Editing Polytetrafluoroethylene Mats

== Definition == "Nonstick grill mat" is an expression applied to describe a cooking tool, a flexible mat manufactured using fiberglass cloth material covered with polytetrafluoroethylene, also known as PTFE. There are a range of uses for nonstick sheets in the food arena which may include a baking surface, a protective surface for pans, and a product to facilitate cleaning of food preparation surfaces. The mats can be trimmed, utilizing a scissor, for additional applications including drizzle protectors for gas and electric heating elements, and protective covers for such home accessories as Panini makers and sandwich grills. In these cases, the mats are positioned in between the food and the cooking surface. == Qualities of Polytetracluoroethylene == Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a synthetic fluoropolymer of tetrafluoroethylene. PTFE is a material referred to as a fluorocarbon solid, and is made up of only two components, carbon and fluorine. PTFE has far-reaching applications spanning a variety of sectors. PTFE was first created by a chemist at DuPont Co., who branded it as Teflon. Teflon is applied as a nonstick covering for cookware, as well as for a wide range of commercial applications. PTFE is hydrophobic: indicating that water, along with every substance incorporating water, is unable to wet the surface. It is also insusceptible to aldehydes, esters, hydrocarbons, ketones, mineral oils, vegetable oils, acids, alcohols and virtually chemicals. Additionallly, PTFE: * Possesses the smallest coefficient of friction of any solid (the slickest solid known). * Outdoes all other options when used for bearings. * Because of its chemical resistance, can not be glued. * Is conveniently machined when at lower temperatures. * On a grill mat, can be cut down to virtually any shape. * Is inaccessible to attack by other chemicals, therefore it will not oxidize or decay. * Is heat proof for use with food preparation up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. ==Limitations and Restrictions== When used as a kitchen implement, the grill mats are administered by the FDA, specifically by FDA Regulation (EC) No. 1935/2004 and FDA Regulation (EC) No. 2023/2006. These laws limit use of PTFE mats to temperature levels below 260° C (500° F). PTFE is actually subjected to more elevated temperatures, up to 315° C (600° F), but this is restricted to specific non-food, technical applications. PTFE will break down dramatically at 330° C (626° F) and upward. Even though PTFE at modest ambient temperatures is devoid of toxicity and stable, it begins to degrade at 260° C (500° F), and it is going to decompose at, and above, 350° C (662° F). The chemicals created as PTFE degenerates have been shown to be mortiferous to birds, and can generate symptoms in human beings resembling influenza. Meats are commonly grilled at temperatures between 204 to 232° C (399 and 450° F), and most kinds of edible oils will start to smoke at conditions at or below 260° C (500° F). Both safflower oil and avocado oil display a greater smoke release level than 260° C (500° F). == Safety == It is crucial to be acutely aware of heat range when taking advantage of [http://www.amazon.com/BBQ-Grill-Mats-Professional-Double-coated/dp/B00KEDGQ9C bbq mats]. "The pyrolysis of PTFE is detectable at 200° C (392° F), and it evolves several fluorocarbon gases and a sublimate. An animal study conducted in 1955 concluded that it is unlikely that these products would be generated in amounts significant to health at temperatures below 250° C (482° F)."

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