What is Teflon? Why is it used to coat thermometers?
Teflon is a special material developed by E.I. Dupont de Nemours Company. Teflon coating involves encapsulating a thermometer within a thin layer of Teflon. Since the material is transparent when applied, you are still able to read the thermometer scale and liquid column. The main purpose of Teflon coating is safety. Once a thermometer is coated it becomes less sensitive to breakage. In the event that the thermometer does break, the liquid in the thermometer is contained within the Teflon. This reduces the chance of a hazardous spill if the liquid inside the thermometer is mercury. Teflon also prevents contamination by broken glass.
