Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a synthetic fluoropolymer of tetrafluoroethylene that has numerous applications.

PTFE is hydrophobic (neither water nor water-containing substances will wet PTFE), as fluorocarbons demonstrate mitigated London dispersion forces due to the high electronegativity of fluorine.
 
PTFE has one of the lowest coefficients of friction against any solid. Due to its properties, PTFE is often used as a non-stick coating for pans and other cookware. It is also very non-reactive, partly because of the strength of the carbon–fluorine bonds, and so it is often used in containers and pipework for reactive and corrosive chemicals.

When used as a lubricant, PTFE reduces friction, wear, and energy consumption of machinery.

 
Its resistance to highly corrosion chemicals makes it popular for use in the laboratory as containers, magnetic stirrer coatings, and as tubing for highly corrosive chemicals such as hydrofluoric acid, which would dissolve

glass containers. It is also used in containers for storing fluoroantimonic acid, a superacid.
 
PTFE membrane filters are among the most efficient filters used in industrial applications. Filters coated with a PTFE membrane are often used within a dust collection system to collect particulate matter from air streams in applications involving high temperatures and high particulate loads such as coal-fired power plants, cement production, and steel foundries.

Its broad chemical compatability also makes it a very versatile filter to use in the lab.  PTFE's durability and properties helps it to filter harsh liquids in experiment and gases for protecting both people and expensive equipment.