AkzoNobel, the world's largest paints and coatings company, announced the release of its new environmentally friendly non-stick coating technology NP². Cookware manufacturer Tramontina is using the NP² technology for its Eco-Friendly Cookware™ line of pots and pans, now available in Wal-Mart stores. NP² is the first polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-free coating to be launched via a mass market retailer.
NP² is a patented, polymer-based, silicone-hybrid coating. Traditionally, non-stick cookware is coated with PTFE. Unlike other PTFE-free technologies, NP² is a polymer-based coating, providing a level of durability not available in typical, ceramic-based PTFE-free coatings.
"At Tramontina, environmental sustainability is as important as product quality," said Tramontina president and CEO Antonio Galafassi. "AkzoNobel's NP² technology provides the best quality non-stick surface available while reinforcing the Eco-Friendly Cookware promise."
Unlike many other silicone-based coatings, NP² is a water-based formula that yields less emission in the manufacturing process as compared with similar solvent-based products. As a water-based, volatile organic compound (VOC)-compliant coating, NP² conserves energy in manufacturing by 33 percent and eliminates non-biodegradable components such as PTFE.
"AkzoNobel recognizes that consumers are looking for alternative solutions to PTFE products," said AkzoNobel Non-Stick Coatings vice president of sales Kirk Pigatto. "Our top-notch research and development team is committed to creating high-quality products that help reduce our carbon footprint. Our NP² technology is a hallmark to our dedication to sustainability."
A recent study to determine the ability of a coating to withstand repeated scrubbing showed a pan coated with NP² technology is able to withstand 10 times the number of cycles of other "green pans."
In 1968, Calphalon created the original hard-anodized aluminum cookware, an innovation immediately embraced by the professional culinary community. Soon after, home cooks also discovered the benefits of Calphalon, and brought its exceptional durability and commercial performance to kitchens across the nation.
Cooking on a hard-anodized aluminum pan is a slightly different experience than cooking on nonstick or stainless steel, but the advantages – and cooking results – are nothing less than amazing. Want to learn more? Here are some essential facts and suggestions, straight from the Calphalon Kitchen.
FEATURES OF HARD-ANODIZED COOKWARE
Hard-anodized aluminum cookware is stick-resistant. When raw aluminum is hard-anodized, it turns from silver to "Calphalon" grey and also seals the surface of the metal to make it virtually nonporous. This nonporous surface is smooth, but still allows food to temporarily adhere while cooking. This bonding process produces the beautiful golden browning that adds intense flavor to food, as well as the fond on the pan surface needed to make delicious pan sauces. Then, as food reaches the ideal degree of "doneness," it actually releases itself from the hard-anodized surface.
Hard-anodized aluminum cookware is exceptionally durable. In fact, it is over 80% harder than stainless steel, making it tough enough to stand up to the rigors of a busy kitchen. It is safe for use in both the oven and the broiler. And because it is hardened, it is scratch-resistant, so you can use metal utensils when you cook, too.
Hard-anodized aluminum cookware is non-reactive. This means you can cook acidic or alkaline foods – such as tomatoes or recipes with lemon juice – without worry that they will pick up a metallic taste of the pan.
Sol (Solution): A colloidal suspension of tiny particles in a liquid medium which undergoes hydrolysis and condensation polymerization to form a “gel”. This occurs in the activation phase (discussed below).
Gel: A solid, jelly-like material that has properties ranging from soft and weak to hard and tough. Gels are defined as a substantially dilute cross-linked system, which exhibits no flow when in the steady state. When the gel is applied as a coating and is dried, a hard, glass-like film is created, with a ceramic appearance.
Are they really “ceramic” coatings?
Sol-gel technology is a hybrid of organic and inorganic chemistry. Coatings produced using sol-gel technology are more accurately described as ceramic-like; they feature many of the same characteristics as ceramic but to a lesser extent. Compared to PTFE, sol-gel coatings are harder (9H pencil hardness), and can function at higher temperatures (up to 450°C/840°F).
“Ceramic” is a broad term, and such products are usually divided into four sectors: structural (bricks, pipes), refractories (kiln linings), white wares (tableware, pottery) and technical (engineering). That’s why sol-gel coatings are more accurately described as “ceramic-like”.
If sol-gel coatings have no fluoropolymers, what makes them nonstick?
Sol-gel is a hybrid material. Because of its chemical nature it possesses the strength of silica while achieving excellent smoothness and good release without fluoropolymers. The release or nonstick ingredient is embedded in the coating.