Research led to the production of PTFE in three basic forms: granules, a fine powder, and an aqueous dispersion. Borrowing the technique of sintering from powder metallurgy, PTFE was compressed and baked into blocks that could be machined into the required shape. In this process the application of heat did not actually melt the PTFE (as this would require huge amounts of heat) but it softened the microscopic granules and made them stick together when pressed. Powder could also be blended with hydrocarbons and cold-compressed to coat wires and make tubing. Aqueous dispersions were used to make enamels that could be sprayed or brushed onto a surface and then baked in place - which is what was done initially with non-stick frying pans. But the problem was that the pans didn't remain non-stick from domestic use for long enough!
So after more thinking, research and development, another technique was used which involved etching the surface of a piece of PTFE with specially formulated solvents that extracted some of the fluorine atoms. These solvents left behind a thin, carbon-rich surface layer to which conventional adhesives could bond. This updated method resulted in a more durable pan and happier housewives around the world!
Another solution was to implant fine particles of silica in the PTFE, creating a rough "sandpaper surface" that would also accept adhesives. This method was not as effective as chemical etching, but it was adequate for some purposes.