research and management roles, contributing to the development and commercialization of fluoropolymers until his retirement in 1975. His serendipitous discovery became one of the most consequential materials breakthroughs of the 20th century, enabling advancements from nonstick surfaces to high‑performance components in harsh chemical and thermal environments.

Honors

• Inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame (1985) for the discovery of PTFE.
• Recipient of multiple professional and civic awards recognizing the impact of Teflon on science, technology, and industry.

Death

Roy J. Plunkett died on May 12, 1994.