1910-1994

American chemical engineer who discovered polytetrafluoroetheylene (PTFE) in 1938. PTFE, or Teflon, is chemically inert and used as a nonstick cookware coating. Teflon and its fluropolymer family members, such as Tefzel, are also widely used in the aerospace, electronics, and plastics industries. Plunkett oversaw much of DuPont's research, development, and production of new fluorochemical products and processes. He was elected into the Plastics Hall of Fame in 1973 and retired from DuPont in 1975.